No matter what time of year it is, there's always something new and interesting to explore and experience in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Tourism Office presents a special "Year of the Dragon" travel book, which will take you through the 24 hottest festivals in Philadelphia in 2024.
The Year of the Dragon is just around the corner, and from January to February, Philadelphia will feature a number of spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations, including the Chinese New Year Parade, the Franklin Square Chinese New Year Celebration, and the Lunar New Year at Dearworth Park, where visitors can participate in traditional Chinese crafts, sample festive food, and enjoy traditional dance performances. And of course, don't miss the Chinatown Lion Dance by Philadelphia Sun, which is the highlight of the year!
The Chinese New Year kicks off Philadelphia's festivities with a variety of festivities. Below, let's preview the top 10 highlight festivals coming up.
New permanent exhibition at the Franklin Academy of Sciences in Philadelphia"Wonderful Space" is waiting for you to explore
The Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has partnered with The Boeing Company to unveil its latest centerpiece, "Wonderful Space," a new, futuristic exhibition dedicated to the mysteries of space exploration. The exhibition upgrade cost about $8.5 million. Thanks to a generous donation of $3 million from Boeing, the museum was able to transform the original exhibit into an immersive, two-story pavilion dedicated to space exploration. The museum's previous space exhibit was expanded by about 7,000 square feet, nearly three times its original size. This groundbreaking "Wonderful Space" exhibit is the first of six exhibitions redesigned by the Franklin Academy to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024.
PhiladelphiaFlower Show(March 2-10, 2024).
Philadelphia Flower Show, photo Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
As the largest and longest-running horticultural event in the United States, the Philadelphia Flower Show hosted by the Horticultural Society of Philadelphia (PHS) showcases flower displays and unique garden designs created by the world's top floral and landscape designers with a new theme every year. In 2024, the Philadelphia Flower Show will celebrate its 195th anniversary with an annual theme of "Floral Union" scheduled March 2-10. The theme celebrates the united community members who share their love of gardening, flowers and plants and the positive impact on our lives all year round.
The 2024 edition will not only maintain its signature gorgeous floral display, but will also feature the world's largest competition for houseplants and bonsai. The competition is open to all professional and amateur gardeners, and entries will be judged by a global team of experts. At the same time, PHS has also introduced a new fare system to provide visitors with more flexible choices.
WrestleMania 40April 6-7).
WrestleMania 40, Philadelphia 2024
In April 2024, Philadelphia will welcome the world's most popular sports event, WrestleMania 40. The week-long World Wrestling (WWE) entertainment festival will be held in Philadelphia, with the main event scheduled for April 6 and 7 at Lincoln Financial Field. The combination of Philadelphia's cult fanbase and WWE's global following bodes well for WrestleMania 40 to be a match made in heaven.
During WrestleMania Week, Philadelphia will host six major events in three venues over five days. The Smackdown Year of the WWE Hall of Fame on Friday night and the original Monday Night will be held at the Wells Fargo Center, and a large fan event will be scheduled at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The excitement of WrestleMania Week in Philadelphia has filled the city. Since tickets went on sale in August, WrestleMania 40 has broken an all-time total revenue record of $21.6 million.
Explore America's "most historic square mile."
A trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to some of the most important historic sites in Independence National Historical Park. Dubbed the "most historic square mile" of the United States, this area brings together core attractions including the Independence Palace, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and eventually adopted, as well as the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of freedom. At the National Constitution Center, you can learn more about the development of the U.S. Constitution through interactive exhibits. The Carpenter's Hall was not only the site of the First Continental Congress, but also houses colonial artifacts, including chairs used by the Founding Fathers during that momentous meeting. The Second National Bank of the United States exhibits a valuable collection of 18th- and 19th-century political and military leaders, as well as explorers and scientists.
Awaken the heartof Lodge
Awaken your inner boxing hero and climb the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to recreate iconic scenes from the film's legendary boxer, Rocky. Emulate Rocky's signature pose by taking a ** next to his statue. Then, stop by the Parkway Outpost Lodge store of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Company, which has exclusive Lodge merchandise and souvenirs. Designed in collaboration with movie legend Sylvester Stallone, these Parkway Outpost** memorabilia are unique to Philadelphia.
JoinPhiladelphia Beer Week Feast (May 31 – June 9, 2024)
Celebrate all things beer-related during Beer Week in Philadelphia, considered the biggest beer festival in the United States. For a week, take the opportunity to enjoy beer with your friends in the "City of Brotherhood", where brewers have more than 300 years of traditional beer-making techniques. The ten-day celebration includes beer tastings, food pairings, competitions and lots of fun in the city's bars and restaurants. Don't forget to join us for the Unveiling Day, where some of the best winemakers in the Philadelphia area will be serving you a glass of wine.
Delaware Riverside Discovery
The Delaware Riverfront is a vibrant outdoor destination for a wide range of leisure, cultural and business activities. Seaphilly offers intimate boat tours for small groups of up to six people on a scenic tour of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. Invite your loved one to watch the sunset at sunset, or join an adventure in wildlife hunting and exploring hidden bays. Host a banquet on the pier where guests can enjoy food and wine while taking in the scenery on a cruise. In the summer, head to Spruce Street Harbour Park, where you can enjoy the cool river breeze while sipping a cold beer. There is more to the park than just a beer garden and a mobile food truck. See Philadelphia in a whole new light with a ferry trip and take part in activities such as restaurant food tastings, live** performances and exclusive happy hour.
Inwawa welcome americaThe event celebrates the birthday of the United States
Wawa Welcome America, Figure J fusco for visit philadelphia
Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States, couldn't be more appropriate to celebrate this important holiday. Wawa Welcome America is an annual event in Philadelphia that celebrates Juneteenth and Independence Day on July 4th. The event travels through Philadelphia's neighborhoods and fosters community unity through events and free museum visits. The celebration culminated in a massive event on Benjamin Franklin Boulevard, featuring heavyweights such as Jason Derulo, Pitbull and The Roots.
On Benjamin Franklin Boulevardparty,"Made in the USA" section
A traditional event over Labor Day weekend, Made in America brings hot artists to Philadelphia. Over the course of two days, artists and gourmet restaurants transformed Fairmont Park into a fun-filled summer party venue. Past events have attracted top artists such as Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and The Weeked.
Celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade – the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States. In addition, Philadelphia is known for its Christmas Village in Love Park, which is also one of the largest Christmas markets in the country. Continue your shopping spree at the "Made in Philadelphia" holiday market. And don't miss popular attractions like Macy's Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village.
Visit the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the United States, and join LumiNature as dozens of dazzling, animal-themed art installations using more than a million lights scattered throughout the zoo. Join the traditional Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony at the Bates Ross House. This community event offers traditional festive foods such as hash browns and jam donuts, as well as small gifts for the children.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The museum hosts a range of family-friendly activities, including art creation, interactive workshops, and community conversations. Greet the New Year with a New Year's fireworks display on the Delaware River, then enjoy the Mummers Parade that takes place every year on New Year's Day on January 1, with gorgeous costumes and choreographed mime performances showcased in a parade.
But there's so much more to see and do in Philadelphia, so let's dive in and find 24 of Philadelphia's best holiday festivals.
Philadelphia International Auto Show (January 13-21, 2024)
Ignite your passion and get ready to swim in the car. The Philadelphia International Auto Show, hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Area Auto Dealers Association, is one of the largest auto shows in the United States.
Stroll through Longwood Park just outside of Philadelphia
Embark on a journey to the suburbs of Philadelphia and explore Longwood Park, one of the most exhilarating, meaningful, and scenic gardens in the United States. During the "Winter Wonderland" exhibition (January 20 to March 24, 2024), visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of winter blooming flowers. When spring comes, "Spring in Bloom" (March 30 to May 5, 2024) allows you to enjoy the blooming of spring flowers in the fresh air. In summer, visitors can frolic in the greenery and enjoy the "Fountain Festival" (May 9 to September 29, 2024) all season. In autumn, the Chrysanthemum Show (October-November) celebrates the season's most beloved flowers in magnificent autumn colors. And at the end of the year, "Nagagi Christmas" (November to January) creates a festive atmosphere through the magic of plants.
ExploreNorth American Gardenthe capital".
The Philadelphia area is known for its dense gardens, with 37 public gardens, botanical gardens, and historic landscapes within a 30-mile radius, the largest number in the entire North American continent. Among them, the Allegia Castle with its gardens and botanical gardens, a 50-acre National Historic landmark located on the riverfront north of Philadelphia, is popular with its Greek Revival mansions, well-designed gardens and forests. Just a short drive from downtown Philadelphia, the Shanticreel Gardens will begin the new season on March 27, 2024, and visitors can wander through the 35-acre fairytale garden until November 3.
Participate in the annual sporting event
From traditional river boat races to historic relay races, experience an annual sporting event unique to Philadelphia. In addition to ten professional sports teams, Philadelphia is home to nearly 100 colleges and universities and many sports organizations. In 2024, Philadelphia will host championship events and historic games not to be missed. The Pennsylvania Relay at the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Farm (April 25-27, 2024)* High school students, college students, track and field masters, and Olympians compete in the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. For more than 200 years, the Schuylkill River has been home to some of the most prestigious rowing events in the United States, including the Stolsbury Cup, the nation's largest short-distance rowing event, and the 1,000-boat Schuylkill River Rowing. Award-winningA gastronomic feast,It's all in PhiladelphiamealsA special experience around the hall. Explore Philadelphia's award-winning culinary delights and try the latest offerings. Winner of the 2023 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, Friday Saturday Sunday, this restaurant in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood offers exquisite cocktails and an unparalleled dining experience. A. by Philadelphia celebrity chef Ellen YinKitchen, Fork and High Street Philly are known for their fine dining concepts and have been awarded the 2023 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurateur". Meanwhile, Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon, the chef and owner of Thai restaurant Kalaya, has also been awarded the James Beard Award for "Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic" for his culinary excellence.
Celebrate Pride in the City of Love and Unity
Home to one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, Philadelphia hosts numerous LGBTQ+ events and events throughout the year. Every June during International LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community gathers from the prestigious Gayborhood community to Penn on the banks of the Delaware River's landing, showing their unity and pride through a series of celebrations, parades and rallies. These include the Equality Forum, the Philadelphia Black Pride Celebration and the annual Philly Pride 365.
Check out Philadelphia's most famous landmarks
Take a memorable photo in front of the iconic Love sculpture at LOVE Park. Immerse yourself in Philadelphia's culinary scene and sample iconic delicacies such as classic cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market. Built in 1893 and housed in a National Historic Landmark, Reading Docks Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States. With more than 80 merchants, including dozens of restaurants, the market is a must-see for those looking to get a taste of Philadelphia.
Explore museums and up-and-coming art halls
Philadelphia is a cornucopia of culture and art, encompassing museums and attractions in a variety of fields such as art, science, and history. In late 2024, Philadelphia's famed Museum Mile will welcome a new addition: Calder Gardens. This museum will show Alexandria in all its aspects"Sandy"Calder, an 1898-born Philadelphia artist whose iconic art installations can be found all over Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Calder Gardens is located across from Barnes** on Parkway. The $70 million museum was conceived as "a haven for the soul."
In Philadelphia, you'll also find world-renowned art museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Club. The Musée Rodin, with the largest collection of works by the sculptor Auguste Rodin in the world outside of Paris, presents the artist's masterpieces to the world. Rodin's sculpture of The Contemplative sits in front of the museum and welcomes visitors from all over the world. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the first and oldest art institute and art museum in the United States, houses a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, Philadelphia
At Franklin Plaza in Philadelphia, revel in the cultural feast and glittering lights and lights brought about by the Chinese Lantern Festival. Celebrate Chinese cultural traditions with a spectacular handmade lantern display that attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of performing arts such as dance, martial arts, acrobatics, as well as the opportunity to witness live works made by Chinese folk artists and purchase unique artworks.
Romance of an unexpected encounter with Philadelphia in the fall
As the leaves change, Philadelphia celebrates a series of autumn celebrations and events. Whether you're attending a Halloween-themed event or attending an annual seasonal extravaganza during this season, you'll be able to experience endless fun in the fresh, cool air.
Cheer on the Philadelphia teamWill
The enthusiasm of Philadelphia sports fans is unmatched. When you're visiting the city, be sure to head to the stadium for a game and cheer on with the most vibrant fan base. Or, you can choose to head to Philadelphia's best sports bar and celebrate like a local. Cheer on the city's beloved National Football League team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Cheer on the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers (National Hockey League team). And Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer) is also worth it**.
Visit the "Mural Capital of the World".Get to know the various neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the stories behind them from the perspective of community public art by taking the Philadelphia Mural Art Tour. Mural Art Philadelphia partners with the community on up to 100 public art projects each year, and there are currently more than 4,400 murals available for viewing across the city. Every October, Mural Art Philadelphia celebrates Mural Art Month, featuring community events, panel discussions, artist spotlights, and most exciting of all, the unveiling of a new mural.
See world-classNowperformances that support the city's performing arts organizations
Philadelphia is home to some of the nation's most famous performing arts venues, from the oldest Walnut Street Theater in the United States to the innovative Kimmel Cultural District. With so many outstanding pavilions, visitors will be able to find a great show on any night in 2024. Every year, the Kimmel Cultural Park hosts a series of Broadway performances. Other not-to-be-missed performances such as the Philadelphia Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, or the Philadelphia Ballet are top-notch audiovisual treats.
feesThe winter vibe of the city
Philadelphia brings the city to life with a variety of events and entertainment during the cold winter months. Dearworth Park is a popular winter spot with the Rothman Orthopaedics ice rink, The Cabin, and the WinterGarden on Greenfield Lawn. Every year, historic Franklin Square transforms into a destination of winter magic. You can spin around the park's stunning merry-go-round, or watch the stunning electrical spectacle holiday light show. Head to the Indie Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest to relax by the campfire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and go ice skating along the Delaware River.