After a chilly and often wet April, Philadelphians everywhere look to get out and explore the many cultural and fun festivals and activities that Philadelphia has to offer. Some are decade-old traditions, and others are new. All are uniquely Philadelphia.
See below for a list of 8 Philadelphia activities to do the month of May.*Hope you enjoy!
1. Enjoy an early summer Festival South Street Spring Festival and Maifest
When: Saturday May 5, 2018
Multiple blocks of South Street are closed down for the South Street Spring Festival and Maifest which features over 30 food and drink vendors. The festivities will take place between Front and 8th Streets. All the activities are free and open to the public according to their Facebook page. If you’re looking to indulge in some delicious food and drink, that of course is a la carte.
Although the 2018 date is not yet posted on the website, the event is listed on their Facebook Page if you’d like to check it out and follow them.
2. Illuminate with lights Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
When: Tuesday May 1 to June 30, 2018
For its third year, at Franklin square (6th and Race Streets), enjoy 15,000 LED lights, impressive acrobatic feats, and folk artists. This year, there will be new lighting technology and 28 new lanterns. The festival is in the evenings and hours vary by day of the week. You can learn more, including buying tickets online, here. Note: timed tickets are required for entry on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Get Running Broad Street Run
When: Sunday May 6, 2018
Bright and early on Sunday Morning at 8am is the famous Broad Street Run. This popular race, now in its 39th year, requires registration in advance and actually entering the lottery. If you’re not runner, or simply didn’t get on the lottery list, the race does encourage spectators to come out and cheer the runners on. There will be music, cheer leading squads, and more!
4. Improve your gardening skills Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival
Image source (Chestnut Hill Business District)
When: Sunday May 6, 2018
In Chestnut Hill along the historic Germantown Avenue, learn about landscaping, gardening, and home design. Shop from over 150 home and garden vendors along with live music, boutique shopping, and lots of food. The event is from 11am to 5pm at the 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue. Rain Date is Sunday, May 20th, 2018. Learn more about the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival.
5. Relax and Play at a Park Spruce Street Harbor Park Opening
When: Opening set for Friday, May 11, 2018
Spruce Street Harbor Park is an urban beach located in Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Open during the summer, the place features a boardwalk along the Delaware River with a beachfront atmosphere.
Season opening for the park is set for Friday, May 11. Features and events are likely to be similar to past years with outdoor games, lots of food, and music. Check their website for more information.
6. Go Roller Blading in a Public Park – RiverRink Summerfest
When: Opening set for Friday, May 11, 2018
Philadelphia has only one roller skating rink, and its back this summer, set for opening on Friday May 11. There is also a Midway at Summerfest festival in June with a 60-foot ferris wheel, carousel, and boardwalk-themed games. Go to their website and sign up for the mailing list to stay in the loop on all the latest.
7. Watch College Crew The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta
When: Friday and Saturday May 11 and 12, 2018
The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is the largest college regatta in the U.S.ย featuring over 100 colleges from all over North America. Head over to Kelly Drive. Parking is limited on the drive but there are some shuttles from the parking area to Kelly Drive. It’s free to enter the regatta per their website and with over 100 schools, it’ll be an action-packed event. You can learn more and find schedules in advance on the website.
8. Get Historic Dinos After Dark
When: Thursday May 24, 2018
Dinos After Dark, hosted by The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, offers a pay-what-you-wish admission with family activities and an indoor beer garden for adults. Watch the staff prepare real specimens in the fossil prep lab, explore the Drawn to Dinosaurs exhibit, and even visit some of the live animals outside. Although hosted throughout many months of the year, the upcoming event in May is listed as May 24th on their website.
*Before going, it’s always a good idea to check the website and call ahead to confirm dates, activities, any fees, and any updated information.
