Summer Starts Now
There’s something about the first weekend of June that feels like Philadelphia collectively decides to wake up.
The parkas disappear. Outdoor dining suddenly has a wait. Your group chat starts discussing rooftop reservations. The Schuylkill Trail fills up before 9 a.m. And somehow everyone in the city agrees that this is the summer they’re finally going to “take advantage of Philly.”
As someone who spends most of her time either showing houses, trying a new restaurant, or finding an excuse to be outside, I can confidently say that summer is when Philadelphia shines.
People love to talk about New York in the summer. Miami in the winter. Europe in August.
But Philly?
Philly is at its best when the weather breaks.
The city feels lighter. More spontaneous. More social.
A random Tuesday can turn into drinks on a patio. A Saturday can start with coffee in Point Breeze and end with fireworks on the Parkway. And somehow every weekend feels packed with things to do without needing a plane ticket or a hotel reservation.
This summer is especially exciting because Philadelphia is at the center of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The city will host an expanded summer lineup including FIFA World Cup festivities, major concerts, cultural festivals, and one of the biggest Wawa Welcome America celebrations ever. (Visit Philadelphia)
What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
One of my favorite signs that summer has officially arrived.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square beginning June 5 and transforms the park into one giant glowing art installation. Think illuminated sculptures, live performances, food vendors, and one of the most photogenic nights in the city. (Historic Philadelphia)
FIFA Fan Festival
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, the energy around the World Cup is impossible to ignore.
Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill runs from June 11 through July 19 and will bring watch parties, entertainment, food, and visitors from around the world into the city. This is one of those “I was there” Philly moments we’ll probably talk about for years. (Axios)
Wawa Welcome America
If you’re new to Philly, this is your sign to participate.
From Juneteenth through July 4, the city hosts sixteen days of free events, concerts, fireworks, museum days, block parties, and cultural programming. This year’s celebration is expected to be the biggest yet, featuring multiple fireworks displays and performances from artists including Queen Latifah, Eve, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Jill Scott, Christina Aguilera, and more. (Visit Philadelphia)
Manayunk Arts Festival
One of my favorite summer traditions.
Art, local vendors, food, music, and an excuse to spend an afternoon walking Main Street in Manayunk. The festival returns at the end of June and is always one of the city’s most popular summer weekends. (Bucket Listers)
The Real Philly Summer Checklist
Rooftop cocktails with friends
Golden hour walks along the Schuylkill
Reading outside instead of on your couch
Water ice after dinner
Outdoor concerts
Phillies games
Impromptu happy hours
Saying “yes” to plans more often
Taking advantage of your own city instead of constantly looking for an escape
Because the truth is, we spend so much time looking for the next trip that we forget how much there is to enjoy right here.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in Philadelphia, it’s that the best summer memories rarely come from the things you planned months in advance.
They come from the random invitation.
The extra drink.
The walk that turns into dinner.
The Sunday in the city.
Until Next Sunday,
Morgan
