Spring Outdoor Festivals in Philadelphia

The city is always bustling with creativity, culture and educational programs, but between April and June, the calendars start overlapping with an amazing selection of special festivals and celebrations. Trust us: if you’re searching for an excuse to spend time outdoors this spring, these picks beat out jogging by a long shot. Start penciling in your favorites now!

Penn Relay Carnival

The longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet in the country (est. 1895), featuring over 33 hours of non-stop relay races at UPenn the weekend of April 24-26. The best part is the international street fair, during which vendors set up shop to sell items from many of the high school athletes’ home countries, including Trinidad, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Grenada.

Philly Black Gay Pride Festival

The name pretty much speaks for itself. The 15th anniversary events include a pageant showcase, party nights for teens and college students, a poetry slam and more during the last weekend of April. The host hotel is already sold out, so be sure to figure out your plans early!

The Philadelphia Science Festival

A series of lectures, discovery days, debates, field trips, hands-on learning experiences, brain game bar crawls, pop-up exhibitions and more. This festival spans across 10 days between April 25 – May 3rd, and the festival culminates with the inaugural Science Carnival on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Philadelphia Fleadh Festival

A day spent drinking Guinness and other dark brews while taking in plenty of authentic live music at Pennypack Park for Philadelphia’s annual Irish festival. Dance and sing along to Irish step groups and favorite folk tunes starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd.

Maifest / South Street Spring Festival

Consider this a two-for-one festival taking place across South Street from 8th to the HeadHouse on May 3rd. Flowers will be blooming and the beer will be flowing. Brauhaus Schmitz hosts Maifest with food and drink options galore (plus a maypole dance), while the rest of the street opens up to artists and vendors, over 30 local restaurants, and three stages for live music shows.

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Delight in all that local Rittenhouse-based establishments have to offer on May 3rd from 12 to 6 p.m. Whether you enjoy fashion, food, entertainment, or family-fun activities, you’ll find something for everybody set up along Walnut Street.

The Strawberry Festival

Nobody rages over strawberries like those in Peddler’s Village! From pie eating contests and strawberries served every which way to live musical performances and wellness programs for kids, the festival goes from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on May 3rd and 4th.

Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival

An outdoor garden marketplace that allows you to discover inspiration for your home and garden. On May 5th, peruse a wide selection of flowers, plants, handmade furniture, quilts, jewelry and other collectibles. There’s even a special selection of organic and sustainable products featured in Eco Alley.

South 9th Street Italian Market Festival

The Procession of the Saints coincides with a foodie’s wildest dreams: all-access to the delicacies served in the shops and eateries down on South 9th Street. On May 17 – 18th, expect plenty to see, smell, taste, hear and explore the nation’s oldest outdoor market.

Islamic Heritage Festival

Follow the Unity in Diversity Parade from Old City to Penn’s Landing for a celebration of Islamic culture, taking place on June 8th from 2 to 8 p.m. The space will host an open market bazaar and family activities, while guests enjoy a broad range of entertainment, including: Muslim female rappers and R&B groups, African dance and drum ensemble, jazz artists and World Champion UPK Pasha Generals.

Dia de Portugal

Prepare for a full day of entertainment celebrating Portugal Day on June 15th with the Philadelphia Portuguese Heritage Festival at Penn’s Landing. Sample Portuguese wines, meats, and cheeses, watch performances of folk dance and traditional music, and participate in the blessing of the fleet aboard the Tall (Portuguese) Ship Gazela on the Riverfront.