Philadelphia is warming up for Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you’re celebrating with family or chasing fun in the city with friends, there is no shortage of things to do in Philly. From live music performances to one of the nation’s oldest Memorial Day parades, the city is buzzing with exciting things to do to honor fallen service members and kickstart summer in the city.
Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center
May 24-26, 2025
525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(Photo Credit: National Constitution Center)
Where better to honor fallen service members than at the center dedicated to the nation’s founding document? From May 24-26, locals and visitors alike are invited to take a closer look at the memorials and monuments on display at the National Constitution Center, while enjoying daily flag ceremonies and family-friendly workshops in honor of Memorial Day. Admission to the center is $19 for adults, with discounts offered for children, college students, senior citizens and U.S. veterans. Tickets can be purchased here.
Opening Weekend: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
May 23-26, 2025
101 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(Photo credit: Delaware River Waterfront)
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with a visit to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink’s Summerfest. Starting on May 23 and lasting through May 26, visitors can enjoy a long weekend of live music, face painting, roller skating, balloon twisting, and so much more. There is limited parking on-site due to I-95 CAP construction, but visitors can utilize public transit and rideshare services. The site is free and open to the public, with pay-as-you-go options available for food and amusement. Roller skates can be rented for $12 and reserved ahead of time here.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
May 24-26, 2025
101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(Photo credit: Museum of the American Revolution)
Join the Museum of the American Revolution for a celebration of freedom honoring the men and women who lost their lives in service to their country during the Revolutionary War. From May 24-26, visitors can enjoy the museum’s permanent exhibits as well as a myriad of special programming for the weekend. Admission to the museum is $23 for adults, with discounts offered for children, college students, teachers, senior citizens, and active-duty service members. Tickets can be purchased here.
Memorial Day Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1 Race
May 24, 2025
2 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103
(Photo credit: The Best Races)
Race into summer and run for freedom this Memorial Day, with a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and family fun run hosted by The Best Races. Just across the Delaware River, runners can race at any pace with friends, family, or solo, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Races begin at $30 and registration includes a running T-Shirt, finisher’s towel and medal, a digital training pack, and a certificate of completion. Participants can register online here.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Eastern State Penitentiary
May 23-26, 2025
2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(Photo credit: The Eastern State Penitentiary)
Commemorate Memorial Day and honor the history of the Eastern State Penitentiary at its historic site. As part of National Historic Preservation Month, the site invites visitors to witness the complex stories that shaped its history as an institution through special programming throughout Memorial Day Weekend. All programming is included in admission to the site and tickets can be purchased here.
Doylestown Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2025
375 W Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901
(Photo credit: Borough of Doylestown)
Join the Borough of Doylestown for the 157th year of its annual Memorial Day Parade. The event is one of the oldest parades of its kind in the nation, and seeks to commemorate the American veterans who died for democratic ideals. The parade will begin at Central Bucks West High School and will travel along West Court Street, West State Street, Main Street, and East Court Street. The celebration will conclude at the Doylestown Cemetery with a 30-minute memorial service.
Whether you celebrate it by observing monuments and memorials, dancing to live music performances, or running along the Delaware River, Memorial Day Weekend in Philly has something for everyone. However you celebrate, keep it fun and thoughtful, and don’t waste a second of that much-deserved long weekend.
