Spring is slowly blooming in Philly after the unpredictable weather that couldn’t decide if it would be cold and freezing one day or warm and sunny the next. Philadelphians have been looking forward to the warm weather and enjoying a day in the sun since snowmageddon. From eating your way through the amazing food festivals, to visiting museums, to a peaceful stroll through Longwood Gardens. Here are a few ways to celebrate Spring in Philadelphia!
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
Friday, March 27, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Blossom into spring at Longwood Gardens! Known for their gorgeous flower and plant displays, Spring Blooms is open from March 27, 2026, to May 3, 2026. Springtime is a popular time for Longwood Gardens, so time slot reservations for members are required daily from open to close. Gardens Premium Members do not need reservations.
Tulip Tuesdays will be held April 21, April 28, and May 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Longwood Gardens. These events also require timed tickets or member reservations. More information on Spring Blooms can be found here.
Explore the Newest Exhibit added at the Franklin Institute: Universal Theme Parks – The Exhibition
Available through Monday, September 7, 2026
The newest exhibit at the Franklin Institute has made its world premiere: Universal Theme Parks-The Exhibition. Experience it firsthand through eight galleries and see features from Universal favorites like Jaws, Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and more!
Tickets to the exhibit are found here.
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Sunday, April 19, the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stroll down Main Street to enjoy a variety of food from over 50 food trucks and participating restaurants. From options like BBQ, dumplings, or empanadas. You could find a wide selection of delicious treats at the festival. No tickets are required for the festival, as it is pay-as-you-go, and prices range depending on the vendors you visit. Those at the festival can enjoy live music from six different acts held at two stages while they feast.
More information about the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival can be found here.
Panda Fest at Dilworth Park
Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026
One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals returns to Dilworth Park for the weekend with over 300 + Asian street food vendors to taste, over 50 Asian specialty handicraft products, live performances, and photo ops with a 15-foot inflatable panda. From steaming dumplings, delicious sushi, to savory spring rolls, enjoy cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and more! Live performances highlighted include lion dances, dynamic K-pop, and Thai dances, and many more live performances throughout the weekend.
Tickets start at $14 for general admission and $25 for VIP; tickets are non-refundable. More information on Pandafest can be found here.
Germantown Jazz Festival
Friday, April 24, 2026 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
You like jazz? For three days, the Germantown Jazz Festivals return for a celebration of jazz culture, community, and, of course, music. The Jazz festival features a packed lineup over the course of the three days, including concerts, master classes, and cultural programming. Featuring performances from internationally recognized artists, local jazz musicians, and ensembles, any fan of jazz will find their place at this festival. The festival’s highlights include a few major events, including opening night, Terrell Stafford Day, the Big Band Jazz Battle, and concluding the weekend with a Late-Nite Germantown Jazz Festival Jam. Those interested in attending the festival can purchase individual tickets or 3-day passes to attend all events throughout the weekend. Ticket prices vary based on the event and venue, so be sure to buy in advance before they sell out.
More information regarding the festival and tickets can be found here.
Philly Pride
Friday, May 26, 2026 – Sunday, June 7, 2026
The Philadelphia Pride March represents visibility, unity, and a celebration of the pride community. As we approach the 250th anniversary of America, pride feels like the universal theme for Philly. “Pride is Power” is the theme for Philly Pride this year, and it couldn’t be more fitting for the celebration! Through a week of several pride events created for the LGBTQ+ community and the allies who have supported them.
More information on Philly Pride events for the 2026 season can be found here.
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
One of the oldest and biggest market festivals, The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, returns May 16th and 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music, a classic grease pole climb, a Halfball tournament, Procession of Saints, and several dozen vendors to try make up this exciting weekend for Philadelphians to enjoy in the beautiful spring weather. The festival takes place across seven city blocks and 100 vendors showcasing a variety of food and drinks to try
More information on the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival can be found here.
