Summer is here, and Philadelphia is ready for fun! While this summer is off to a very different start than years past, we are determined to make the most out of it. In a city that’s known for its rich history, delicious food, eclectic art and a wide variety of events, you KNOW there’s going to be things to do. (Even if we have to get creative this year!)
In our 2020 Summer Guide, you’ll find details on where to go, what to eat and what to do this season. And we’ll keep updating this as COVID-19 restrictions are eased and more things open up. We can’t wait to celebrate summer with you!
Please note that this information is accurate as of the date of publication. We will be updating frequently as restrictions are eased, but please check with individual businesses for any changes.
Read on for:
Food & Drink
Frozen Treats
Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream in Chestnut Hill (2020 Happening List Winner)
8126 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
215-247-7574
The Ice Cream Parlor reopened Friday, May 22 for takeout! Also open for curbside pickup and delivery. Limited menu.
Bassett’s Ice Cream in Center City (2020 Happening List Finalist)
45 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia
215-925-4315
This Reading Terminal favorite is open for curbside and in-store pickup, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also get it delivered through Grubhub, Mercato or Caviar.
Scoop DeVille in Midtown Village and at The Bourse
Open for pickup and delivery.
Franklin Fountain in Old City
Open for pickup (call 215-967-1184 to order) or for delivery through Caviar or Grubhub.
John’s Water Ice in South Philly (2020 Happening List Winner for Water Ice)
701 Christian Street, Philadelphia
215-925-6955
John’s Water Ice is our 2020 Happening List Winner, AND it appeared on the Food Network’s “Fix Me a Plate” series with Alex Guarnascheli. So it goes without saying that it’s an area favorite. Flavors are made with fresh fruit, sugar and water. Currently open for call-ahead takeout only. Pay through Venmo.
Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice in South Philly (2020 Happening List Finalist)
1337 W. Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia
215-551-7677
Open for takeout with water ice, hard or soft ice cream, gelati, soft pretzels and more. Practice social distancing while in line.
Summer Flavors Takeout-Style
Burgers, tacos, barbecue, light, fresh flavors … and fruity cocktails! These are just some of the things that make us think of summer. This year, restaurants are getting creative with their to-go offerings.
(Photo from Di Bruno Bros. on Facebook)
Di Bruno Bros. (2020 Happening List Winner for Gourmet Market)
(Rittenhouse) 1730 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
215-665-9220
(Franklin) 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
267-519-3115
(Italian Market) 930 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia
215-922-2876
DiBruno Bros. is doing everything they can to make sure you can still safely shop their stores this summer. From cheese and charcuterie, to burgers, sausages, pasta salads, dips, and more, they have what you need to put together your summer spreads. Shop in stores or place an order online for delivery or curbside pickup. Check the website for store hours as they have changed during this time (typically opening one hour later and closing an hour earlier). In addition, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. is being reserved for Seniors and those at high risk.
Reading Terminal Market (2020 Happening List Winner for Farmers Market)
12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia
Temporary hours during the pandemic are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. is reserved for ages 65+ (only door #9 will be open and security will check ID.
You can’t spend a leisurely afternoon shopping and eating at the Market like before, but Reading Terminal Market has remained open during the pandemic as an essential business. They’ve made some changes to make things safer in respects to health concerns. They’re limiting the number of people inside at any one time. You can only access through door #2 (Dienner’s/Lancaster County Dairy on Arch Street), door #4 (Carmen’s on 12th Street), and door #9 (By George/Lovine’s on Filbert Street.) You must wear a mask to enter. To help customers, the Market is providing discounted parking options. See the Reading Terminal Market website for details.
All of the Market’s fresh food merchants (meat, produce, seafood, cheese, dry/shelf stable goods) are stocked and open for business. You can also shop online or call the store directly to arrange delivery.
Read more about Philly Farmer’s Market in our 2020 Guide.
HipCityVeg (2020 Happening List for Healthy Food)
127 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia
215-278-7605
Whether you eat plant based all the time, or you’re looking for some healthier options this summer, HipCityVeg is a great place to start for quick and delicious vegan options.
El Vez (2020 Happening List Winner for Mexican Food)
121 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia
215-928-9800
Tacos and margaritas? Yes, please! El Vez is open daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. offering pickup or delivery. And outdoor dining will start Friday, June 12.
Nick’s Bar and Grille (2020 Happening List Finalist for Burger)
16 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
215-928-9411
Nick’s is known for its award-winning bacon burgers and roast beef. During this time, they’re open for takeout and delivery Thursday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’re offering a limited menu of food favorites as well as 6-packs of beer.
(Photo from Nick’s Roast Beef on Facebook.)
Tradesman’s
1322 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
You can enjoy BBQ year-round, but it just feels RIGHT for summer. This Midtown Village spot offers baby back ribs, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and more.
(Photo from Tradesman’s Facebook page.)
Cocktails to Go
As of May 21, restaurants and bars (with certain qualifications and following restrictions) can now offer alcoholic cocktails for takeout. Below are just some of the many Philly spots offering favorite refreshing summer drinks in to-go containers to be enjoyed at home.
Loco Pez (2020 Happening List Winner for Margarita)
2401 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia
267-886-8061
The Raven Lounge (2020 Happening List Winner for Martini)
1718 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
215-840-3577
Morgan’s Pier (2020 Happening List Winner for Outdoor Dining)
221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Bud & Marilyn’s
1234 Locust Street, Philadelphia
215-546-2220
Hawthorne’s Beer Cafe
738 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-3012
Rosy’s Taco Bar
2220 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 858-4561
Click here for more details on some of the Philly spots offering cocktails to go.
Morgan’s Pier (Photo provided by Aversa PR)
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining is opening up in Philadelphia on Friday, June 12!
Here are just some of the many restaurants that are ready for it:
Morgan’s Pier (our 2020 Happening List Winner)
Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant (2020 Happening List Finalist)
A La Mousse
Amari’s
Booker’s
Bru Craft & Wurst, Tradesman’s plus in front of U-Bahn
Bud & Marilyn’s
Cafe La Maude
Charlie Was a Sinner
Chickie’s & Pete’s
Continental
Dim Sum House by Jane G’s
Don Barriga Mexican Grill
El Camino Real Restaurant
El Vez
Fare
Fiorella’s
Finn McCool’s
Flannel
Germantown Garden
Harper’s Garden
Hawthornes Beer Garden
Independence Beer Garden
Jerry’s Bar
Jet Wine Garden
Le Virtu
Miles Table
Mixto
Old City Beer Garden
Parc
Pistolas Del Sur
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
Ralph’s Italian Restaurant
Rosy’s Taco Bar
Sancho Pistolas
Slice
Talula’s Garden
Tio Flores
Twisted Tail
Urban Village Brewing Company
Victor Cafe
Outside Fun
At least for the beginning of summer, festivals and our other usual summer events are on hold. But you’re still going to want to get OUTSIDE to breathe in the fresh air, soak up that Vitamin D, and stretch your legs!
Here are just a few suggestions of where to go:
Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop
If you live in Philly, you’ve probably already been out on Kelly Drive this season. One of the area’s most popular running and biking routes, the Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop is a 9.3 mile lap that goes along both sides of the River.
Bartram’s Garden
5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia
The facilities are currently closed, but the Garden is open! You are welcome to walk, fish and enjoy nature at the oldest botanic garden in the United States.
Delaware River Waterfront
At this time, all public events have been cancelled. However, you are still welcome to enjoy the Waterfront as practice social distancing. The parking lots at Market, Walnut and Lombard Streets are still open.
The Navy Yard
Navy Yard’s streets, Riverfront Greenway and Marine Parade Grounds are currently open for outdoor activities such as walking, running and cycling from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Woodlands
400 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia
Open Wednesday through Sunday from dawn until 7:30 p.m. The Woodlands consists of 54 acres that are free to explore with a unique 18th-century English garden, 19th-century rural cemetery, and modern green oasis.
Summer Events & Things to Do
Virtual Sundays with PopUp Play
Every Sunday through June 28
Experience Sunday Funday virtually with PopUpPlay and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. These live, interactive, family-friendly events will utilize your imagination and everyday household items for fun activities. Events are free but space is limited. Reserve your space online to receive the Zoom info.
Center City Fit Virtual Classes
Since the Dilworth Plaza classes are cancelled right now, Center City District and Optimal Sport have teamed up to offer virtual livestream classes on the Dilworth Park Facebook page. Classes can be streamed every Monday (Zumba) and Tuesday (Boot Camp) at 6 p.m. If you can’t make the live class, no worries. The workouts will remain available for you to do at your leisure.
At-Home Anthropology by Penn Museum
Penn Museum is currently closed, but you can find a variety of at-home activities to do on their website. Our favorites are the at-home anthropology projects for families.
Online Classes & More through Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation is currently closed, but you can still explore the art of the museum online. View their website to browse the art collections, watch their YouTube series with short videos by Barnes curators, scholars and educators, or have your kids join in Barnes Art Adventures – a new interactive educational livestream.
You can also sign up for new online courses to enjoy from home. There’s a different course running every day of the week.
Frankin@Home
In order to provide engaging content while the museum is closed, The Franklin Institute is hosting Franklin@Home. Take a virtual tour of the Giant Heart, join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts as he goes lives on Facebook every Thursday at 7:45 p.m. for Night Skies @ Home, and more.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month with the Free Library
Month of June
Celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, stories and histories throughout the month of June with the Free Library. Visit the calendar of events to find out how your family can enjoy Drag Queen Storytimes, virtually lead crafts, sexuality workshops, happy hours, and more. Events are virtual and there’s something for all ages.
Free Library of Philadelphia Summer of Wonder
June 1 – August 31
This year’s program will be completed online. Children, teens and adults can sign up to earn points and badges for activities completed and time spent reading.
In addition, Science in the Summer and the Summer Camp Challenge will also be virtual this year.
Philadelphia Latino Virtual Film Festival
June 4 – June 7
View works by emerging Latino and Latin American filmmakers with a lineup that includes feature films, shorts, animations and documentaries. View the website for trailers, descriptions and a schedule.
Wawa Welcome America Virtual July 4th Festival
June 28 – July 4
This year, Wawa Welcome America will be reimagined to create meaningful, at-home experiences that will embody the same spirit of celebration that Philadelphians have come to know and love over the past 28 years. Arts, culture, education, history and performance will continue to play a starring role in the festival, along with new virtual opportunities to expand and enhance Wawa Welcome America’s free and interactive programming.
The week of virtual programming will end with the “traditional” (not the party that we’re used to) concert performance on the night of July 4th. It will be
On produced in partnership with Live Nation and broadcast in English and Spanish on NBC10 and TeleXitos, Telemundo62’s multicast network, for viewers to enjoy from their homes. Follow along on social media for more updates.
BlackStar Film Festival
July 30 – August 2
This 4-day festival celebrates black traditions, black people and black arts by showcasing films from an international repertoire of people of color. Follow along on social media for updates as they figure out the details of this year’s festival. (Whether it will be virtual or in-person events.)
Roots Picnic
Saturday, August 1
The Mann at Fairmount Park
The Roots Picnic is a full day music event featuring some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B. Previously planned for May 30, the Roots Picnic is now rescheduled for August 1. Early Bird and Advance Tickets are currently sold out (previous tickets are being honored), but you can still get “Last Chance” tickets on the website.
