Fall may be on the horizon, but there’s still time to make priceless summer memories. Need some ideas on how to spend the last days of summer? We have some 2025 Happening List faves for you right here, so get out and enjoy some of Philly’s most loved spots!
Photo credits: Philadelphia Theatre Company at Suzanne Roberts Theatre
2025 Happening List Winner: Theater
The Philadelphia Theatre Company will begin their next performance, “Primary Trust,” on September 19th. “Primary Trust” by Eboni Booth won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This will be its premiere in Philadelphia. Call the box office or visit the Philadelphia Theatre Company website for tickets. philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
Photo credits: Constance Mensh for the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
2025 Happening List Winner: Museum
The Mutter Museum works to preserve medical history, showcasing modern and historic models, instruments, and specimens. The Chevalier Jackson Collection consists of over 2,000 swallowed or inhaled objects that the pioneering Dr. Jackson removed from patients’ airways. Harry and Carol displays the donated skeletons and personal effects of two Philadelphians, Harry Eastlack and Carol Orzel, who each suffered from a rare and deadly condition. You can find all upcoming events on the Mütter Museum’s website. muttermuseum.org
Past Ikebana Exhibit, Photo credits: Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
2025 Happening List Winner: Nature Spot
Shofuso, meaning “pine breeze village,” is a traditional Japanese house and garden. The shoin-style house was crafted in Japan and first displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in 1954. Shofso’s 17th century gardens include a tea garden, a courtyard garden, and a viewing garden and koi pond. Inside, Shofuso houses 20 large-scale waterfall murals by Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. September 5 through 7 Shofuso will have their 14th annual Ikebana Exhibition, showcasing japanese floral arrangements from Ikebana International’s Philadelphia chapter.
Photo credits: Philadelphia Magic Gardens
2025 Hunterdon Happening Finalist: Nature Spot
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a nonprofit that preserves the work of mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens Museum consists of floor to ceiling mosaic work created from found objects such as bike tires, bottles, folk art, and Zagar’s own handcrafted tiles. Inside the museum are two indoor galleries that display rotating exhibits from local and international artists. Tour schedules and events can be found on the museum’s calendar.
Coheed and Cambria
2025 Happening List Winner: Live Music Venue
The Mann Center is one of the largest non-profit open-air music venues in the country and a top destination for Philadelphia concert-goers. Upcoming shows at the Mann Center include:
August 27 – Coheed and Cambria with Taking Back Sunday
August 30 – Simple Plan: Bigger Than you Think! Tour
September 4 – HAIM: I Quit Tour
View the full list of shows and available tickets at the Mann Center website: manncenter.org
Photo credits: Center City District
2025 Happening List Winner: Summer Event
SIPS Happy Hour brings food and drink discounts to dozens of Center City bars and restaurants including some of our Happening List favorites. There are two SIPS dates left this summer on August 20th and 27th. centercityphila.org
Butcher Bar | 2034 Chestnut St. – 2025 Happening List Winner: Burger
Harper’s Garden | 31 S 18th St. – 2025 Happening List Winner: Outdoor Dining
Double Knot | 120 S 13th St. – 2025 Happening List Winner: Sushi
Photo credits: Fishtown Barcade
2025 Happening List Winner: Amusement
Sip craft beer or cocktails while playing vintage arcade games. Fishtown Barcade has Nintendo’s Ms. Pac-Man or Super Mario Bros as well as other nostalgic ’80s and ’90s favorites from franchises like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and more. barcade.com
