Things to Do in
Old City
Discover the best activities, events, classes, and experiences in Old City. All carefully curated for families!

Islamic Heritage Festival part of the PECO Multicultural Series
Sat, Jun 13 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Celebrate Islamic culture at the Islamic Heritage Festival.
Islamic Heritage Festival part of the PECO Multicultural Series
Sat, Jun 13 • 2:00 PM-8:00 PM
Join us for the Islamic Heritage Festival, part of the PECO Multicultural Series, at Cherry Street Pier. It is FREE and OPEN to the public, and all ages are welcome. Don’t miss performances, vendors, and children’s activities. Hosted by the Islamic Cultural Preservation and Information Council (ICPIC), dedicated to preserving and sharing Islamic heritage across generations.

Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival 2026
Sat, Jun 20 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Join us for the Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival.
Paint a Portrait!
Sat, Jun 20 • 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Bring a friend, and paint a portrait! Learn about our portraits going on display.
Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival 2026
Sat, Jun 20 • 1:00 PM-6:00 PM
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival (#JWAF), a powerful, family-friendly event on the Philly Waterfront at Cherry Street Pier. Presented by Shekhinah B. of The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this free festival honors the legacy of Juneteenth with a full day of live performances, interactive art, fitness sessions, health screenings, free giveaways, and more. It’s a zero-proof celebration featuring delicious signature mocktails inspired by classic spirits, the perfect way to toast joy, wellness, and Black excellence. From uplifting music to hands-on art, this event is designed to support holistic well-being while showcasing the beauty and strength of Black culture.

El Mercado Cultural
Sun, Jun 21 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
El Mercado Cultural is an initiative organized by Fleisher Art Memorial to encourage the Latinx community’s participation in commerce and the arts through cultural markets. The focus is to promote multiculturalism by celebrating the heritage and the talent of Latin Americans in Philadelphia. El Mercado accomplishes this by highlighting the arts, artisanal wares and crafts through cultural preservation and exchange in markets where people connect and build relationships and customers.

America 250 Fireworks Viewing at Cherry Street Pier
Sat, Jun 27 • 12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at Cherry Street Pier.

Liberty Flea Market
Sat, Jun 27 • 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Join us for Liberty Flea at Cherry Street Pier from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, and items are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. All are welcome. Liberty Flea is a collection of the top vintage and artisan vendors from the Philadelphia area. Shop for antiques, home decor, furniture, vintage clothing, and handmade artisan goods you can’t find anywhere else in partnership with The Captain’s Vintage.
Cosmic Rhythms DJ Night
Sat, Jun 27 • 2:00 PM-10:00 PM
Join us for an evening of dancing as music lovers from throughout the city come together for Cosmic Rhythms, featuring old-school vinyl, world-class DJs, and great company. The event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

Liberty Flea Market
Sun, Jun 28 • 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Join us for Liberty Flea at Cherry Street Pier from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, and items are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. All are welcome. Liberty Flea is a collection of the top vintage and artisan vendors from the Philadelphia area. Shop for antiques, home decor, furniture, vintage clothing, and handmade artisan goods you can’t find anywhere else in partnership with The Captain’s Vintage.
Jackie Neale: Wide Awake In Blue
(weekly)
Experience Wide Awake in Blue by Jackie Neale, a bold, immersive photography installation tackling immigration and human rights through sound, textiles, and powerful visuals. This museum-scale installation brings together striking cyanotype portraits, textiles, sound, and storytelling to explore immigration, human rights, and collective identity.
Workshops with Bonnie MacAllister
(weekly)
Join resident artist Bonnie MacAllister for specialty workshops to learn different dyeing and fabric techniques. All skill levels. Registration required. Workshops take place in Studio 16 in the Pier.
(TICKETED EVENT) Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball in partnership with PopUpPlay
(weekly)
Join us for a family-fun Valentine’s Day extravaganza with PopUpPlay on Saturday, February 7, from 2 pm to 4 pm – our first-ever Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball. Fall in love with family time at Cherry Street Pier and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with music, crafts, and games.
Jackie Neale: Wide Awake In Blue
(weekly)
Experience Wide Awake In Blue, a bold, immersive photography installation tackling immigration and human rights through sound, textiles, and powerful visuals. This museum-scale installation brings together striking cyanotype portraits, textiles, sound, and storytelling to explore immigration, human rights, and collective identity.

First Friday presented by Fulton Bank
(weekly)
Join us on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, artist studio tours, markets, and stunning views of the Delaware River. All exhibitions and events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
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About Activities in Old City
Old City places families at the heart of American history, with Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and countless museums offering educational experiences for even the youngest visitors. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets and historic architecture create a unique backdrop for stroller walks and outdoor exploration. Franklin Square, with its playground and carousel, provides a perfect family destination.
The Free Library's Independence Branch hosts regular children's programming, while numerous museums offer tot-friendly hours and programs. Old City's mix of historic sites and modern amenities means families can combine educational experiences with great restaurants and community events. The neighborhood's walkability and public transportation access make it easy to explore with little ones in tow.