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Spring in Philadelphia means more sunshine, warmer weather, and a chance to refresh and recharge outdoors with friends and family.
Events like Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival and the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival make for great ways to explore the sights and tastes of spring in the city. Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens and “Keith Haring, A Radiant Legacy” at the James A. Michener Art Museum provide the perfect backdrop for more seasonal action out in the countryside.
If you missed spring festival season over the past couple of years, you’re in luck: Most of the street fests and block parties we’ve come to know and love in Greater Philadelphia are back, including the Kensington Derby & Arts Festival, the Devon Horse Show, ODUNDE Festival and Center City Sips.
And, of course, the world premiere of ”Harry Potter: The Exhibition” continues all season long at The Franklin Institute.
Read on for our guide of great things to do in Philadelphia and the Countryside in spring 2022.
Northern Liberties Restaurant Week
April 1-10, 2022
After debuting last year, Northern Liberties Restaurant Week is back for another course. Over 10 days, diners can enjoy specially priced multi-course lunches and dinners from $15 to $35. Among those participating: Añejo Philadelphia, Heritage, Jerry’s Bar, Standard Tap, Urban Village Brewing Company and SET NoLibs.
Where: Various locations including Añejo Philadelphia, 1001 N. 2nd Street
Philly Theatre Week
April 1-10, 2022
This 10-day regional theatrical festival features 85 live and virtual performances, audio plays, panel discussions, theater-related films and interactive theater events. The best part? All of the performances are either free or cost just $15-$30. Bravo!
Where: Various locations including the Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
April 2 – May 1, 2022
Visitors take in the sights and scents of spring at Longwood Gardens with fields of tulips, azaleas, wisteria and more during the annual Spring Blooms event. (Just picturing it feels good, doesn’t it?) Plus, the gardens’ fountains spring back to life with dazzling water displays.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
“Extreme Deep: Mission To The Abyss” at The Academy of Natural Sciences
April 2 – July 24, 2022
You know those scenes in “Titanic” where explorers venture deep below the surface of the ocean to survey the wreckage? You’ll see both these submersible ships and Titanic wreckage at The Academy of Natural Sciences’ new exhibit, “Extreme Deep: Mission To The Abyss.”The collection is dedicated to all-things deep sea, from the animals that reside there to the geological forces that make it habitable for these creatures.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
King of Prussia Restaurant Week
April 4-10, 2022
Dine out for a cause this spring when King of Prussia Restaurant Week returns with deals at more than 20 restaurants and 10 fast-casual spots. The event features special offers like a $15 multi-course lunch and $30 multi-course dinner at Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue, a $25 lunch and $50 dinner at Savona (with complimentary valet), and a $15 lunch at Plaza Azteca. A portion of proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and 10 stores participating in KOP Shops for CHOP during Restaurant Week support the hospital as well.
Where: Various locations including Savona, 100 Old Gulph Road, Gulph Mills
Opening: The Clay Studio’s New Facility in Kensington
Opens April 8, 2022
Formerly located in Old City, The Clay Studio opens a new, state-of-the-art facility in Kensington with programming dedicated to clay workshops, classes and community engagement. The new facility quadruples the classroom space, larger artist studios and galleries and even has an outdoor pavilion.
Where: The Clay Studio, 137-139 N. 2nd Street
Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival
April 8-10, 2022
Fairmount Park’s Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center re-imagines its annual (and very popular) Cherry Blossom Festival for 2022, focusing on the community in the nearby Parkside neighborhood via local artist and performer spotlights. The more intimate festival includes music performances, workshops, online concerts, and lectures exploring Japanese culture.
Where: Various locations including the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural & Lansdowne drives
Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park
April 8 – September 25, 2022
The surest sign of spring: the return of Major League Baseball. And with the exciting offseason additions of Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos and superstar Bryce Harper coming off an MVP season, the Philadelphia Phillies appear deadset on breaking into the playoffs this year. Catch a game (or two, or three…) at South Philly’s Citizens Bank Park, offering views of the Philadelphia skyline — and hopefully a couple dingers.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Big Bird’s Tour Bus at Sesame Place
Opens April 9, 2022
Sesame Place unveils an all-new ride this spring, Big Bird’s Tour Bus. An oversized, red double-decker bus whisks Big Bird and friends around a Sesame Place-inspired cityscape on a kid-friendly jaunt.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
South Street Headhouse District Easter Promenade
Sunday, April 17, 2022 | Noon-2 p.m.
In spring, this beloved long-running Easter strut returns in all its well-dressed grandeur. Kids and grown-ups alike come dressed in their Sunday best for a promenade down South Street, complete with live music, treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny, who judges the best-dressed contests. Obviously.
Where: South Street & South 2nd Street
Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park
April 22 – June 17, 2022
Lace up! Center City District welcomes the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park for a second springtime season. Guests find a colorful overhead installation and a checkerboard rink floor that delivers retro vibes. For more good times, there’s a food-and-drink menu at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden. Advance reservations for hour-long skate sessions are strongly recommended, and lockers are available on-site for storage at an additional cost.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
Sunday, April 24, 2022 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Manayunk’s vibrant Main Street gets even more bustling during the annual StrEAT Food Festival. The daylong event features alfresco eats from dozens of trucks slinging burgers, tacos, pizza, cupcakes, and waffles and highlighting the ingredient du jour: strawberries. ’Tis the season, after all.
Where: Cotton & Main streets
East Passyunk Flavors On The Avenue
Sunday, April 24, 2022 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The dining destination that is East Passyunk Avenue tips a hat to its food scene during the fun-filled Flavors on the Avenue festival. During the event, the avenue’s restaurants take their food and drinks outside for alfresco street-side service. Festivalgoers can stroll East Passyunk Avenue while enjoying tacos, sandwiches, satay, dumplings, craft beer and margaritas, as well as music and an expansive craft market.
Where: Tasker Street & East Passyunk Avenue
Dining Out For Life
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Every year, Dining Out for Life returns to cities across the globe, including Philadelphia, to help raise funds for local HIV/AIDS services. This year’s Philly event features dozens of the most popular eateries in the city, including Parc, Harp & Crown, Square 1682, The Love, Continental Midtown and more. Participating restaurants donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to the cause.
When: Various locations including The Love, 130 S. 18th Street
Penn Relays at Franklin Field
April 28-30, 2022
At the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate track meet — back for the first time since 2019 — high school, college and professional track stars compete at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field. The three-day event features morning, afternoon and evening race sessions.
Where: Franklin Field, 235 S. 33rd Street
“Harry Potter: The Exhibition” at The Franklin Institute
Through Sunday, September 18, 2022
The most comprehensive touring exhibition about the Wizarding World continues its world premiere this spring at Philadelphia’s iconic science museum. The immersive experience reveals the artistry and craftsmanship behind the props, costumes, and environments from the blockbuster films of the Harry Potter series, as well as Fantastic Beasts.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
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