Philadelphia truly shines during the holiday season, and we’re not even just talking lights here. The city doesn’t hold back, delivering magical light displays that are nothing short of spectacular. And while not a requirement, we believe that everything does feel a little more festive when there’s a drink in hand. Here’s your guide to Philly’s best holiday lights displays where you can pair the glow with a drink in hand.

Every year, I think about making New Years Eve plans, decide I’ll do it later, and then respond incredulously when every event, bar, and party is completely sold out.

Don’t be like me. Clock in at the lock in factory and figure out your NYE plans now –saving yourself the last-minute scramble is a beautiful thing… just trust me on this.

St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia is synonymous with vibrant celebrations, and the 2025 Erin Express St. Patrick's Day Philly Bar Crawl promises to be the pinnacle of the city's festivities. As the list of participating bars continues to grow, this annual tradition, now combined with the iconic Erin Express, guarantees an unforgettable experience for partygoers.

Forget the winter blues and start jingling all the way down Walnut Street because Open Streets: West Walnut is back, just in time for the holidays. Yep, that means no honking horns, no exhaust fumes, and no buses cutting you off mid-crosswalk. Instead, it’s a festive pedestrian wonderland stretching from Broad to 20th Streets where you can walk, talk, shop, and snack to your heart’s content—all without dodging traffic.

Halloween is that one time of year when adults get to ditch the everyday grind, throw on a wild costume for one incredible evening! And this year, we’re turning Cavanaugh's Riverdeck into a haunted party paradise with a costume contest that’s going BIG! Think your outfit can steal the show? Prove it at our costume contest! We’re handing out $500 in cash, a flatscreen HD TV, and more cool prizes for the best costumes at 9 PM. Go creepy, hilarious, or just plain over-the-top—it’s your time to shine. Plus, everyone who joins the costume contest walks away with some Cav’s Cash. That’s right, we’re paying you to look good!

Halloween is creeping up on us like a black cat in a dark alley, and that means it’s time to get those costumes together for the top Philadelphia costume contests!

For those of you looking to not only dress to impress but also shake it 'til you break it, we've rounded up the hottest costume contests and parties that are really going to be a scream.

Hey, spooky souls of Philly! The ghostly season is upon us and it's time to lock down your plans for Halloween, 2024. If you thought last year was scary, prepare yourself because this October is rolling in with more chills, thrills, and dance spills than ever before.

Are you itching to trade in your swimsuits for hoodies but not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? Looks like Fishtown is right there with you, my fest friends, because the Fishtown Fall Feastivale is seeing off summer in suitable fashion. Happening on September 28th, Frankford Ave will become home to all your favorite Fishtown eats in one convenient place.

Philadelphia is UNDER ATTACK! The atom splitter at the power plant went haywire and started zapping the workers. The government tried to contain the workers but they started turning into hideous beasts. The dangerous Bio-monsters are now making their way to Philadelphia! We're predicting that they'll reach Philly by October 26th at 6pm! The Monster March Halloween Bar Crawl is back!

Boo! Did we scare you? Feeling brave this Halloween? If so, face your deepest fears and have the time of your life at Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, where the past meets the paranormal in heart-pounding fashion. This historic prison transforms into a spine-tingling festival of fright with five main haunted houses, each more terrifying than the last.

The Punk Rock Flea Market is descending upon us once more on September 13th, 14th, and 15th, and this ain't your grandma’s flea market. Housed in the 23rd Street Armory, this is the place where punk meets practicality, chaos meets collectibles. If you’ve never been before, this is a place where vintage vinyl, DIY crafts, and studded jackets coexist in perfect anarchy.

Fall is tantalizingly close, and the Scarecrow Festival on September 14th is where you’ll want to be for a taste of some early-season fun. It’s not your average any-day-of-the-week stroll through Peddler’s Village—it’s a full-on fall fest with tons of activities. Peddler’s Village is one of the most charmingly adorable spots in Bucks County, and it really comes to life during the Scarecrow Festival. 

The Why: Some of you may have recently heard that Philadelphia was recently crowned America’s most walkable city by USA Today. And boy, do we Philadelphians love to win. So, in celebration of this incredible feat, the Center City District (CCD) is fully leaning into the accomplishment by bringing us Open Streets, where strollers, shoppers, and street artists reign supreme.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL EVENT! Immerse yourself in the pulsating atmosphere of The Riverdeck, Philadelphia, for an exhilarating Elevated Friday Night showcasing the sensational Armentani Brothers. Delve into the vibrant nightlife scene of Philadelphia with an unforgettable DJ set by this dynamic trio of brothers - George, Jimmie, and John Armentani. Originating from the heart of Philadelphia, these brothers have enraptured crowds across the globe with their high-energy performances and distinctive sound, garnering praise from influential figures in the industry such as Steve Aoki and Kaskade.

Cannonball Festival is back in Philadelphia next week, and it's ready to paint the streets with a splash of color and an avalanche of laughter. Running from September 1st to September 29th, this event is a monthlong celebration of artistic genres, from dance and theater to circus acts and furry performers (and by that, we mean an actual dog). If you're wondering whether or not to attend, let us simplify it for you: you definitely should.

The Philly Bookstore Crawl is back and it's bigger and better than ever! Set your reminders for Saturday, August 24, 2024—because this day-long literary adventure is one you won't want to miss out on. Not only will you get to explore some of Philly’s most beloved bookstores, but you'll also enjoy exclusive events, mega discounts, and maybe even the occasional free bookmark! 

The PECO Multicultural Series is back this weekend! For the uninitiated, these are a series of outdoor festivals showcasing cultural traditions from around the world. This time, it's bringing a whirlwind of colors, flavors, and sounds to your Saturday and Sunday plans. No need to hop on a plane for a whirlwind world tour—just make your way to Penn's Landing this weekend. Why settle for one festival when you can have two?

If the idea of hunting for hidden gems all under one roof makes your heart sing "Hallelujah!", get thee to thy pier this weekend. Cherry Street Pier is transforming into a flea for vintage lovers. Liberty Flea is bringing together the crème de la crème of vintage and artisan vendors from all over Philadelphia.

The heat of summer has nothing on the hot chatter building up as Philadelphia welcomes its annual Blackstar Film Festival this weekend, from August 2, 2024, to August 4, 2024. Not to be confused with your average, run-of-the-mill film fest; it's a celebration of Black, Brown, and Indigenous voices from around the globe, curated to spark conversations and inspire creativity. 

With the 2024 Summer Olympics kicking off today, some of your favorite restaurants and bars share my love for the Summer Olympics and are pulling out all the stops to bring a touch of Olympic excitement right to our city.