Spring/Summer
Step1
Check out the ten-day Mellon Jazz Festival, held at Penn's Landing in mid-June. Artists from all over the world are featured and play some of the smoothest jazz ever.
Step2
Take the kids to the Ice Cream Festival, held in early July. There are all kinds of delicious, creamy ice creams to sample, plus music and crafts for kids.
Step3
Dance along with the Big Band Series at Penn's Landing. The series runs from early July to late August, and you'll hear Big Band sounds from the best bands in the country. Swing dance classes are free in conjunction with the festival.
Step4
Hang out at Penn's Landing and listen to the artists at the Singer/Songwriter Weekend, held in mid-July. Well-known artists are always featured; Mary Chapin Carpenter and Patti Smith were recent event headliners.
Step5
See the Summer Mummers Parade in early August. Although it doesn't compare with the New Year's Day event (see Fall/Winter), it's still great fun to watch for both adults and kids.
Step6
Visit the Philadelphia Folk Festival in late August. The three-day event is held at Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville and features concerts, workshops, juggling, puppetry, folk and square dancing and much more for the whole family.
Step7
See artists on the margins at the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival, which runs from early to mid-September. Innovation is the main concept here, and you'll see it in more than 500 performances of dance, music, theater and art installations.
Fall/Winter
Step1
Take in a concert during the Bach Festival of Philadelphia, which has been a local tradition for 25 years. Concerts start in September and run through the end of the year, featuring special musical guests and a variety of performances at various venues.
Step2
Catch one of the Bard's plays at the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, which begins in October and runs through early June. Three plays are generally produced each season.
Step3
Tour an artist's studio during Open Studios, held in mid-November. You are free to browse the studios of more than 70 local artists and craftspeople and can purchase items along the way.
Step4
Don't miss the Mummers Parade, a 10-hour extravaganza held on New Year's Day. This day-long parade and performances feature Comics, Fancy Costume, String Band and Fancy Brigades categories. You can pay for grandstand seating or watch free from along the route.
Step5
Visit the Philadelphia Weekend Film Festival in February. A variety of films plus a ceremony honoring a major Hollywood star are featured.
Step6
See the Philadelphia Flower Show in March. The week-long event showcases a number of gardens and flowers arranged around a theme and offers advice and garden products for consumers. Afternoon Tea at the Flower Show is a favorite diversion.
