🌹 The best May events in Philly

Hit the Best Trails

Nature is finally in full bloom. See the finest natural sites in Pennsylvania by hiking or even birding at the height of spring migration. If you’re spending extended time outside, just be sure to watch out for those ticks.

Get Those Seedlings in the Ground

Mother’s Day is a traditional time to plant your crops since the risk of frost is over (we saw firsthand how temperatures seesawed in April). Cool-season crops like lettuce and cabbage can be planted before then, while warm-season crops like tomatoes are best after Mother’s Day. Plan out your garden and stock up at these plant sales.

Don’t Forget To Vote

May 19 is Election Day! Before you head to the polls or return your ballot, check out our guides on deadlines to remember, ballot questions, congressional candidates, and the governor’s race.

Start Summer Early at the Jersey Shore

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, which means it’s time to head down the shore. Do you want to spend the three-day weekend partying on the beach or relaxing in a quiet coastal atmosphere? We’ve got a guide to the best seaside towns to visit, tailored to what you’re looking for.

Learn Why We’re Still Obsessed With Rocky

The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new exhibit, “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” is officially open through Aug. 2. Though the fictional boxer is a central figure in the concept, the program explores how boxing has been interwoven in art and culture (with sculptures dating as far back as 475 BCE) and how real-life underdogs and legends inspired the Rocky story. Learn more about how the exhibit came to be in this episode of City Cast Philly.

Philly’s Favorite Pop-Up Returns

After a busy season last year, Frankie’s Summer Club is back starting May 1 and is expected to run until September. The seasonal hangout takes over the courtyard next to the historic Hamilton and Furness Halls, the former University of the Arts buildings recently redeveloped as the Village of Industry & Art. Sip on cocktails, listen to live DJs, and attend creative workshops. Frankie’s is open every Wednesday through Sunday.

Shop for Mom (or Yourself) at These Markets

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day or want to reward yourself with a shiny new item, the best gifts are local! Support small businesses at the Art Star Spring Craft Bazaar on May 9 and May 10 at Cherry Street Pier. Or buy something like-new at the Resource Exchange’s reFlea Vendor Market on May 16. If you visit Cherry Street Pier on May 9, don’t forget to say hi to City Cast Philly! We’ll be tabling.

Show Philly Parks Some Love

May 9 to May 17 is Love Your Park Week. The nine-day celebration invites Philadelphians to take co-ownership of our local parks by participating in cleanups, plantings, and other beautification efforts. The week isn’t just for hard work – parks across the city will also host craft days, movie nights, tree walks, and boating.

Celebrate Spring at These Street Fests

Festival season is officially in full swing. Venice Island’s Sing Us Home Festival is three days (May 1-May 3) filled with punk rock and acoustic sounds and “working class wit.” Come back near the area the following Saturday (May 9) for Roxborough’s Spring Fest and Rockin’ The Ridge Show and check out the classic cars lining the avenue. If you’re on the other side of the city, Northern Liberties’ inaugural Spring Festival is that same day with live bands, a hot dog-eating contest, and an opera performance.

On May 13, dance around the May pole at The Spring Gardens’ May Day Festival. Speaking of pole, you can climb up a greased one to win cheese, meat, and bragging rights at the Italian Market Festival on May 16 and May 17. Over in Brewerytown, Girard Avenue will be blocked off for the Girard Avenue Street Festival. And on May 30, your porch becomes the stage at West Philly Porch Fest, where hundreds of musicians perform throughout the neighborhood.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Join the Wyck Historic House for its Celebration of Roses at the oldest rose garden (in its original form) in the United States. The day includes walking tours of the home and garden, botanical coloring, and a vendor market. Head up to Germantown on May 23 for the floral festivities.

🎧 Want more recommendations? Listen to today’s podcast where we give our top picks for major activities, freebies, food, and ways to give back.

• Now through May 3: Philly Theatre Week
• May 8: Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band at Xfinity Mobile Arena
• May 9: The Black Keys at Franklin Music Hall
• May 9-10: PinkPantheress at The Met
• May 9-17: “Girl Dolls: The American Musical” at FringeArts
• May 14-17: “The Black Crown” with Opera Philadelphia at the Miller Theater
• May 24: Ari Lennox at The Met
• May 29-31: Fan Expo Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
• May 30-31: The Roots Picnic at Belmont Plateau