🎆 The best July events in Philly

Visit America’s First Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is offering 25% off all general admission tickets between today and Sunday. Use the code 4JULY25 to access the reduced price. Be sure to visit the zoo’s new bear habitat and colony of Magellanic penguins.

Keep Yourself (and Your Neighbors) Cool

The first week of July is kicking off with an extreme heatwave, prompting the city to declare a heat health emergency. Find tips for managing the weather here, including information on cooling sites and hotlines. Help others access water by keeping community fridges stocked. Don’t forget to check on your neighbors during a heat emergency.

Catch Some Fireworks

If you want to get in the patriotic spirit, watch the fireworks on July 4. Pleasant Hill Park is hosting a festival with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the One Philly Unity Concert for America will conclude with fireworks at 11:45 p.m. If you want to make a trip to Camden, Wiggins Park (near Adventure Aquarium) is hosting its annual Freedom Festival, followed by fireworks. While we prefer you leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals, here are the city’s regulations on fireworks if you plan to set some off yourself.

Be an All-Star

The World Cup wraps up this month, with Philly’s last game on July 4. If you’re looking for another sport to root for, Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game return to Philly July 13 and 14. But that’s not all. MLB is taking over for several days, including the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10 and an All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center July 11 through 14.

Celebrate Bastille Day

The American Revolution isn’t the only revolt being celebrated this month. Bastille Day is July 14, celebrating the uprising that ignited the French Revolution. As the “Frenchest” American City, of course we have to celebrate. Attend a party inspired by 1960s Paris on July 12 to raise funds for Alliance Française de Philadelphie, which supports the study of the French language and Francophone cultures. Also on July 12, local French organizations are celebrating 250 years of French-American friendship at Rittenhouse Square’s French Quarter. Speaking of that friendship, the Museum of the American Revolution is zooming in on France’s role in the American Revolution with “Red White & Bleu: Revolutionary Alliances.”

Try African Cuisine

African Restaurant Week runs from July 2 through 12, offering patrons discounts on dishes from African, African American, and Caribbean cultures. The series will also include a music and food festival at Love Park on July 11. Want to learn more about the cultures across the African continent? Visit Southwest Philly’s Africatown.

Listen to Philly’s Young Talent

The Philly Youth Music Fest returns for its third year, showcasing young performers participating in the city’s music programming. This year’s event is at Spruce Street Harbor Park on July 19. Attendees can listen to over 25 live performances, participate in workshops, and win prizes.

Bring the Family Out to the Barnes

One of Philly’s prestigious art institutions is celebrating summer with its annual Barnes on the Block event on July 12. The Barnes Foundation will have live DJs, art workshops, and a craft market. If you’re a Philly resident, take advantage of free admission not just that day, but all month long.

Shop Local

It’s market season, so stock up on goods from Philly’s small businesses. The Punk Rock Flea Market takes over the Sheet Metal Workers Union on July 17 through 19. The Night Out On Ninth: Night Market will shut down the 900 and 1000 blocks of South Street on July 31.

Explore These Philly Neighborhoods

Honor and learn about Philly’s Mantua neighborhood at Celebrate Mantua, an outdoor dance festival. The daylong movement event at Miles Mack Playground is on July 11. Over in Manayunk, go beyond your typical post-work happy hour experience with Stroll After Hours. The seasonal event features pop-up vendors, movie nights, and art demos every Thursday evening throughout July.

Laugh Out Loud

If you have a weird sense of humor, this alternative comedy festival is for you. Variety Pack returns to the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake from July 9 through 13. The event features a mix of improv workshops, game shows, live readings, and screenings. After that, head to Helium Comedy Club on July 18 for the Last Call Comedy Showcase featuring touring headliners and local acts.

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

• July 11: Louis Tomlinson at Highmark Mann
• July 16: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire at Xfinity Mobile Arena
• July 17: Death Cab for Cutie featuring Japanese Breakfast at Highmark Mann
• July 20 & 21: J. Cole at Xfinity Mobile Arena
• July 21 through Aug. 2: “The Notebook” at Academy of Music
• July 22: Coltrane 100: Legacy featuring Ravi Coltrane at Highmark Mann
• July 24 through 29: Jill Scott at The Met
• July 26: Passion Pit at The Fillmore