Top Free Summer Music Events In Philadelphia
Philadelphia Irish Festival
Penn's Landing
121 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 683-2200
www.philadelphiastpatsparade.comDate: June 2
In a celebration of Irish heritage, PECO and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation will once again sponsor the Philadelphia Irish Festival at Penn's Landing. This annual family-friendly event includes local food vendors, dancing, games, face painting, crafts, an abundance of fun Irish t-shirts and of course, Irish music. Popular Irish bands Blackthorn and Jamison are among the confirmed performers, and local Irish dance schools will also take the stage throughout the day. Visit the website for a complete lineup of performances.
The Piazza at Schmidts
1001 N. 2nd St. (2nd St. and Germantown Ave.)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 825-7552
www.radio1045.comDate: June 8, July 13, August 3 and September 14
This year marks the fifth year of Summer Block Parties at the Piazza. There will be a free concert on a Saturday in each month over the summer. While the event runs from 3:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., concert goers are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot. All ages are welcome, and no tickets are needed for this outdoor event in Northern Liberties. So far, the confirmed performers are Metric and Royal Teeth during June and Cold War Kids and Bad Books in July.
Related: Top Outdoor Concerts To Look Forward To This Summer
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
www.welcomeamerica.comDate: July 1-7 with main music performances on July 4 and July 6
The Wawa Welcome America festival returns this summer with a week of free events for the entire family. Events include Wawa Hoagie Day, outdoor movies, interactive educational programming for children and more. July 4th will be packed with events to celebrate Independence Day, including the the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, the Independence Day Parade and Party on the Parkway from noon until 7 p.m. with food vendors, crafts and live music. The night ends with what has been called the country's "Largest Free Concert" and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Keep the fun going over the weekend with three days of food and entertainment at Penn's Landing during Taste of Philadelphia. Entertainment Saturday night will include a headlining performance at the River Stage and a second fireworks display on the Delaware Waterfront.
Related: Made in America Festival to Return to Philadelphia in 2013
Northern Liberties
N. 2nd St. between Green St. and Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
www.2ndstfestival.comDate: August 4
The 2nd Street Festival brings Northern Liberties together in a celebration of community and positive energy. For this family-friendly event, North 2nd Street will be closed off from Germantown Avenue to Green Street for food, beer gardens, games, art and crafts, local vendors and music. Three street stages and one main stage in the Piazza will boast live music performed by groups selected by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, the group behind the popular Philadelphia Folk Festival. While this year's lineup hasn't been confirmed yet, last year's performers included The Spinning Leaves, Auctioneer, Philly School of Rock, Lushlife and many more.
Concerts in the Park
Rittenhouse Square
18th St. and Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.philadelphiaweekly.comDates: Aug. 14, 21 and 28
For the 11th year, Philadelphia Weekly will partner with Point Entertainment to bring free weekly concerts to Rittenhouse Square during the month of August. While entertainment hasn't been confirmed yet for this season, past years have included both national and local musicians and genres ranging from jazz and rock to R&B and country. In fact, last year's performances included The Spinning Leaves, The Lawsuits, TJ Kong, Ground Up and more. Grab some friends, a blanket and some snacks and come out early to pick your spot to enjoy a summer evening of music.
