Great Events for Groups
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Philadelphia offers great events for groups all year long. The PCVB's tourism sales department can help tour operators create great packages and itineraries featuring the city's biggest and best events. For brochures and group information, contact: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau |
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Winter
New Year’s Eve Gala, Mummers Parade and Fancy Brigade Finale* - January
Celebrate the end of 2008 with dinner, dancing, live music, Mummers, and a spectacular waterfront fireworks display. Then, watch the Mummers Parade on New Years Day – a unique Philadelphia tradition. Also on New Year’s Day, the Mummers Fancy Brigade features a special finale just for groups at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Chinese New Year - January
A celebration of Chinese culture and heritage takes place throughout Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Dragon parades and firecrackers highlight the Chinese New Year celebration in the U.S.’s third largest Chinatown.
Philadelphia International Auto Show - January
The fifth-largest auto show in the country takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The show features concept cars as well as the year’s newest retail vehicles.
Philadelphia Flower Show* - March
The largest indoor flower show in the world showcases 33 acres of lush gardens, lavish floral settings and inspirational displays at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Activities include exhibitors, speakers, competitors, culinary events, and an on-site marketplace.
Spring/Summer
Philadelphia Antiques Show* - April
The Philadelphia Antiques Show is internationally recognized as the premier American antique collection, and features more than 50 top antique dealers and galleries. In addition, the show includes lectures from famous authorities as well as private tours. The Show recently moved to a new location from the 33rd Street Armory to the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Philadelphia Open House Tours - April-June
These annual guided bus tours and comprehensive walking tours offer a look into select private homes, gardens, and historic buildings throughout Philadelphia and the suburbs.
Equality Forum - April-May
Every spring, Equality Forum presents seven days of programs and special events. Equality Forum represents the largest annual gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLTB) civil rights symposium and festival in the United States.
Jam on the River - May
Philadelphia’s “official kick-off to summer” includes a weekend of great music, food, and crafts New Orleans style on the waterfront at Penn’s Landing during Memorial Day weekend.
Penn’s Landing Summer Concert and Festival Season - May-September
Free outdoor weekly concerts, multicultural festivals, and celebrations take place all summer along Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront.
The World’s Largest Garden Party - June
Philadelphia’s gardens are in full bloom at the World’s Largest Garden Party. This month-long event has been rated the number one event in North America by the American Bus Association. During this month-long celebration, the area’s gardens, arboretums, and historic homes offer special programs, performances, activities, and more.
The Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling International Championship - June
The top names in cycling compete in this 156-mile race, including pedaling up the grueling Manayunk Wall. The race tops off a week of events throughout the city.
Elfreth’s Alley Fete Days - June
Residents living on the nation’s oldest continuously occupied street open their doors for tours during this festival.
Odunde African American Street Festival Weekend - June
This three-day lively outdoor festival, celebrating the African New Year, stretches across the western end of South Street in Center City and encompasses live performances and the largest outdoor vendor market of the year.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts Summer Concert Series - June-September
The Philadelphia Orchestra and other notable guests perform throughout the summer in this open-air amphitheater in the pastoral setting of Fairmount Park.
Hispanic Fiesta - June
Two fun-filled days featuring music, dance, food, and artisans from Puerto Rico and various parts of Latin America bring a lively Latin rhythm to Penn’s Landing.
Sunoco Welcome America!* - June-July
Celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with Philadelphia’s spectacular Fourth of July extravaganza. This grand Independence Day week-long festival includes more than 50 free events, fireworks, concerts, historic reenactments, and plenty of red, white and blue.
Global Fusion Festival - July
Philadelphia’s Multicultural Affairs Congress hosts this festival at Penn’s Landing, which showcases a variety of cultural music and ethnic dance performances, foods, crafts, giveaways, and educational programs for participants of all ages.
Southeastern Cherokee Celebration - July
This outdoor festival, held at Temple University’s Ambler Campus, showcases a variety of Native American cultures’ native dancing and crafts, as well as festival vendors.
Fall/Winter
Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival - October
Join the festivities along the Schuylkill River to watch this ancient Chinese tradition of brilliantly festooned boats, decorated with dragon heads, compete on Philadelphia’s picturesque Schuylkill River (groups may participate with advanced registration).
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show - November
This unique four-day craft show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center displays a variety of crafts created by top artists from across the country.
Philadelphia Marathon - November
One of the nation’s most historic marathon courses crosses the heart of Center City and some of our most iconic landmarks. Spectators enjoy entertainment, food, and music, while cheering on their favorite runners.
Christmas at Longwood Gardens - November-December
During the holiday season at Longwood Gardens, thousands of poinsettias, Christmas trees, and fragrant flowers transform the indoor gardens into a concert space and holiday celebration. Outside, 400,000 lights shine after dark against Longwood’s many shimmering fountains.
Philadelphia’s Holiday Festival - November-December
Dazzling light shows, garden displays, 18th-century mansion tours, old-fashioned traditions, live holiday entertainment, limitless tax-free shopping, and more provide holiday cheer throughout Philadelphia from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
