Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback Jalen Hurts (seated left) waves to the fans during the Super Bowl LIX Parade atop the championship bus on Broad Street in Center City in February 2025. The Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs a few days earlier. The Eagles are back to business, chasing another Super Bowl ring; training camp for the 2026 NFL season kicked off earlier this month in South Philly. Photo by Randy Giancaterino.
The weather is not the only thing that is hot. So are the wide mix of events in hip and historical Philadelphia. From Jon Batiste to LeBron James, check out the movies, concerts, history tours, and neighborhood block parties galore! Here are some low-cost or free activities, as summer catches its final wave.
Artwork in the ‘New Now IX’ exhibit titled “Fernando Casa Rojas” by artist Linda Fernandez.
Diasporic Heritage Examined In Art Exhibition
Thursday, August 13, 2026. Artists from the diaspora are well represented in New Now IX, a group exhibition now on view through August 29 at the InLiquid Gallery. Ernesto Beckford is originally from Argentina, but immigrated to the US, where he has worked as a lawyer and artist. Omenihu Amachi is from Nigeria and expresses concepts of human elevation through consciousness of a better condition, beauty, spirituality, and goodness. Linda Fernandez’s work merges themes of identity and explores her Caribbean heritage. They are part of a lineup of 42 new artists from Kensington, Philadelphia, to Argentina, Nigeria, Turkey, the Caribbean, and other areas. Their works are comprised of paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and jewelry. The exhibit is “a snapshot of the diverse voices and perspectives shaping Philadelphia’s contemporary arts community today.” August 13th Opening Reception: 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST.
Free but RSVP. New Now IX will be on view until Saturday, August 29, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from noon to 6 p.m. EST. InLiquid Gallery, Crane Arts building (Studio 314),1400 N. American St., South Kensington. 215- 235-3405 or opening reception or https://www.inliquid.org/inliquid-gallery-events/new-now-ix
‘Movies in Clark Park’ To Feature Freedom Fighter Tubman
Friday, August 14, 2026. Following her escape from slavery, abolitionist Harriet Tubman led risky missions to free others through the Underground Railroad. Her courageous story is chronicled in Harriet (2019) starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe. Hosted by the University City District, the screening is part of a neighborhood summer movie series, Movies in Clark Park. (The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic content, violent material, and language including racial epithets). Bring a blanket or chair. The movie will be shown weather-permitting: Follow the event’s Instagram account for updates.
Free but reserve a viewing spot in advance; 7:30 p.m. EST. to 10:30 p.m. EST. (The movie will begin about 8:20 p.m. EST). Clark Park, 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue. Email: Info@friendsofclarkpark.org, https://www.eventbrite.com
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste Manns Up!
Friday, August 14, 2026. Jon Batiste brings his music magic and resume of eight Grammy, Academy, and Emmy Awards to Philadelphia. Batiste has proven that he is nimble, forging into film compositions, classical as well as rock music. The singer-songwriter-composer-pianist is “renowned for his genre-defying approach to music and his commitment to inclusivity and cultural exploration,” notes the concert’s promotions. Batiste’s latest album, BIG MONEY, covers gospel, soul, blues, folk, and rock & roll. With help from an eclectic mix of No I.D., Randy Newman, and Andra Day, the album has garnered three nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards and won Best Americana Album. In 2020, he received two Grammy nominations for the albums Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard and Meditations (with Cory Wong). Batiste was the bandleader of the former The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS.
Tickets start at $49.40 per person; 7:30 p.m. EST (Doors open at 6 p.m. EST.) TD Pavilion at the Highmark Mann, 5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park https://highmarkmann.org/events/2026-08-14/jon-batiste
Overbrook Steps It Up On Community Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026. Overbrook Park Community Day will be a great way to wind down your summer. The annual community festival will feature live entertainment, music by DJ O Boyy and All You Can Sing. Enjoy free food, book bag giveaways, a basketball tournament, and a Kids Zone with bounce houses and water slides. The annual event will include shopping with local vendors and the presentation of the community’s “Good Neighbor Award.” Organized by the Overbrook Park Civic Association, the day of fun will be hosted by radio icon Patty Jackson.
Free, 12 p.m. EST to 4 p.m. EST, Rose Playground, 7100 block of Haverford Ave. 484-240-1528 or https://overbrookparkcivic.org/
Free Backpacks For Back To School
Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Back to school means one thing in some Philadelphia communities: Free backpacks. West Philadelphia nonprofit ACHIEVEability will make donations to more than 1,000 students at its annual Backpack Drive. The backpacks are like a child’s tool box, essential for learning. They will be filled with notebooks, calculators, and other school supplies, benefiting West Philly students in the School District of Philadelphia. School-aged kids must attend to get a backpack.
Free, 4 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. 5901 Market St. To get a backpack or to donate: Email: info@achieve-ability.org, 215-748-8800 or https://achieveability.org/donationdrives
Net A LeBron James Print On Germantown Bus Tour
Saturday, August 22, 2026. Germantown is teeming with African-American history. One way to see much of it is through Black Germanton Bus Tours, a three-hour excursion of art galleries, museums, and murals in the Germantown area of Philly. Check out the Black Writers Museum, Aces Museum, Sun Ra Mural, Ubuntu Fine Art, Underground Railroad, and more. But, as they say in the world of infomercials: “But wait, there’s more:” Get a free framed 8.5″ by -11″ print of new Philadelphia 76er LeBron James and an “Artful Swag Bag” of prints, posters and a mug.
$25 per person; noon to 3 p.m. EST. Tour begins at the October Gallery Museum, 6353 Greene St. 215-352-3114 or https://www.eventbrite.com
Photo courtesy of the United Negro College Fund.
From College Tours To Enrollment, Raising Your Knowledge
Finding a college can feel like a fulltime job with a lot of stress, tight deadlines, and no clear how-to “cookbook.” But the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and its network have got your back. They have assembled a handy step-by-step college checklist for parents and students. Gain an edge in the college transition process. Get college-tour tips, like attending information sessions led by admissions staff, and learn how to navigate on–site walk–throughs of academic buildings and dining halls. Benefit from advice on networking with current students and taking notes or photos immediately after visits. The guide leads you through the process, from casual campus visitor to official incoming student. Check out the checklist: https://uncf.org/the-latest/from-college-tour-to-enrollment-checklist-for-parents-and-students
What Just Happened? Recent Events Around Town…
Photo by Tu Huynh, Creative Philadelphia.
Philly Shines A Light!
Philadelphia City Hall was all lit up as part of a project called 1776 Philadelphia Illuminated on the evening of August 4th. The event capped off a citywide celebration of community stories assembled this summer, highlighting the voices of Philly residents across neighborhoods and generations. Residents participated in storytelling and activities focusing on artistic engagement, interviews, and creative reflections inspired by the theme “Looking Back. Looking Ahead.” Hosted by Creative Philadelphia, the city’s arts and culture office, the initiative marked America’s ongoing 250th anniversary. At age 125, City Hall took 30 years to build and is one of the oldest government buildings in the United States.
