Art Events in August

Black Star Film Festival, outdoor nights, Operetta in the garden, vinyl block parties, and a variety of festivals — from vegan to Polish.

Art Events in August

Black Star Film Festival, outdoor nights, Operetta in the garden, vinyl block parties, and a variety of festivals — from vegan to Polish.
Festivals
August 1
$12 - $17
Step into the electric world of Summer Madness — an immersive art festival celebrating visual expression, fashion, and live creativity. The event features local painters, fashion showcases, hands-on artistic experiences, and vibrant community energy. Perfect for those who crave inspiration and connection through contemporary art.

Place:
Hancock Studios, Philadelphia, PA
August 3
Free
A beloved city tradition, the 2nd Street Festival transforms Northern Liberties into a lively celebration of local music, food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and street performers. Ideal for families, creatives, and anyone who loves Philly’s neighborhood spirit.

Place:
Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, PA
August
Adults (≥14): $27 Mon–Thu, $29 Fri–Sat
Children (3–13): $16
Seniors & military: $25
Step into a dazzling dreamscape as Franklin Square comes alive with glowing sculptures, handcrafted lanterns, and cultural performances. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is a sensory journey through light, color, and tradition — with authentic cuisine and family-friendly fun.

Place:
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
August 2
Free
Celebrate the sweetest part of summer at the Peach Festival! Local farms and markets offer juicy harvests, peach-themed dishes, pies, jams, drinks and treats — all set to live music, kids’ activities, and a laid-back picnic vibe.

Place:
Various locations, Philadelphia, PA
August 15-17
Varies by day or full pass
The 62nd Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival invites music lovers to experience folk traditions old and new. Featuring acoustic sets, storytelling, craft booths, food trucks and a strong community vibe, this long-running festival is a hallmark of Pennsylvania summer.


Location:
Upper Salford Township, PA
August 17
The Caribbean Festival is a rhythmic explosion of reggae, soca, and jazz — paired with the vibrant flavors of jerk chicken, curry goat, and codfish cakes. Plus, arts, crafts, cultural fashion, and a Caribbean Children's Village for the whole family to enjoy.

Place:
Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, PA
August 23
Early‑bird tickets start at $15; VIP tickets include drinks (prices rise after Aug 1)
Vegandale is where food meets values — a full-day celebration of cruelty-free living, bold plant-based cuisine, and progressive culture. Expect vendors from across the country, edgy art, DJ sets, and a vibrant vegan crowd.

Place:
Marine Parade Grounds, The Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
August 23
$12 – $23
A creative playground of visual art, fashion, and music — Curator Fest brings together Philadelphia’s most dynamic independent artists. Expect exhibits, installations, DJ sets, local cuisine, and a deeply community-driven vibe.

Place:
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
August 24
$20 at the gate; kids under 15 free; $2 per ticket donated to Ukrainian relief
Celebrate Ukraine’s independence with a day of folk dancing, traditional music, handmade crafts, and hearty food. This festival honors the culture and resilience of the Ukrainian-American community.

Place:
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
August 30
$12 – $23
Enjoy traditional Polish food, live polka bands, cultural dancing, and folk art at one of the largest Polish heritage events on the East Coast. Fun for the whole family.


Place:
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
social
August 1, 8, 15,22,29

4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Free to enter the garden bar (museum admission not required)
Unwind in the lush garden behind the Rodin Museum with drinks, outdoor seating, and chill vibes every Friday evening. This serene spot features beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase — no museum admission required. Perfect for starting your weekend surrounded by sculpture and flowers.

Place:
Rodin Museum Garden, 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
August 1, 8, 15,22,29

5:00 PM – 8:45 PM
$15.00
Start your Friday night with cocktails and DJ sets inside one of Philly’s most iconic art spaces. Lounge among the columns and masterpieces, sip drinks from the bar, and explore the galleries after hours.

Place:
Great Stair Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
August 2, 9, 16,23,30

2 PM - 6 PM
Free
Chill out on the iconic steps of the art museum with live music, outdoor seating, and views of the city. Bring friends or a picnic — performances change weekly. A true Philly summer vibe.

Place:
East Terrace (front steps), Philadelphia Museum of Art
August 2

6 PM - 9 PM
$29
A chill evening outdoors hosted by Made With Love Juicery — with games, food, music, and good vibes. BYOB encouraged. Come for the sunset, stay for the people.

Place:
Made With Love Juicery, 1925 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Music
August 3
4:00 PM
$17
Celebrate the closing of the 2025 PYPA Piano Festival with an unforgettable concert featuring the winners of the Philadelphia International Piano Competition. These young virtuosos take the stage for a showcase of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and promising talent — a rare chance to hear tomorrow’s stars today.

Place:
Academy of Vocal Arts, Philadelphia, PA
August 1
7:00 PM
$23
Experience an evening of evocative chamber music featuring performances by Gabe Preston, Leigh Brown, and guest musicians. The Timeless Resonance Music Concert offers an intimate setting for classical works — from timeless masterworks to underappreciated gems — with emotional depth and virtuosic artistry. The Philadelphia Ethical Society provides an acoustically rich and welcoming venue for this midsummer musical experience.

Place:
Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
August 2
3 PM
$23 – $39 (includes single and double tickets)
Spend a charming summer afternoon in the garden of the historic Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion with Opera on Tap Philadelphia. This open-air operetta recital brings to life lighthearted melodies, playful arias, and classic charm — all in a lush Victorian setting. Whether you're a fan of classical music or just looking for a unique weekend experience, this recital offers an intimate and elegant escape into the world of operetta.

Place:
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, 200 W Tulpehocken St, Philadelphia, PA
August 16
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
$12 – $17, $3 from every ticket goes to Planned Parenthood
Get ready for a feminist punk dance floor explosion. Girls to the Front is a Riot Grrrl and angry girl music night, spinning raw, rebellious tracks that defined generations of resistance. With DJs DeathRocketGrimm and Riot Meg, expect punk anthems, sweaty energy, and unapologetic girl power — upstairs at the iconic Khyber Pass Pub.

Place:
Upstairs at Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibition opening
August 14
6:00 PM
Free
Celebrate the closing of the 2025 PYPA Piano Festival with an unforgettable concert featuring the winners of the Philadelphia International Piano Competition. These young virtuosos take the stage for a showcase of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and promising talent — a rare chance to hear tomorrow’s stars today.

Place:
InLiquid Gallery (Crane Arts Building), 1400 N American St, Philadelphia, PA
Cinema
July 31 - 3
Free or ticketed by screening
A celebration of storytelling and cinematic brilliance by Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers from around the world. The BlackStar Film Festival is where activism meets artistry — through short films, documentaries, and powerful narratives. Expect Q&As, panels, and unforgettable cultural dialogue.

Place:
Various venues across Philadelphia
August 1-31
Outdoor and indoor indie and social movies, family-friendly spaces, screen classics, experimental cinema, archival & avant-garde programs.
Theater
July 29 – August 3
From $25 (via Kimmel Cultural Campus)
The Broadway musical based on Tim Burton’s cult-classic film brings mayhem, music, and mischief to the stage — with over-the-top effects, catchy songs, and wicked humor.

Place:
Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
August 8–17
Price: $15–$25
A tender story of a Dublin street musician and the woman who believes in his songs. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, Once is a heartfelt musical about love, loss, and the redemptive power of music.

Place:
New Light Theatre, 1601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE (45 min from Philly)
Workshops & Skills
August 4
Free
Create colorful, themed collages using magazines and books. Bring your own supplies or use provided materials. Great for teens, adults, and seniors looking to explore creative expression.

Place:
Fishtown Community Library, 1217 E Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA
🔗 Details: Free Library of Philadelphia events calendar
August 7
$7
Join mosaic artist Eve Miller for a relaxing outdoor workshop creating butterfly-themed mosaics using natural and recycled materials. All ages welcome!

Place:
Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA
August 12
6:30 PM
$11
Hosted by historian and writer Jonathan Square, this event dives into Philadelphia’s antebellum Black communities through archival research and visual storytelling. Expect an evening of rich cultural context, hidden histories, and a deeper look at Black visual culture.

Place:
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
August 21
$55
A professional development session for artists on how to plan, pitch, and execute solo art exhibitions with curatorial confidence and clarity.

Place:
Online
August
Looking to deepen your creativity this August? Main Line Art Center in Haverford offers a wide range of hands-on art classes for adults of all experience levels. In a bright and welcoming studio space, you can immerse yourself in:
Watercolor painting
Acrylics and oil techniques
Figure drawing
Mixed media collage
Ceramics and sculpture
Photography & digital arts
Whether you're a beginner or returning artist, the August schedule includes multi-week courses, drop-in workshops, and evening intensives — all led by professional artists and instructors.

Place:
746 Panmure Rd, Haverford, PA 19041
🔗 View the full class list
August 22
$30 – $40
Discover the traditional Palestinian group dance Dabke in a welcoming community setting, led by performers from El Funoun dance troupe.

Place:
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, 3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA
MARKETS
August 1
Local artisans and makers sell candles, soaps, ceramics, jewelry, home goods and more

Place:
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
August 1
Food trucks, pop-up vendors, live music, and community fun along South Street between 9th & 11th streets.

August 2
Free
The Bearded Ladies Cabaret turn communal karaoke into queer musical theatre. It’s loud, fabulous, and open-hearted — come ready to belt your feelings

Place:
140 N. Columbus Blvd. (at Race St.) Philadelphia, PA 19106
August 2 12:00 PM to
August 3
12:00 PM
Free
A curated artisan bazaar supporting local Black, Indigenous, and creative entrepreneurs from Philadelphia. Shop handmade art, apparel, jewelry, home décor, vinyl, vintage goods, and more from vendors like The Sable Collective and SOOK Vinyl & Vintage. A vibrant, community-centered retail experience within the festival.

Place:
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
August 16
Free
Vintage and antique pop-up market including clothing, furniture, art, crafts by local vendors.

Place:
Headhouse Square, Philadelphia
August 30
Free
Seasonal night market at Richard Allen Prep on S 58th St, featuring food, crafts, and local vendors

Place:
2601 South 58th Street Philadelphia, PA 19143