April Weekends in Philly Are All About Rooftop Bars and Outdoor Festivals

Fun things to do in Philly this weekend (and every weekend throughout the month).

Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Frozen drinks at PHS Pop-Up Gardens. | Photo courtesy of PHS Pop-Up Gardens
Frozen drinks at PHS Pop-Up Gardens. | Photo courtesy of PHS Pop-Up Gardens

Are seasonal allergies making your eyes water or are you just really happy it’s spring? The first full month of the season brings lots of Bs: baseball, beer, and Bok Bar. Also notable: WrestleMania 40 comes to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time in 25 years. If you can’t make it down to the stadiums for any of this month’s pro athletics, Philly's sports bars and venues have your viewing needs covered. If you’re looking to take advantage of the spring weather, take a little road trip to one (or many) of the most most beautiful places in Pennsylvania.

For more things to do on weekends in April, read on. We update this Weekend Guide each month, so be sure to check back often.

Things to Do in Philadelphia This Weekend
Photo courtesy of PHS Pop Up Garden at Manayunk

Drinking events in Philly

Ongoing
Fishtown, Free entry
Bringing the brewery vibe to the wine space, Mural City Cellars’ brand-new Fishtown space is welcoming with its cozy furniture setup, build-your-own charcuterie boards, and their easy-drinking wines. Don’t miss the Pet-Nat Blanc, Chambourcin, and the Summer Vermouth. They’re hosting a wine tasting class on April 27 where you’ll sample wines without knowing the varietal.

Ongoing
South Street and Manayunk, Free entry
The lush beer gardens operated by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society are officially open for business. The pet-friendly spaces are full of repurposed plants from the PHS Flower Show, like colorful wall flowers, witch alder, grape hyacinth, daffodil, thread leaf bluestar, and foamflower, among other plants, and string lights. On the menu are frozen cocktails, local beers, nachos, sandwiches, and more. Hit up either the South Street garden or the Manayunk one for equally great vibes.

Starting April 11
Wharton, Free entry
It’s officially rooftop bar season when Bok Bar opens their doors. The watering hole on the 8th floor of the former technical school kicks off its 2024 season on April 11 for a summer full of picturesque views and refreshing drinks. Hang tight for the rollout of their full events calendar—in years past it’s included drag brunches, craft nights, yoga, and family-friendly activities.

April 27, 12 pm
Norristown, PA, $60
The Norristown microbrewery is hosting their very first local beer festival, where you can taste samples from Attic Brewing, Second Sin, Human Robot, La Cabra, and, of course, von C. Aside from the beer, barbecue and live music are on the docket.

April 27, 1 pm
Rittenhouse Square, $65
The drink of the century—the margarita—is on display during the Philly Margarita March. Your ticket gets you eight margs from venues like Tabu, Level Up, Raven Lounge, and Wicked Wolf. Check-in is at Ladder 15 between 1 pm and 3 pm. Other than that, no rules! Choose your own tequila-fueled adventure.

Things to Do in Philadelphia This Weekend
Photo courtesy of Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia

Outdoor events in Philly

April 1314
West Fairmount Park, Free admission
Marking what is arguably the most picturesque time of year—peak cherry blossom bloom—is the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, held at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center and Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The weekend honors Japanese arts and culture with live musical performances, a Japanese fashion walk, traditional dance performances, Japanese tea ceremonies, and a beer garden (with karaoke on Saturday). For even more, check out the calligraphy booth, matcha whisking, and a cosplay contest.

April 20, noon
Fairmount Park West, Free with admission
The Philadelphia Zoo honors the Hindu festival Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, with a daylong celebration. The holiday is typically marked by a color-throwing ceremony, so expect a rainbow of colored powders to be tossed into the sky. The day also promises Indian music, dancing, food, and performances by artists from Philadelphia’s vibrant Indian American community.

April 21, 11 am
Manayunk, Free admission
Manayunk’s biggest food festival brings over 70 food trucks and vendors to Main Street for a day of great eats. Everything from lobster and cannoli to dumplings and crepes will be on offer. Plus, live music, and shopping vendors like Bambino Glassware, Expect Lace, and Wild Raven Boutique. Just a heads up: The event is on rain or shine.

April 27, 11 am
Chinatown, Free admission
Sure, Franklin Square is technically open year-round, but spring is really when the fun gets going. Today’s opening day sees the return of the fountain water and light show and free rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel. Grab a burger and shake from SquareBurger, putt-putt your way through the Philly Mini Golf course, and let the kids run wild on the playground.

April 28, 11 am
East Passyunk, Free admission
One of the premiere events on East Passyunk, Flavors on the Avenue brings the neighborhood’s diverse food purveyors to the street for a lively day of grubbing and shopping. Restaurants will dole out one-day-only specials while dozens of area boutiques will host sidewalk sales. Plus, a massive craft market, live music, and kids' activities.

Things to Do in Philadelphia This Weekend
Citizens Bank Park | Photo credit: Hunter Martin via Getty Images

Sports events in Philly

April 6–7
Stadium Complex, $130 and up
WWE is coming to Lincoln Financial Field for the world’s biggest pro wrestling event. Thousands of fans will pack the stadium to see WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defend his title against the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes. (Plus a tag team match of Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins versus Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Reigns.) Will you be one of them?

April 12–14, 19–21
Stadium Complex, $25 and up
Nothing feels more correct than baseball at Citizens Bank Park in April. The Phils welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates for four games mid-month (three of which are weekend games) and the Chicago White Sox for three games the following weekend.

April 12, 14
Stadium Complex, $26 and up
The Sixers close out their regular season (hopefully with Joel Embiid) with two more home weekend games this month at Wells Fargo Center. Their penultimate game is Friday, April 12 against the Orlando Magic. Their final regular season game sees the Sixers with home-court advantage against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, April 14. Odds are good we’ll see the team in the playoffs, so stay tuned.

April 13, 5 pm
Stadium Complex, $69 and up
The Flyers close their regular season with one home game this month: on Saturday, April 13. Will it be a lucky day when they take on the New Jersey Devils? Chances are good we’ll see the Flyers on the ice during the Stanley Cup playoffs, so don’t wash your jerseys just yet.

April 2527
University City, $26 and up
Did you know Philly hosts the country’s oldest and largest track and field meet every year? The Penn Relays feature high school, collegiate, and masters races in 4x400, distance medley, pole vault, and more. Grab a seat in the stands at Franklin Field and watch some of the fastest athletes in the country race.

April 27, 7:30 pm
Chester, PA, $39 and up
Sons of Ben, unite! Only one home game at Subaru Park this month: on Saturday, April 27 against Real Salt Lake. You better cheer extra loud.

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Allie Volpe is a writer based in Philadelphia. She hasn't slept in days. Follow her on Twitter: @allieevolpe.