Local Specialties
Greater Philadelphia has many events and attractions that are entirely unique to the region. Come and celebrate our national independence in the very place where it began. Sunoco Welcome America is a weeklong birthday celebration leading up to the Fourth of July fireworks show. There are events for the entire family to enjoy, and best of all, there's no charge!
Spend New Year's Day in Philadelphia and you can't miss them: Mummers. Area residents ring each New Year with the famous Mummers Parade. Often described as Philadelphia's version of Mardi Gras, the parade features comics, string bands, floats, and, of course, Mummers strutting along Broad Street in extravagant costumes.
The Manayunk Arts Festival occurs each June and is the largest outdoor arts and crafts show in Greater Philadelphia. During this two-day jubilee, tables and tents line Manayunk's Main Street with hundreds of artists exhibiting their creativity and style. Most boutiques and galleries along Main Street stay open for strolling shoppers. Live entertainment and food vendors are also a big part of the festival. For a more off beat celebration, make your best vulture costume and head down to Wenonah, Gloucester County for the annual East Coast Vulture Festival, which honors the approximately 200 vultures that make their home in the town during the winter.
Philadelphia has many distinctive community and civic initiatives that create a communal sense of achievement. The Mural Arts Program is responsible for more than 2,700 indoor and outdoor murals in Philadelphia. The program offers art instruction to area residents, as well as at homeless shelters and recreational centers. The murals express the personality and diversity of Philadelphia, and help keep our city looking beautiful. Philadelphia Green is the nation's most comprehensive program for urban garden spaces. It supports the development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood parks and high-profile public green spaces as a tool for community building.
Want to do a little traveling —maybe a long weekend or perhaps an overnight getaway? Well, Greater Philadelphians have almost too much to choose from! In the winter, ski the slopes in the Pocono Mountains, just a short two-hour drive from the region. When the weather is warm, head "down the shore" to New Jersey communities like Ocean City, Sea Isle and Avalon for a swim or a walk down the boardwalk. And Atlantic City's casinos are exciting to visit any time of year! New York City is less than two hours from Greater Philadelphia. Head south from Philadelphia and you can visit the sites at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, only an hour and 45 minutes away. Or take in the scenery in our nation's capital — Washington, D.C. is just three hours south by car.
Looking for an insider's guide to cultural attractions in the area? Visit www.gophila.com for up-to-date information on regional highlights as well as weekly specials. Another terrific resource for entertainment information is www.phillyfunguide.com, which provides a calendar of area events and discounted cultural opportunities.
For the most up-to-date information on regional events and attractions, refer to the Philadelphia Inquirer and philly.com. www.digphilly.com is also a great resource. Additionally, both the Philadelphia Weekly and City Paper are free weeklies that contain information about regional happenings!
Also see "Scenic & Leisurely Travel" in the Transportation section.