It’s officially summertime! The Wawa Welcome America Festival is coming up this week, but there’s a lot more where that came from — here’s our monthly guide to the best July activities and events in Philadelphia.
🐉 Get Your Festival Game On
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square every evening this month (except July 4). Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with live performances, authentic food, and, of course, gigantic illuminated lanterns. Tickets start at $25 for adults, and your admission ticket will also get you discounted food at more than a dozen Chinatown restaurants. On certain days (including today!), there will also be giveaways for the first 500 guests.
And that’s not the only festival rocking Philly this month! Don’t miss the Ice Cream Festival on Filbert (July 13) and the adults-only Philadelphia Zoo’s Summer Ale Festival (July 20).
🍴 Check out University City’s ‘Restaurant Week’
More than 20 restaurants in UC are taking part in University City Dining Days July 18-28, offering three-course lunch and dinner meals at $20, $30, and $40 price points. Hey Philly editor Asha Prihar has her eye on Sabrina’s Cafe and Dim Sum House by Jane G’s. Check out the website for the full list of restaurants and what they’re offering.
🍿 Channel Your Inner Nicholas Cage
It’s the 20th anniversary of the action-adventure film “National Treasure,” so what better time to go behind the scenes with franchise experts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black — just one door down from Independence Hall, no less? At this interactive lecture on July 6 exploring Philly filming secrets and other history tidbits, you’ll also have the opportunity to get a signed copy of their book, “National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy.” This event is free, but you’ll need to register in advance.
Want more of an offbeat Nicholas Cage-inspired experience? Laurel Hill Cemetery is teaming up with the Philadelphia Film Society for Cinema in the Cemetery the evening of July 26. Come early for a pop-up market and movie trivia, then grab a drink and settle in for a showing of the 1989 dark comedy horror film “Vampire’s Kiss.”
