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City Cast Philly

Alisha Miranda

Philadelphia knows world-class dining and entertainment. We also like to combine the two, with venues serving dinner while hosting jazz nights, cabaret, piano shows, and even opera performances.

Need a unique idea for a night out? This is our guide to see jazz, cabaret, and DJs while dining.

, with a history spanning over 100 years, has been revived and now hosts free 

 every Sunday. Reserve a table in the main dining room where blues and jazz performers share the stage under a grand mezzanine from 6 to 9 p.m. Rex offers a full menu of coastal Southern cuisine during performances. Don’t miss their fried green tomatoes, catfish and waffles, or signature shrimp and grits.

The Library Bar inside The Rittenhouse Hotel

 | 210 W. Rittenhouse Square (Rittenhouse)

Sultry music, leather chairs, and vintage books make for an intimate evening at The Library Bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Here, vocalists and solo musicians perform jazz renditions from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Order a classic cocktail inspired by “The Great Gatsby,”

like the Hemingway daiquiri, to learn why this bar is consistently ranked among the best in the city.

This 50-seat candlelit bar is known for creative cocktails, comforting tavern fare, and jazz trios who perform here every Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (and sometimes on Monday nights). No tickets or reservations are required. The good vibes continue upstairs in their sister bar, 

 that welcomes vinyl lovers and live musicians.

This lively Japanese izakaya, a sister restaurant of Queen Village’s 

, now hosts a live jazz series inspired by New York’s Tomi Jazz on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m., featuring rotating food and drink specials under $20. No reservations, and first-come, first-served. Come here after work to watch from a table or the bar rail as jazz duos perform in front of the Sansom Street-facing window in the side dining room.

 also hosts free jazz performances on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A roaring fireplace, wood-paneled walls, a stiff martini, and a plate of fries hit different here.

 is the only Philadelphia restaurant where you can watch Broadway stars perform cabaret numbers up close. Dinner begins between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and includes a three-course meal followed by an intimate musical experience featuring award-winning actresses, singers, composers, and jazz pianists. 

 ‘70s-sound lounge are more your vibe, Percy has you covered. DJs spin records here several times a week, typically starting at 6 p.m. on weeknights and 9 p.m. on weekends. Tickets range from free to $10 per person, depending on the event. Eat dinner from the diner-inspired menu in the main restaurant beforehand, then enjoy a post-dinner drink inside the lounge.

😋 Plus, where to listen to opera while you eat!

Need a unique idea for a night out? Check out our guide to see jazz and cabaret while dining.

Best Dinner and a Show Experiences in Philadelphia

Where To Have Dinner and a Show in Philly

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 may be a fun group activity, but aren’t everyone’s speed. If you’re looking for something more flashy but still competitive, arcades in the Philly area offer excitement and sometimes a chance to win a prize. Whether you’re looking for classic pinball machines or to hop in the driver’s seat, play on at these arcades.

This Formula 1 Racing establishment is the newest addition to Philly’s gaming ecosystem. Channel Lewis Hamilton and rally with your friends in 80 full-motion racing simulators. And if you’re feeling hungry, enjoy some wagyu burgers or chipotle tiger shrimp tacos from the menu.

Barcade credits itself with introducing the arcade-bar combination to several cities in the U.S., including Philly. Gamers and beer-lovers can visit locations in Fishtown and Center City and play games from Donkey Kong to Street Fighter to Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker.

📍 1001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Located inside the Fashion District, this arcade is decked out with claw machines and memorable games like Dance Dance Revolution. There’s also bowling and karaoke.

This well-known entertainment chain is a tried and true option for a night out with friends. Rock out with Guitar Hero or play Mario Kart at their Fishtown location on the Delaware River Waterfront or in Northeast Philly at the Franklin Mall.

This entertainment center in University City is filled with family-friendly activities. Enjoy classics like Ms. Pac-Man, air hockey, and pinball while earning prizes along.

An alternative option for adults in University City, this beer hall and game parlor offers drafts, cocktails, food, and wines with games like shuffleboard, skeeball, and other arcade classics. Are you good at trivia? Swing by Quizzo on Tuesdays.

Known for its extensive board and card game library, this restaurant also houses a basement video game arcade.

Whether or not you’re the next Tiger Woods, this place will make you feel just as competitive. Locations in Fishtown, Rittenhouse, and Logan Square offer vibrant, arcade-mode golfing simulators for all levels of play.

Sesame Place isn’t the only spot to have fun in Langhorne. The game gallery offers a range of classic arcade games, and hosts both pinball tournaments and a co-ed pinball league.

If you’re really searching for the classic arcade experience, head to Malvern. The Pinball Gallery has over 100 pinball machines, arcade games, and old-school console games to play. And the best part, no quarters needed!

From air hockey to racing games, Philly’s arcades will feed your competitive spirit. 


Best Arcades and Simulators in Philly

Play and Win at These Philly Arcades 

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

The biggest bash in July is Independence Day, but the party doesn’t stop on July 4. From movies-in-the-park to street fests to free boating, here’s how to have fun and stay refreshed this month.

 on July 1 at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Carpenter’s Hall, and Paul Robeson Museum; on July 2 at The Mütter Museum; on July 3 at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Historic St. George’s Museum & Archives; and on July 4 at Cliveden of the National Trust, Fireman’s Hall Museum, and Arch Street Meeting House.

Philadelphia’s Historic District is kicking off Independence Day festivities with its 

. July 2 will be filled with a flag-raising ceremony at the Betsy Ross House, extended hours at attractions, and an 

Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert

 is headlined by LL Cool J and Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

The city has pools and spraygrounds open at parks and playgrounds across Philadelphia. 

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can participate in free boating activities at 

If you’re willing to pay a little extra, the Independence Seaport Museum has 

 Fridays through Sundays. You can also opt for a 

 on the Delaware River on July 5 for $75.

From paddleboarding to whitewater kayaking, the Philadelphia Canoe Club is hosting 

Gone fishing? The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership is offering free fishing lessons on July 1, July 8, July 23, July 26, and July 29 in neighboring Montgomery County. Find all events on its 

What’s a better way to celebrate Independence Day than watching “Independence Day”? The July 1 screening is part of an ongoing 

 right on Independence Mall. Pre-show activities start at 5:30 p.m.

Park Friends Groups across Philadelphia are hosting 

outdoor screenings at their neighborhood parks

 throughout the summer. Enjoy movies under the stars from “Paddington in Peru” to “The Wild Robot.”

 programming through July. Catch a movie Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings at Cira Green.

🛍️ Shop at These Markets, Pop-Ups, and Sidewalk Sales

 summer tradition is taking place July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31 with pop-up vendors, live art demos, and music.

 returns this month on July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The market will take over Frankford and Cottman Avenues with music from The Great Scott Band.

 with Fleisher Art Memorial wraps up its stay at Cherry Street Pier on July 19 from noon to 5 p.m.

 is back on 2nd Street between Fairmount Avenue and Laurel Street on July 23.

. Between July 25 and July 27, stroll and shop for deals from the neighborhood’s small businesses.

If you’re searching for some additional family-friendly fun, 

 is taking place July 13 with the theme “The Place Where Art Meets Hope.”

Celebrate and learn about North Philly’s African American and Puerto Rican communities at Scribe Video Center’s 

. The four-day festival will take place between July 24 and July 27 with free programming at neighborhood parks and cultural centers.

🍽️ Take a Break From Manning the BBQ

Sip on some cocktails as you watch the Founding Fathers debate the country’s independence. The immersive experience will demonstrate to guests what happened at the First Continental Congress and what it took to found the United States. 

 launches July 2 and will proceed every Thursday from July 3 to August 28.

Taste the menu from Mt. Airy’s small business community at 

. The 7100 and 7200 blocks of Germantown Avenue will be closed to traffic for a community dinner, live music, and activities for the kids on July 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rain date is July 16.

Reading Terminal Market’s Ice Cream Festival

 on Filbert Street. The pay-as-you-go event on July 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. will have a multitude of flavors to pick from in and outside the market, along with live demonstrations and DJ performances.

Aperol Spritz fans can band together for 

 at Cafe Click on July 17. The citrus experience will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Philadelphia Zoo’s promising a wild time at its 

 on July 19. This 21+ event will have over 100 award-winning craft beers, ciders, hard iced teas, and hard seltzers, plus local food trucks.

 all month long in its Stoner Courtyard. Hear the musical stylings of the West Philadelphia Orchestra, Vertical Current, Los Bomberoes de la Calle, and Malidelphia.

Lucy Dacus, Remi Wolf, and Magdalena Bay are taking the stage at the 

Spruce Street Harbor Park’s summer concert series

 continues July 26 with a performance from Bartees Strange.

July’s full of fireworks, aquatic activities, and summer jam sessions. 

Your Guide to Philadelphia in July 2025

How to Spend July 2025 in Philly

Table-top games are a great way to bond with friends, strategize, and ease some boredom. Whether you’re into classic board games like Clue or roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, there’s something for everybody looking for friendly competition. Here are the best places in the city to have a game night.

A convenient spot for nearby college students, The Board and Brew is home to over 700 games right in University City. The game board cafe also has an expansive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. So no matter what time of day you’re coming to play, you can chow down on vegetarian chorizo tacos, buttermilk fried chicken thighs, or double dark chocolate cake.

Located within alternative music store Digital Underground, Dark Depths Games specializes in Magic the Gathering and Warhammer. You can purchase cards and miniatures from its brick-and-mortar or online shop. If you’re looking for in-person gaming events, join the shop’s Discord server to stay updated.

The library has more than just books in its collection! Branches across the system host board game nights for all ages. Keep an eye on the 

 for upcoming events. Is your local branch missing? Reach out to staff with your idea for a game night.

Whether you’re looking to buy board games, trading cards, accessories, or geeky gifts, The Philly Game Shop has it all. In addition to its expansive collection for purchase, the shop hosts weekly, unplugged gaming experiences in its space. Swing by for table-top RPG night, miniature painting, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.

Queen & Rook is the perfect spot for parties with more than 1,000 games to pick from, whether you’re looking for something more collaborative or competitive. Its menu is vegetarian-friendly with plant-based and gluten-free Korean and Latin inspired cuisine. If digital games are more up your alley, the cafe now has an arcade in its lower level. Queen & Rook also has dedicated 

Since opening its doors in 2009, Red Cap’s Corner founder Benn Roe wanted to create an inclusive space and not have to travel to the suburbs to game. The store hosts 

A newer addition to the gaming scene, Rune Hammer opened in the East Kensington section of the city in late 2024. Part bookstore, part gaming hangout, Rune Hammer is perfect for fans of sci-fi and fantasy.

As the name might suggest, BUBS (Breakfast/Boardgames Under Berks Station) is designed to be that elusive third space in Philly. There’s no kitchen, but you can bring your own snacks, and pricing is per table. Check their Instagram page for 

Kick back and relax (or flip the board in frustration) at game night at these Philly gaming spaces.

Where To Play Board Games in Philly

Best Board Game Cafes and Game Rooms in Philly

Block parties are a staple summer tradition in Philly, with partiers line dancing in the streets, cooks throwing hot dogs on the grill, and folks cooling off in the 

. A piece of string and an array of cones blocking off a residential street isn’t an uncommon sight this time of year, but hosting a block party comes with certain requirements. Here’s how to plan your celebration without any problems from the city.

You’ll need 75% of households (and apartment complexes) on the block to sign a petition to get a block party approved. You just need one adult signature per household.

Make sure you have a clear date and time for the event listed on the petition. Block parties are allowed between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., but can't go longer than eight hours. The party can take place on weekends, approved weekdays, and holidays.

This is a great way to get to know your neighbors, so get ready to knock on some doors. Leave a note if no one answers.

 to help break the ice or see what additional support is available.

Getting things done through the city can sometimes be a slow process, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to apply to close your street for the block party. You can 

You can also pick up or drop off an application at the Municipal Services Building concourse.

Plan to turn your application in at least 21 days before your event to save money ($25 instead of $60). If you want to host a block party on a weekday, however, you’ll have to cough up $150 regardless of when you submit your application.

From there, your application will go to your local police district for review. 

, it’ll then be transferred to the Streets Department to check for impacts on traffic or potential construction. Once you receive final approval, you can make the required payment. You should then receive your permit within two weeks of your event. Call (215) 686-5500 to track the status of your application.

Get Special Permits Before Adding Additional Attractions

Before you rent that bouncy house, dunk tank, or giant waterslide, you may want to pause. These types of carnival attractions require a special permit from the 

After you get support from your neighbors to have the party, don’t lose their trust. Make sure to stay on top of the whole process.

People can be forgetful. Be sure to post signs promoting the event and noting its start and end time.

Have a game plan when it comes to trash. Assign designated areas for trash and recyclables to be disposed of, and consider assigning someone to collect litter throughout the day. You’ll also want to be mindful of your block's trash collection schedule when selecting what day to host the event.

Music is a given when it comes to parties, but be sure to keep noise levels under control and abide by the 

Cars can be a hurdle when it comes to block parties. Drivers aren’t obligated to move their vehicles, but it can create more room in the street and lessen the risk of damage if they do. Coordinate with neighbors the night before regarding relocating cars, and be mindful of vehicles still parked on the street when the party starts. The street, however, must remain accessible to the following:

People who must drive on the street to conduct normal daily activities

Make folks feel welcome. Ask your neighbors if there is any way they’d like to contribute to the event. And finally, consider music, games, and activities that are likely to be enjoyed by everyone who lives on your block.

Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors. Here’s how to do it legally in Philly. 


Your Guide to Throwing a Block Party in Philadelphia

How To Throw a Block Party in Philly

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

It’s no secret that Philly has an explosive arts scene. But it can be difficult to get your turn in the spotlight. So new production company is helping to give playwrights a chance for their works to come to life.

Lemonade Stand is taking a do-it-yourself approach to its rough-around-the-edges production style.

“It's no frills, just show up and get the kind of thing that you need – in and out, quick and enjoyable,” said Lemonade Stand founder A.J. Bloomfield said. “And so it's low stakes. It's punchy, it's vibrant, it's just lemonade. It’s homemade.”

Bloomfield graduated just last spring from Drexel University with a degree in entertainment production and design. While it may seem ambitious to start a production company straight out of college, Bloomfield is no stranger to taking a leap of faith. Having originally studied mechanical and electrical engineering, Bloomfield took a step back and asked himself: “Well, what do I really want to focus on?”

’s origins are in a senior capstone project in which students had to produce a full-length play, taking it from page to stage with readings, workshops, and a weeklong run at Plays & Players Theatre near Rittenhouse Square.

“It made me realize just how many incredibly talented people are in Philly post-graduation, in this weird middle ground between collegiate theater and training for their actual careers,” Bloomfield said.

Bloomfield was inspired to help place talent in Philly’s arts community. He joked that it used to be that everyone graduated from the University of the Arts and then started their own theater company – but then the pandemic interrupted that trajectory and the University of the Arts closed. This upheaval underscored the need for a space like Lemonade stand.

“Being able to create that community and create opportunities for early career artists especially — and while you're doing that create some new work and say some new things and see some shows that no one's ever seen before — is definitely a privilege,” Bloomfield said.

So what kind of productions can you expect from Lemonade Stand? “It's not going to be as polished a finished product as you're going to get at these regional theaters, but you're going to get the new kids on the block coming and serving up something that they think is really cool and interesting,” he said.

Lemonade Stand is now nearing completion of its debut season, which had three main productions.

 took to the stage for four nights this past March at Horan Studio Theatre. The one-act play by Liv Hershey is a dramedy following the lives of four friends as life throws obstacles in their paths. In May, two nights were dedicated to 

, with selections and excerpts from local upcoming playwrights. 

The last production to close out the season is 

 which represents a full circle moment for Bloomfield since that was the play he produced as part of his senior capstone project. Written by Liv Shoup, the play follows two West Philly roommates navigating life’s failures. It’s inspired by the team’s own experiences of transitioning into life post-college and getting through “these really stupid wrenches that are thrown at you,” from grad school and job searches to relationships.

“[It’s] all these very simple problems that everyone goes through, but it's fun to dramatize and make fun of it,” Bloomfield said. “The catalyst was making something that was about this period of life and accepting failure and finding your kind of family through that. It's very much made in a way that you're supposed to see yourself on stage, and that's really comforting.”

Lemonade Stand is already committed to four productions for the next season.

“I don't want the Lemonade Stand to become the next regional theater in Philly; I'm not trying to make it into something that is not,” Bloomfield said. “Our personal goal with the Lemonade Stand is to create a home for this community of new work and of new artists, and eventually ... find some successors and find a home that it can live in more permanently, and let it continue to grow past us.”

If you’re interested in showcasing your work, 

Tickets to Lemonade Stand’s productions are $20 for the general public, and $15 for students and industry professionals. “Girlfails” will run at Theater Exile from July 10 to 19. Tickets can be 

Lemonade Stand is providing a stage for Philly’s creative community stuck in limbo. 


New Production Company Creates Home for Philly Playwrights and Debut Works

Lemonade Stand Serves Up Punchy Projects From Philly Playwrights

“Southwest Center City,” “South of South,” “So-So,” and “G-Ho” are some of the varying names that one may call Philly’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood. The name originates from the medical facility of the same name that's no longer in operation, but like many things in Philly, we like to call things by their old names (The Gallery, Market East Station, Wells Fargo Center).

Graduate Hospital was originally a Swedish settlement, with different immigrant groups occupying the area over time. The Great Migration saw many 

African Americans moving to Philadelphia, especially the 7th Ward

. During the early 20th century, a stretch of Christian Street was home to 

 – six residential blocks where prominent Black doctors, pastors, lawyers, and other professionals lived. Over on South Street, the Royal Theater was a prominent entertainment venue during the Black Renaissance. It has since been redeveloped and is now occupied by a restaurant, cafe, and bottle shop called 

Graduate Hospital’s boundaries are South Street to the north, Broad Street to the east, Washington Avenue to the south, and all the way to the Schuylkill River to the west. It includes the Naval Square gated residential community, where the U.S. had its first naval academy nearly 200 years ago.

Graduate Hospital’s commercial corridor is anchored by the west side of South Street, with a smattering of businesses around other sections of the relatively quaint and quiet neighborhood.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not grab some at 

? Located on the corner of 15th and South Streets, this restaurant mixes American-style breakfast with Vietnamese cuisine. Some menu favorites include Dau Phu (tofu) and Eggs Bowl, Chao Ga (chicken broth rice porridge), and Thit Ko Hash (sunny eggs with pulled pork, jalapeños, cheddar, and homefries). Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

 is inspired by Down Under and will have you antsy to try its veggie hash, maple bacon sandwich, and cheesesteak benedict.

 has been a staple dive on South Street since 1969. Drop $5 on The Special (which it invented) of PBR and Jim Beam, perform at karaoke night, and experience what might be the longest-running drag show in the city on Thursday nights.

One of the neighborhood’s newest restaurant additions is among the city’s most unique. 

 combines Cameroonian flavors and French influences with a mouth-watering menu that includes ratatouille and suya lamb brochettes.

 just opened this past Mother’s Day. Most of the boutique and café’s accessories, trinkets, and clothing are made by Philly artists. The shop will have a charm bar and host paint & sips, drag storytime, and other community events.

 is your stop for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. If you need something repaired, this store has you covered.

 is a charming jewelry boutique, with a studio space for makers to host workshops. Right outside is a converted newspaper box where you can grab free art, stickers, and zines.

If your wardrobe needs a refresh, stop by 

 and find some second-hand gems for your closet.

. The Philadelphia opera singer broke the color barrier and became the first Black singer to perform at the New York Metropolitan Opera. In 1939, she entertained 75,000 in an outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Her home at 762 Martin Street was converted into a museum with memorabilia, books, and photos.

Every June, Graduate Hospital turns into a party with 

. The event, which takes over 16 city blocks across the neighborhood, is the largest African American street festival in the continent and has been going strong for 50 years.

If you’re looking for some green space, you can take a breather at 

, named after a prominent Black architect in Philly who was involved in the design of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its Friends of Julian Abele Park group keeps the space active with crafting and mending workshops, summer concerts, soccer for tots, and book swaps.

The Triangles is a reclaimed section of Grays Ferry Avenue that neighbors turned into a public meeting space where neighbors lounge around a late-1800s fountain that once served as a water trough for horses. You can grab a sweet treat at 

 right next to it and wait for the sun to go down as you listen to live music or watch a kids movie on an outdoor screen.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Pop-Up Garden

 is a great hideaway from the city, filled with funky floral vibes. Grab a cocktail and attend a plant workshop led by PHS.

Don’t be fooled by Graduate Hospital’s quiet appearance. With an array of boutique shops and quality restaurants, it’s far from “So-So.”


entertainment

Where To Have Dinner and a Show in Philly

Play and Win at These Philly Arcades

How to Spend July 2025 in Philly

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