The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania is ready for it. The crowds won't stop at the stadium as fan zones across PA will bring the World Cup to every corner of the Commonwealth. Philadelphia's Lemon Hill hosts the free FIFA Fan Festival™ for all 39 days of the tournament. And Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton are hosting their own Pennsylvania FIFA Fan Zones for select matches.
Beyond the pitch, Philadelphia and the surrounding region deliver an experience all on their own. This is your ultimate guide to off-field adventures in PA.
Celebrate America's 250th at the Wawa Welcome America Festival (June 19 – July 4)
Philadelphia knows how to throw a party, and this two-week-long celebration is proof. During the Wawa Welcome America Festival, dozens of free events fill the city, including museum days, parades, and concerts from performers like Idina Menzel, Queen Latifah, Eve, and Kirk Franklin. The festival wraps with a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a fireworks finale. There's no better place to mark 250 years of America than the city where it all began. Check out our getaway guide for more ideas on how to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in PA.
Explore the Manayunk Arts Festival (June 27-28)
Just outside Philadelphia, the Manayunk Arts Festival is free and open to the public. The neighborhood, less than a 15 minute drive from Lemon Hill, fills with creativity and color as artists work across eight disciplines: fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Between galleries, Manayunk's renowned restaurants are ready to keep you well-fed. Unique boutiques and shops line the streets for those looking to browse and buy.
Walk through 250 Years of American art
“A Nation of Artists” is a once-in-a-generation exhibition celebrating 250 years of American creativity. Three remarkable collections unite across two iconic Philadelphia institutions for this landmark show. For one ticket, guests can visit both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to see more than a thousand works on display, including over 120 masterworks from the private Middleton Family Collection.
Spend a day at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
A full summer day comes together in the Lehigh Valley with rides, slides, and plenty in between. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, about one hour from Philadelphia, is one of the Northeast’s largest theme parks, with over 60 rides, a water park, and Planet Snoopy to keep younger visitors busy. It's the perfect family day trip between matches.
Take a day trip to Bucks County
Take a day trip to Bucks County, less than an hour’s drive or an easy train ride from downtown Philadelphia, and spend the day exploring charming small towns where walkable main streets are lined with local shops, restaurants, and plenty of character. In Doylestown, the Cultural District brings together art, history, and independent boutiques. New Hope leans livelier, with restaurants, bars, and riverfront views along the Delaware River. For shopping, Peddler’s Village offers a mix of specialty stores, while Bristol’s Mill Street is known for antiques and collectibles.
Around the Fourth of July, Washington Crossing Historic Park offers visitors a chance to step into the story of the nation’s founding. Living historians, a recreated military encampment, and readings of the Declaration of Independence bring the moment to life.
Explore Philadelphia's walkable neighborhoods on foot
Philadelphia has been named the “Most Walkable City to Visit” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards three years running, and it shows. The best way to experience the city is on foot, with neighborhoods that each bring something different.
Fishtown and Northern Liberties are go-to spots for independent shops, busy restaurants, and a creative energy that carries from day into night. It’s the kind of area where you can spend hours moving from one place to the next without a plan.
In Chestnut Hill, the pace shifts. Known as Philadelphia’s “Garden District,” this historic neighborhood sits at the northwestern edge of the city, just above Wissahickon Valley Park. Germantown Avenue anchors the area, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and local businesses, while nearby trails and green spaces are never far from reach.
Play pickup soccer at FDR Park
FDR Park sits right next to Philadelphia Stadium, where all the World Cup action is happening. It's the perfect spot to keep the soccer spirit going between matches. Lace up, find a game, and play where the world's best are competing just steps away.
Visit Lancaster County for a true Farm-to-Table experience
Lancaster County, 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, is home to the oldest Amish communities in the country, and a visit here is unlike anything else on this list. Timeless traditions, farm-fresh food, and handcrafted goods define the Pennsylvania Dutch Country experience. Plan an overnight stay and find the perfect Lancaster hotel or cozy bed and breakfast. The genuine warmth of the community makes it a destination worth more than a quick stop.
Experience a classic summer film at the oldest operating drive-in movie theater in the world
Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre is the oldest operating drive-in movie theater in the world, and a summer night here is quintessentially Pennsylvania. Pull in, tune the radio, and settle in for a film under the open sky. It's simple, nostalgic, only an hour from Philadelphia, and one of the best ways to spend an evening.
Want more PA trip inspiration? Check out the full lineup of 2026 events that promise to keep the party rolling all year long.