Saturday, Jul 18, 2026
1,200 Harry Potter Drones, a Free Jazz Fest, and Two Movie Nights
It's peak summer, so this week leans free and outdoor: a West Philly jazz festival that's been going 20 years (with a kids' drumming circle) and two movie nights out on the grass. And if you're up for a short drive and a splurge, there's a thousand-plus-drone Harry Potter show lighting up the sky over Chester.
Big energy
Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival
Saturday · Noon-7 PM
Saunders Park Greene · West Philadelphia · · All ages
🟢Just show up · free and outdoor, so bring water, sunscreen, and a blanket for the lawn
West Philly's Lancaster Avenue jazz festival turns 20 this year, and it's built for families, not just jazz heads. There's a children's activity village and a community drumming circle running right alongside the main stage. The music goes all afternoon and closes with saxophonist Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet, part of a tribute to John Coltrane, who got his start a few miles north in Strawberry Mansion. Free, rain or shine; come hungry for the food trucks.
View details →Free
Movie Night: Hoppers at Hope Park
Friday · 7 PM
Hope Park · Kensington · · All ages
🟢Just show up · bring a blanket and bug spray; it starts right at 7, not at dusk
The city's free Movies in Philly Parks series screens the animated Hoppers at Hope Park on Friday. Unlike most park screenings, this one starts right at 7 instead of waiting for dark, so you can get the kids home closer to a normal bedtime. Grab a patch of grass and bring snacks.
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