30-Plus Things to Do This August Around Philadelphia’s Western Suburbs

From music festivals to the kick off of Hamilton’s Philadelphia residency, you won’t want to miss these events.

Screenings Under the Stars at Penn’s Landing

Thru Aug. 29, Philadelphia

Every Thursday night this August, the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing will show free family-friendly movies beginning at 8:30 p.m. The lineup features classics and new films such as Fighting With My Family, Clueless, Aquaman, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and Incredibles 2.

 

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Gateways to Nature

Thru Sept. 2, Media

Catch Tyler Arboretum’s latest exhibit, which highlights the works of local and regional artists throughout the 650-acre property.


Related: Tyler Arboretum Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Exhibition “Gateways to Nature”


Photo By Jonathan Pulley Museum of Pop Culture.

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

Thru Sept. 2, Philadelphia

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It’s the final month to catch the Franklin Institute’s 15,000-square-foot Marvel exhibit, which features over 300 costumes, props and other artifacts from the popular movie franchise.


Related: Here’s Your First Look at the Franklin Institute’s Marvel Exhibit


N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives

Thru Sept. 15, Chadds Ford

After attending the Howard Pyle School of Art in Wilmington, Del., renowned artist and illustrator N.C. Wyeth and his wife Coryln Breenman Bockius spent most of their time in Chadds Ford, Pa. That time is reflected in his myriad landscapes, portraits and still lifes, many of which will be on view at the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s exhibit, N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives.

 

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The Winery Comedy Tour at the Inn at Grace Winery

Aug. 2, Glen Mills

A troupe of acclaimed comedians will perform their stand-up routines at the idyllic Inn at Grace Winery, which will pour local wines during the event.

 

Linvilla Orchards’ Peach Festival

Aug. 3, Media

August is National Peach Month. To celebrate, Linvilla Orchards will host an all-day peach event, complete with face painting, performers and pick-your-own-peaches.

 

Connective Art and Music Festival

Aug. 3, Oxford

Oxford Arts Alliance and Oxford Mainstreet are teaming up for the second annual Connective Art and Music Festival, which benefits music classes for students.

 

Elmwood Park Zoo’s Summer STEM Bash

Aug. 4, Norristown

Kids can explore science, engineering, technology and math at this educational event, which offers experiments and meet and greets with zoo animals.

 

National Night Out Festival

Aug. 6, Wynnewood

Lower Merion will host its annual National Night Out Festival at the Wynnewood Shopping Center to honor police and community relations members. Family-friendly activities include a moon bounce, carnival rides, live musical performances and aan appearance by the Philly Phanatic.

 

Philadelphia Eagles Preseason Games

Aug. 8 & 22, Philadelphia

Kickoff football season early by cheering for the 2018 Super Bowl champions as they take on the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens during this year’s two preseason games at Lincoln Financial Field.

 

Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic

Aug. 10, West Chester

The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic rolls into West Chester, as riders in a range of ages compete for the title. There will also be a beer garden and community festival.

 

Fireworks and Fountains at Longwood Gardens

Aug. 10, Kennett Square

Longwood Gardens’ Fireworks and Fountains show this month features music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

 

Old Fiddlers’ Picnic

Aug. 10, Coatesville

Now in its 91st year, the Old Fiddlers’ Picnic returns to Hibernia Park with a day of live music, vendors, food and more.

 

Main Line Bike Race

Aug. 11, Ardmore

The third annual Main Line Bike Race benefits Narberth Ambulance and includes a beer garden, classic car exhibit and a kids fun zone.

 

United Sports 20th Anniversary Fireworks Show

Aug. 14, Downingtown

Can’t wait until Labor Day for more fireworks? Head to United Sports from 6-10 p.m. for a vibrant display, games, waterslides, a moon bounce and seasonal snacks like shaved ice and funnel cake.

 

Woodstock 50th Anniversary Celebration

Aug. 15, Ardmore

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, Ardmore Music Hall will host a concert with performances by Roosevelt Collier covering Jimi Hendrix and Chelsea Viacava and Friends covering Janis Joplin.

 

Night Market Philadelphia

Aug. 15, Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s night market series heads to Fairmount Avenue, bringing with it local delicacies. The four month-long traveling food festival was inspired by outdoor food markets in Asia, and features vendors from around the city.

 

Philadelphia Folk Festival

Aug. 15-18, Collegeville

A four-day music extravaganza, the Philadelphia Folk Festival will take place at Old Pool Farm. In addition to live tunes, there will also be dancing, crafts and kids activities.

 

Summer Love Music Fest

Aug. 17, Parkesburg

Downingtown’s Victory Brewing Company hosts an outdoor music festival from 12-6 p.m. at its Parkesburg taproom. Guests can sample drafts and barbecue dishes, plus play lawn games and enjoy live music.


Related: Your Guide to the Philadelphia Suburbs’ Breweries


Festival of Flight

Aug 17-18, Toughkenamon

The Festival of Flight returns to New Garden Flying Field, bringing with it a range of aerial performances, old school planes, flyovers and live music.

 

Summer Food Truck Throw Down

Aug. 17-18, Chadds Ford

Regional food trucks set up shop at Chaddsford Winery for a weekend filled with enough tasty food and wine to satisfy every craving. Tastings and wine flights will also be available.

 

Dining out for the Dogs

Aug. 19, Various locations

White Dog Café will host the third annual Dining out for the Dogs, along with WMMR’s Preston and Steve. The event, which takes place at the Haverford, Wayne and University City locations, includes raffles, cocktails, food and a puppy kissing booth. Proceeds benefit Alpha Bravo Canine.

 

Photo Courtesy of Universal Music Group Nashville

Country Spirit USA

Aug 23-25, Glenmoore

Country music stars take over the grounds of Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show for the second annual Country Spirit USA. Headliners include Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Lee Brice and Brothers Osborne.


Related: Country Spirit USA Announces 2019 Headliners


Brandywine in White

Aug. 24, TBA

Don white and await the secret location announcement for this Dîner en Blanc-inspired event, which will take place from 5:30-10 p.m.

 

Butterfly Festival

Aug. 24, Phoenixville

Colonial Gardens’ festival lets guests get up close to these magnificent creatures. It will hold two releases—one at 11:30 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. Look for speakers, plus food and craft vendors, as well.

 

Dog Day of Summer

Aug. 24, Manayunk

Get ready for lots of wagging tails at this all-day festival on the Levering Lot, where dogs and their owners can pose for pet portraits, show off their skills on the agility course and more. Pets will also be available for adoption.

 

Phoenixville Vegfest 2019

Aug. 24, Phoenixville

Vegan restaurants and vendors from all over the region will take over Phoenixville’s Reeves Park from 12-5 p.m. for this vegan-themed festival. Over 60 vendors will be in attendance, including Kimberton Whole Foods and Dia Doce Cupcakes.

 

The Wallflowers at the Keswick

Aug. 25, Glenside

Mid-1990s roots-rock revivalists The Wallflowers will take the stage at the Keswick.

 

Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre

Aug. 27 – Nov. 17, Philadelphia

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic Broadway hit, Hamilton, begins its Philadelphia residency this month at the Forrest Theatre. The edgy take on American founding father, Alexander Hamilton, earned the show a record-setting 16 Tony nominations, of which it won 11, plus the 2016 Pulitzer for Drama and is a can’t-miss this season.

 

Made In America Festival

Aug. 31 – Sept. 1, Philadelphia

This annual Philadelphia music fest founded by Jay-Z returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for two days. Chart-topping headliners Travis Scott and Cardi B will perform, along with a lineup of 40 more performers including James Blake and Lizzo.

 

Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair

Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, Glenmoore

Equestrian eventing comes to Chester County during Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair.

Our Best of the Main Line Final Ballot is open through February 28!