Smooth Jazz Summer Nights
Smooth jazz will fill the waterfront every Friday night in August. One of the summer season’s most popular events, the Penn’s Landing Smooth Jazz Summer Nights series, plays host to nationally renowned acts. Be prepared to listen to some of the country’s best smooth jazz artists in a beautiful riverfront venue. Stay after the show for a landside fireworks display. All Smooth Jazz concerts are free, family friendly, general admission and open to the public. Najee will perform this Friday, Aug. 9.
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Fridays in August, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: free
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
Festival of India
The Council of Indian Organizations of Greater Philadelphia presents a Festival of India each year in August at Penn’s Landing. This popular annual event is held to celebrate India’s Independence Day and has been very successful in portraying the vibrant Indian-American community in the Greater Philadelphia area. Now in its 20th year, the Festival of India reflects many facets of the local Indian-American diaspora and provides a colorful panorama of art, music, dance and cuisine. Thousands of people come every year to enjoy this day of free, fun-filled entertainment for the whole family.
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Friday, August 8, 1-7 p.m.
Cost: free
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
Caribbean Festival
Come celebrate culture, music and food from 14 Caribbean islands with wholesome family fun. In its 27th year, this festival continues to celebrate Caribbean culture and raise scholarship funds for college students of Caribbean descent. As always, the event will also feature the ever-popular steel drum band Philly PanStars, along with a Caribbean Culture booth — Tings Caribbean — where one can feel, touch and sample “tings” from the islands.
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Sunday, Aug. 18, noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: free
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
24th annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival
Celebrate the traditions, foods and crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch at the 24th annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival. The three-day festival will take place in the Market’s Center Court seating area and will feature handmade crafts and traditional foods. On Aug. 10, the festival also moves outdoors on Arch Street to create a country fair in the city. Amish buggy rides and horse-drawn wagon rides around the Market, a farm animal petting zoo, and live bluegrass music round out the entertainment.
Reading Terminal Market
Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 8-10, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: free
www.readingterminalmarket.org
Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival
What better way to enjoy the last weeks of summer than spending a memorable day at Penn’s Landing with family and friends for the third annual Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival? Delight in the delicious flavors of Southeast Asian foods with traditional spices and themes to be savored. Get ready to cheer and enjoy the adrenaline rush of witnessing the sponsored teams on the Delaware River racing in dragon boats to win the Festival Cup and cash prizes; uniformed coast guards will be on alert to ensure water safety. Prepare to watch and perhaps join in cultural dances, lively music and talented performances that embrace the Southeast Asian region.
Penn’s Landing
Saturday, Aug. 10, noon to 7 p.m.
Cost: free
www.seadbf.com