Philadelphia Event Planning Guide

Source the best vendors and venues for your event.

Welcome to Philadelphia

Conveniently located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., Philadelphia serves as a popular meetings and events destination for organizations, groups, and companies. Home to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which spans more than six blocks in of the city’s downtown area, Philadelphia also boasts unique indoor and outdoor venues that fit events of every size. Plus, as the birthplace of America, the city radiates plenty of historical charm with attractions, architecture, and cobblestone streets that add instant gravitas to any experience.

Philadelphia Highlights

From running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky to learning about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin, this city offers a range of activities and attractions to keep visitors and attendees engaged during their downtime. A must-see, Philadelphia’s revered historic district, known as Old City, is where you’ll find sites like Independence Hall, The Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The museum’s landmark building houses some of the greatest works of American, Asia, and European art anywhere.

Barnes Foundation

This is home to one of the finest collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century French paintings in the world.

The Franklin Institute

One of America’s oldest centers of science education, the museum is known for its interactive exhibitions and theatrical experiences.

Liberty Bell Center

Visit this symbol of freedom and learn how it inspired abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates, and Civil Rights leaders.

Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.

Reading Terminal Market

Stop by this historic market, which has over 80 merchants who are selling Amish goods, produce, spices, meats and poultry, and more.

Rodin Museum

With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters, including "The Thinker," this collection represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, it now stands in ruins but does offer cellblock tours.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The museum’s landmark building houses some of the greatest works of American, Asia, and European art anywhere.

Barnes Foundation

This is home to one of the finest collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century French paintings in the world.

The Franklin Institute

One of America’s oldest centers of science education, the museum is known for its interactive exhibitions and theatrical experiences.

Liberty Bell Center

Visit this symbol of freedom and learn how it inspired abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates, and Civil Rights leaders.

Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.

Reading Terminal Market

Stop by this historic market, which has over 80 merchants who are selling Amish goods, produce, spices, meats and poultry, and more.

Rodin Museum

With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters, including "The Thinker," this collection represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, it now stands in ruins but does offer cellblock tours.

Philadelphia Weather

Here, visitors will experience four distinct seasons, with warm and humid summers (June to August) and cold winters (from December to February) that sometimes bring heavy snowfalls. The spring and fall are typically pleasant, with temperatures that range from the mid-30s and lower 50s in March to the 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) in September.

Today

Clear

56°

Monday, Sep 27

Philadelphia Weather Essentials

Month	High	Low	Precipitation
September	78°	60°	3.8 in
October	67°	48°	3.2 in
November	56°	39°	3.0 in
December	45°	30°	3.6 in
January	40°	26°	3.0 in
February	44°	28°	2.6 in
March	53°	34°	3.8 in

7 Day Forecast

Mon, Sep 27

75°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 37%

Wind: 12.82 m/s

Tue, Sep 28

69°

Rain

Precipitation: 87%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 11.1 m/s

Wed, Sep 29

66°

Rain

Precipitation: 20%

Humidity: 36%

Wind: 9.37 m/s

Thu, Sep 30

66°

Clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 51%

Wind: 9.22 m/s

Fri, Oct 01

62°

Clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 41%

Wind: 6.82 m/s

Sat, Oct 02

66°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 4.97 m/s

Sun, Oct 03

61°

Rain

Precipitation: 94%

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 6.06 m/s

Mon, Oct 04

64°

Rain

Precipitation: 100%

Humidity: 90%

Wind: 7.16 m/s

Mon, Sep 27

75°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 37%

Wind: 12.82 m/s

Tue, Sep 28

69°

Rain

Precipitation: 87%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 11.1 m/s

Wed, Sep 29

66°

Rain

Precipitation: 20%

Humidity: 36%

Wind: 9.37 m/s

Thu, Sep 30

66°

Clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 51%

Wind: 9.22 m/s

Fri, Oct 01

62°

Clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 41%

Wind: 6.82 m/s

Sat, Oct 02

66°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 4.97 m/s

Sun, Oct 03

61°

Rain

Precipitation: 94%

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 6.06 m/s

Mon, Oct 04

64°

Rain

Precipitation: 100%

Humidity: 90%

Wind: 7.16 m/s

Philadelphia Resources

Helpful Resources

Get There

What is the best way to get to Philadelphia?

Flying: Located just seven miles from Center City, Philadelphia International Airport is served by all major domestic carriers and is a major international hub for American Airlines, with nearly 500 daily departures to more than 120 destinations worldwide.

Train: Philadelphia is served by Amtrak, which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor, stretching from Boston to Washington, D.C. The city is only a 1.5-hour train ride from New York City and two hours from D.C. The 30th Street Station is just a short walk from hotels and meeting venues.

Car: Philadelphia is served by the PA Turnpike (I-276), I-76, I-476, I-95, US-1, and the New Jersey Turnpike. It’s a two-hour drive from both New York City and Baltimore and a three-hour drive from Washington, D.C.

What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?

The best times to visit Philadelphia are during the spring and fall months, in order to avoid both the winter chill and the summer heat. Plus, in the spring, cherry blossoms are in bloom around the city. (The Philadelphia Flower Show takes place in March and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in April.) Peak season is the summer, so expect crowds of tourists at popular sites like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Zoo during that time. Key events include the Mummer's Parade, which is held each New Years Day, and the Fourth of July festival, which in Philadelphia lasts for five days. Keep in mind, since Philly is a big sports town, that the Philadelphia Eagles play home games at Lincoln Financial Field from September to December, the 76ers play from October to April at Wells Fargo Center, and the Phillies play home games at Citizens Bank Park from March to October.

Get Around

Walking: Ranked one of the most walkable cities in the nation, Philadelphia boasts color-coded directional signs that let you know what district you’re in and point you toward area attractions. Plus, in Center City, uniformed community service representatives are available to give directions and answer questions.

Transit: SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), the city’s comprehensive bus/ subway/ commuter rail system, includes an extensive bus system, along with the tourist-friendly PHLASH Downtown Loop, commuter train service to all the surrounding areas, and two subway lines.

Taxi: Taxi cabs are easy to find at transportation hubs like the Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station, but you can also hail one on the street. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Get Inspiration From Previous Events in Philadelphia

Want to be inspired? Browse our Philadelphia galleries by event type, industry, vendor, venue and even attendee count.