Weekly events highlight: Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival, Katy Perry's performance, African Culture Fest, and other activities to check out this week
Special Events Across Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania: August 7th to August 10th, 2025
This August, the tri-state area is set to host a variety of cultural, musical, and educational events. Here's a roundup of some of the exciting happenings in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Delaware
The Hometown Heroes Homey Awards will take place from August 7th to August 10th. On August 7th, a special "Walk to DeBraak" tour will explore the history and artifacts of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th-century ship, as part of the Lewes Chamber event. The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science will host ongoing events, including a robotic snake jaw demonstration with Villanova University on August 7th, and a mobile museum program at local libraries during this period.
New Jersey (South Jersey area)
Music lovers can look forward to Tommy James and The Shondells concert, and Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival, a notable event around this time.
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and surrounding areas)
On August 9th, Katy Perry's "The Lifetimes Tour" concert will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Ardmore Rock N’ Ride, a combined bike race and concert event, will take place on August 10th, featuring multiple performers including Nicole Atkins and Tommy Conwell and The HouseRockers.
In addition to these events, Philadelphia will host a silent disco at City Hall during this timeframe.
Other Notable Events
- Ardmore Rock N' Ride is taking place at Suburban Square, Schauffele Plaza, Ardmore, Pa. Ticket prices are $36 and up.
- The 2025 Obon Lantern Ceremony takes place at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Landsdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive. The event is free.
- The Designer Toy Arts Festival is taking place at 23rd St. Armory, 22 S. 23rd St. The event is free, pay as you go.
- Hip-Hop in the Park is taking place at Eakins Oval. Tickets cost $10.
- The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education celebrates its 60th year at 8480 Hagy's Mill Road. The event is free with museum admission.
Special Events in Philadelphia
- The Academy of Natural Sciences is hosting Bug Fest at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The event is free.
- Lisa Lisa is performing at The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. Ticket prices range from $10 - $20 online, $15 to $25 at the door, active duty military pay $10, kids under 12 are free.
- Rob Thomas is performing at The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. Ticket prices are $106 and up.
- Nate Bargatze is headlining two sold-out arena shows in Philly.
- The Godfrey comedy show is taking place at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St. Ticket prices range from $10 - $20 online, $15 to $25 at the door, active duty military pay $10, kids under 12 are free.
- Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals will be coming to town.
- The 2025 Obon Lantern Ceremony takes place at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Landsdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive. Participants can launch lanterns themselves or simply attend as observers.
- The 2025 Obon Lantern Ceremony highlights the legacy of Japanese cultural traditions maintained through organizations like the Japanese America Society of Greater Philadelphia. The ceremony takes place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- The Philadelphia Eagles return for pre-season games at Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way. Ticket prices are $28 and up.
- Fans can see the main guys at the public practice at the Linc on Sunday in a benefit for the Autism Foundation.
- The Philadelphia Eagles' main Eagles' starters are expected to sit out the preseason games.
- The Outlaw Music Festival is taking place at Hersheypark Stadium, 100 Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, Pa.
- The Designer Toy Arts Festival is taking place at 23rd St. Armory, 22 S. 23rd St. Over 100 indie artists and vendors, along with live DJs and activities including cosplay, toy drops, panels, a puppetry slam and curated activities, will take place.
- The festival takes place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on August 7th and August 8th.
- Night Hikes allow nature lovers to explore the preserve under the sturgeon, or full moon. Highlights include the return of the roach races, guided bug walks along the Parkway, live insect displays and the chance to ask entomologists questions about insects.
- The shows take place on Thursday, Aug. 7, and Friday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.
- The concert takes place on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m.
- Ticket prices are $47 and up.
- The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 7-8:30 p.m.
- The Ardmore Rock N’ Ride bike race takes place on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 10:15 a.m., and the concert takes place at 12:30 p.m.
These events offer a range of cultural, musical, and educational experiences across the three states. Whether you're a music fan, a nature lover, or a history buff, there's something for everyone this August in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
New Jersey (South Jersey area) In addition to the events mentioned earlier, small local pubs around the Jersey Shore might host live music performances of various genres, mixing entertainment with sports broadcasts during these days.
Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre area) On August 10th, catch the Wyoming Valley Shipyard Mistral Land Rally, an exciting sports event that combines racing and music, providing a thrilling blend of entertainment and adrenaline.
