Philadelphia’s weekend lineup runs the gamut from a Franklin-era history celebration to comedy, wine tasting among wildlife, and a hip-hop double bill that will fill the Liacouras Center. Whether you’re heading out for a free community event or treating yourself to a night out, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the weekend — and the week ahead looks just as full.

52 Weeks of Firsts: First Hospital in America: 1751

What: Celebrating America’s first hospital
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce St., Philadelphia
Cost: Free

America’s first hospital wasn’t just a medical milestone — it was a Ben Franklin idea. Pennsylvania Hospital, co-founded by Franklin in 1751, set the standard for organized healthcare in the nation, and it’s still operating in Philadelphia today. This weekend’s Firstival marks that legacy with a commemorative sculpture by Philadelphia muralist and award-winning artist Derrick Ross. His piece, “First Hospital in America: 1751,” reflects themes of care, resilience, and community service and carries personal weight for Ross, whose mother was treated for cancer at Pennsylvania Hospital and whose wife was born there.

Sommore

What: Comedian Sommore
When: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St., Philadelphia
Cost: General admission $45.21; reserved $61.74; couples package $207.43

Sommore, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Comedy,” is coming to Philadelphia. The New Jersey-born comedian, actress, writer, and producer has been a trailblazer for women in comedy since 1995. Known for delivering her sharp, fearless takes on today’s issues with class and wit, Sommore has headlined sold-out shows nationwide and released five solo specials: most recently “Queen Chandelier” on Netflix in 2023.

Philly Wine Fest

What: Sip, swirl, and spot a snow leopard
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from noon to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia
Cost: $50.26

Wine and wildlife make for an unlikely and irresistible pairing. Philly Wine Fest returns to Philadelphia Zoo, offering curated tastings from more than a dozen wineries alongside live entertainment and access to the zoo’s more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals. Early admission tickets are available for those looking to get a head start on sampling and mingling.

Other Events

From a free outdoor dance party on South 13th Street to a hip-hop heavyweight double bill at the Liacouras Center, Philadelphia is making the most of the weekend. Sunday brings a full afternoon of Jewish music and culture to South Philadelphia, rounding out a lineup that spans genres, neighborhoods, and generations.

Dancing in the Street with the Philly Pops Little Big Band: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St., Philadelphia
Method Man & Redman: Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
Philly Jewish Music Festival 2026: Sunday, May 17, 2026, at noon at The 2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia

More To Explore Next Week

Whether you’re in the mood for a good book, a ballgame, a night of international pop, or dancing under the open sky, Philadelphia has something worth circling on the calendar this week. From a celebrated author taking the Kimmel Center stage to ABBA tributes along the Delaware River waterfront, the city’s event lineup offers something for just about every taste.

An Evening with Matt Dinniman: Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds: Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:40 p.m.; Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 1:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia
Marina Satti: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. at The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St., Philadelphia
ABBA Under the Stars at Liberty Point: Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

The post Things To Do in Philadelphia This Weekend: May 15-May 17 appeared first on 93.3 WMMR.

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