Philadelphia's blockbuster events year rolls on
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We're halfway through Philadelphia's blockbuster events year — and more crowds are coming.
Why it matters: If the World Cup matches and Fourth of July parties wore you out, pop an Advil. Philly's calendar is just heating up.
The big picture: The nation's 250th birthday has turned the birthplace of American democracy into a yearlong stage for marquee events.
- And organizers, businesses and city officials have been planning for years to cash in on the boost in tourism.
⚾ What's next: The MLB world takes over Philly starting this weekend for its All-Star Week.
- 🛍️ All-Star Village: The fan festival at the Pennsylvania Convention Center opens Saturday and runs through Tuesday (Day tickets: $15-$35).
- ☝️ MLB Draft: Set for Saturday at 1pm at the convention center.
- 🤩 All-Star Sunday: Top prospects will face off in the All-Star Futures Game at noon on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, followed by a new 3-on-3 competition featuring former Phillies, celebs and softball stars.
- 🍿 Home Run Derby: A new format will feature eight hitters duking it out over three rounds at Citizens Bank Park starting Monday at 8pm. (Watch live on Netflix.)
- 🌭 All-Star Game: MLB's top players go toe-to-toe on Tuesday, starting at 8pm at the Bank. Five Phillies players are on the National League roster, including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. (Watch live on Fox.)
🚣 Also this weekend: The Philly Phlotilla keeps the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations going this Saturday.
- Starting around 1pm at the Walnut Street dock, you can watch 100+ kayakers paddle down the Schuylkill River alongside other vessels. They'll end their journey at Fort Mifflin.
- 👀 Best places to watch: South Street Bridge or along the Schuylkill River Trail.
⚽ Don't forget: The World Cup runs through July 19, and so does Philly's Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.
- Browse and buy merch at the official FIFA Store, play games and watch matches daily on Jumbotrons alongside thousands of fans.
- Plus: Philly's Fan Fest will feature free concerts, including Leon Thomas on Wednesday and the All-American Rejects on July 13, both at 7pm.
🤼 The Octagon arrives in Philly for UFC 330, on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
- Deets and ticket information about the championship bout are still TBD, but fans can sign up for alerts on UFC's website.
🚴 What's ahead: The Cycling Classic returns to Philly on Aug. 30 after a decade-long hiatus.
- Professional cyclists will race along a 14.4-mile circuit that includes the infamous Manayunk Wall.
- Amateur alert: Non-professionals can test their skills at an 8-mile time trial on Aug. 29 ($20-$45).