Every city has its own traditions, and Philly is no exception. Below is a month-by-month calendar of experiences that are uniquely Philadelphian, many of them centered around food, because this is a city that truly moves on its stomach. See how many you’ve already checked off and start a to-do list for the ones you haven’t!

January

Missed the fireworks on New Year’s Eve? No problem. Philadelphians in the know end January with a bang at the annual Chinese New Year Celebration on Wednesday, January 28, featuring firecrackers, lion and dragon dances. The action starts at 10 p.m. at the Friendship Arch at 10th and Arch Streets. Don’t forget to wear red as it symbolizes good luck and fortune.

February

On Valentine’s Day, locals avoid crowded Center City restaurants. Instead, they grab their besties and head to RuPaul’s Drag Brunch at Fabrika, 1108 Frankford Avenue. While drag brunch happens every Sunday, Valentine’s Day weekend features a special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Doors open at 12 noon; showtime is 1 p.m. Reservations are available online.

March

“Wit or witout?” This is the question every Philly native must answer the second they step up to the window at Pat’s King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue. Since 1930, your quick reply has identified you as either a paison or a stupido, and determines whether your cheesesteak is topped with Cheez Whiz, provolone, or no cheese at all. Pro tip: go with the provolone.

April

Spring is a great time to see the Phillies knock it out of the park at Citizens Bank Park as baseball season gets underway. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or don’t know a strike from a foul, there’s nothing like the enthusiasm of Philly fans, equal parts passion, profanity, and pride. After the game, head to Chickie’s & Pete’s, the official on-site sports bar, to continue the trash talk, drink another beer, and sample their famous Crabfries.

May

While the annual Cherry Blossom Festival begins in March, the weeping cherry trees along MLK Drive often reach their peak in May. Pack a lunch and rent bikes along Boathouse Row from Wheel Fun Rentals. Ride to Falls Bridge and cross over to MLK Drive, which is closed to traffic Saturday and Sunday through November. Picnic beneath the blossoms, enjoy the river views, then circle back via the newly completed MLK Drive Bridge.

June

As summer heat sets in, it’s time to cool off with “wooder” ice, and there’s only one place for the real deal: John’s Water Ice, 701 Christian Street. Opened in 1945 by Italian immigrant John Cardullo, this Bella Vista institution offers a variety of water ice and ice cream flavors. Stick with the lemon water ice. It’s tradition.

July

Like swallows returning to Capistrano, Philadelphians flock to the Jersey Shore in July, setting up beach chairs and umbrellas from Brigantine to Cape May. Rent a bike and ride the boards from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., indulge in an obscenely large (and wildly overpriced) bagel with lox, work on your tan, and wade into the ocean. Before heading home, stop for an Early Bird seafood dinner at the counter at Dock’s Oyster House in Atlantic City.

August

Catch a concert under the stars at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue in West Fairmount Park. Known simply as The Mann, this beloved outdoor venue is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. While the lineup has yet to be announced, it’s sure to feature the best in pop, rock, and jazz. Arrive early, bring a blanket, and picnic on the lawn.

September

The Reading Terminal Market is part of every Philadelphian’s DNA, but where you go once inside matters. Traditionalists head straight to DiNic’s for roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe. Others line up at Beiler’s Donuts, the Amish bakery with cult status. Purists swear by a made-to-order cannoli from Termini Brothers. Our advice? Wander the entire market and let your nose and heart lead the way.

October

Founded in 1836, Laurel Hill Cemetery overlooks the Schuylkill River and is one of the city’s most unexpected destinations. Known for its dramatic monuments and Millionaires’ Row, the cemetery hosts tours, movie nights among the headstones, and its annual Grave Digger’s Ball, a black-tie Halloween fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Laurel Hill.

November

Anyone can buy a season subscription at the Kimmel, but true insiders know the thrill of snagging last-minute Rush Tickets for a fraction of the price. Available for select performances at the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater, rush tickets leave plenty of room in your budget to splurge on dinner afterward.

December

It’s cold, but that’s what soup is for. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen has been serving soul-warming bowls since 1932, including matzo ball, sweet-and-sour cabbage, mushroom barley, and a “special” soup that serves three. They’re also known for sky-high pastrami sandwiches and comforting homemade cookies that are not to be missed.

Solo Real Estate wishes you a healthy, happy New Year, and many more moments living in a place you love.