Photos courtesy of Ars Nova Workshop, Reading Symphony Orchestra, and Philly Youth Music Fest.
While many musical performances take place during the academic year, grantees of The Presser Foundation are actively finding many ways to engage audiences and participants in music during the summer.
Here, we highlight some of the opportunities you can take to engage with music this summer. This list is not exhaustive – check out our Advancement of Music grantee list and look into their work to see what they have to offer!
Summer Seasons & Festivals
ArtPhilly What Now – a five-week-long arts and culture festival with over 30 performances, exhibitions and more, platforming Philly artists during our 250th anniversary and asking the question: what now?
Ars Nova Workshop – a full summer season of jazz and new music presentations throughout the city from both local and visiting artists.
Berks Art Council – programming through August, including an artisan & craftsman fair, concert band performance, and ongoing “Blues & Boogie Jam” at Cheers Bistro in Reading.
Wildflower Composers – two concert presentations featuring works by faculty and participants in the 2026 Wildflower Composers festival.
Philly Youth Music Fest 2026 – a large youth music festival on July 19th at Spruce Street Harbor Park featuring performances by young people. Grantees participating include Beyond the Bars, FamFrequency Productions, Rock to the Future, and Project 440.
Arts on Center Stage
Weekly presentations at Dilworth Park by many of Philadelphia’s diverse arts and cultural organizations and the Foundation’s grantees. Participants include:
- The Philly Pops (July 9th)
- Jazz Bridge (July 16th)
- Opera Philadelphia (July 23rd)
- PCC Jazz Philharmonic (July 30th)
- and more!
4th of July Celebrations
Reading Symphony Orchestra’s Star Spangled Spectacular – an all-day July 4th festival filled with music by Reading Symphony and affiliate groups, ending with a classic fireworks spectacular.
Valley Forge Park Alliance – a July 4th of history, music, food, and fun, with three public readings of the Declaration of Independence and a performance by Foundation grantee, Valley Forge Chorus.