Not everyone is trading Labor Day Weekend for a trip to the shore. For those staying closer to home, the Philadelphia area offers plenty of ways to make the most of summer’s final long weekend—from rooftop afternoons and live music in the city to a scenic escape just outside Philadelphia. Whether it’s one last outdoor happy hour, brunch with a river view, or a night of live music, these spots offer an easy way to savor the final days of summer.
Expect end-of-summer experiences at:
- Assembly Rooftop Lounge
- Stella of New Hope
- Stratus Rooftop Lounge
- The Garden at City Tavern
- The Twisted Tail
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Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s elevated rooftop destination, offers panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art for one last taste of summer. Guests can catch one of the final Sunset Sundays of the season, the rooftop’s weekly series running through Sunday, September 13. With an early 2 pm opening, guest DJs, beverage partners, and special brand activations, the series offers an upbeat setting for spending a long summer Sunday overlooking the city.
Guests can sip vacation-inspired cocktails like the Staycation ($17), made with Planteray Rum, Maggie’s Falernum, Yellow Chartreuse, coconut cream, pineapple, and lime, alongside elevated bites including the Lobster Roll ($23), served with celery, chives, lemon aioli, Espelette pepper, and potato chips.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 4pm – 10:30pm; bar closes at 12am; Friday and Saturday 4pm – 10pm; bar closes at 2am; Happy Hour is Sunday through Thursday 4pm – 5pm
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA | 215.783.4171 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located within the Ghost Light Inn, offers an idyllic setting for a Labor Day Weekend escape. Overlooking the Delaware River, the restaurant’s covered outdoor deck and patio provide a scenic setting for a leisurely holiday brunch and one last taste of summer.
On Monday, September 7, Stella will welcome guests from 11 am – 3 pm for brunch featuring seasonal favorites including the Orchid Beach ($17), a vibrant blend of grapefruit vodka, agave syrup, grapefruit, and lemon, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($16) served with pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped butter.
Weather permitting, the outdoor bar will also be open for the holiday, while outdoor dining on the covered deck is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Indoor dining reservations can be made on OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–9 pm; Friday–Sunday, brunch 11 am–2 pm; Friday–Saturday, 4–10 pm; Sunday, 4–9 pm
50 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA | 267.740.2691 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the 11th-floor rooftop destination at Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, is making the most of Labor Day Weekend with seasonal cocktails, DJs, and late nights under the open sky. With an extra day to unwind, guests can settle in for drinks, dancing, and skyline views as summer winds down.
The full DJ lineup can be found on Instagram.
Hours of operation: Thursday 5pm – 12am, Friday 5pm – 2am, Saturday 5pm – 2am
433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.925.2889 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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The Garden at City Tavern, a seasonal outdoor pop-up behind the iconic City Tavern in Old City, offers a relaxed way to spend the holiday weekend outdoors. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am – 8 pm, the garden serves casual bites and canned cocktails alongside lawn games and plenty of open-air space to settle in for the afternoon.
Located steps from some of Philadelphia’s most historic landmarks, The Garden makes an easy stop for those exploring Old City or a destination in itself for a leisurely afternoon with friends and family. With summer winding down, Labor Day Weekend offers one of the final opportunities to enjoy the seasonal outdoor space before it closes for the season.
Hours of operation: Thursday – Sunday from 11am – 8pm
138 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.413.1443 | Instagram
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The Twisted Tail, the Southern-inspired restaurant, bar, and live Juke Joint in the heart of Headhouse Square, is keeping Labor Day Weekend lively with its signature Social Hour programming. Offered daily from 4 – 6 pm, with additional late-night Social Hour from 10 p.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday, the series features food and drink specials throughout the holiday weekend.
Weekend highlights include #TGIF, a $16 bundle featuring a burger, shot of bourbon, and a beer; #SocialSaturday, with $10 off Punch Bowls; #SundayFunday, featuring half-priced bottles of sparkling brut; and #ManhattanMonday, with $8 house Manhattans. Upstairs in the Juke Joint, guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend, making The Twisted Tail an easy choice for drinks, dinner, and late-night entertainment.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 4–10 pm; Friday, 4 pm–12 am; Saturday, 11 am–12 am; Sunday, 10 am–10 pm
509 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA | 215.558.2471 | Website | Instagram | Facebook