Campus Philly’s CollegeFest Returns With Free Museum Access, PHLASH Rides, and Block Party for 20,000+ Students
Campus Philly is gearing up to welcome more than 20,000 college students from across the region for the return of CollegeFest 2025, a two-day citywide celebration taking place on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, 2025. The annual event gives new and returning students the opportunity to discover Philadelphia’s cultural gems, explore its neighborhoods, and connect with local brands—all for free.
Free Museum Access All Weekend
This year’s CollegeFest offers free admission to more than 25 museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions across the city. Students who register at campusphilly.org/collegefest-2025 will receive a digital ticket they can present for free entry. Participating institutions include major landmarks such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Barnes Foundation, the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, and many more.
To make exploring the city easier, Campus Philly has also partnered with Philly PHLASHⓇ to provide free rides all weekend and with Indego Bike Share to offer $1 first-month memberships for new riders.
Block Party in the Heart of the City
The celebration kicks off with the Campus Philly Block Party on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Race Street between 19th and 20th Streets. The high-energy event will feature local vendors, live performances, giveaways, food, and brand activations from organizations such as Red Bull, honeygrow, IKEA, SEPTA, Raising Cane’s, Independence Blue Cross, Subaru of America, and many others.
Block Party partners include Moore College of Art & Design and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. In addition, students can stop by Citizens Center City branch earlier that morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for free breakfast, coffee, and a special visit from the Phillie Phanatic.
“CollegeFest is more than a celebration—it’s a launchpad for students to discover their place in Philadelphia,” said Jennifer Kebea, President of Campus Philly. “Whether they’re exploring world-class museums, connecting with local brands at the Block Party, or navigating the city like a local, students are getting a true taste of what life in Philly can be. We want every student to feel like this city was made for them—and that their future can start right here.”
To help students plan their weekend, Campus Philly has also launched an interactive CollegeFest map on its website, allowing attendees to see all participating locations, filter by neighborhood, and build personalized itineraries.
How to Attend
CollegeFest is free for all college students, but registration is required. Students must sign up in advance at campusphilly.org/collegefest-2025 and present their confirmation email with their digital ticket at participating locations for free admission.
