About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city filled with history, culture, and centuries-old memories. William Penn established the city in 1682 as the birthplace of the United States of America, and it is also where the Committee of Detail wrote the Constitution and 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence.
But it is not all historical landmarks and Revolutionary War battles. Philly has a thriving art and culture scene, with hundreds of galleries, performance spaces, restaurants, and more to explore. Philadelphia also provides the perfect setting to mark a milestone celebration.
Marking your 50th birthday in Philadelphia is like stepping into a time machine, with the opportunity to experience the most significant historical moments alongside the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. From artistic works in Old City to musical performances on South Street, Philly has something to discover and include as part of the itinerary for a 50th birthday celebration.
50th Birthday Options in Philadelphia
- Event Planner
An event planner can help coordinate all the details of a 50th birthday party, from food to entertainment and decorations to seating. They work within any budget or theme and ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Event planners can help ensure that the venue used for the celebration is what the host wants it to be, with professional touches like lighting, seating arrangements, and decorations.
- Custom Cake
A custom cake for the birthday person is always a great way to make them feel special. Many bakeries in Philadelphia offer custom cakes with photos, personalized messages, and even edible designs!
- Music & Entertainment
Music can be a great way to set the tone for a 50th birthday party. Local bands or DJs in Philadelphia can provide unforgettable entertainment that gets everyone on their feet! Karaoke allows guests to show off their singing skills and celebrate the special day in style.
- Photographers
Hiring a professional photographer for a 50th birthday celebration is always a great idea; they can capture memories from the event so hosts can look back on them later. On top of taking pictures during posed shots or important moments like cake cutting or speeches, they also have experience finding angles that often produce great photos when used in albums or collages.
50th Birthday Vendors in Philadelphia
- The Night Kitchen Bakery
The Night Kitchen bakery has been a staple in Philadelphia's confectionery scene for four decades. Renowned for their artisanal baked goods, the bakery's moist cakes, brownies, and sticky buns are sinful handcrafted treats made with love. Each bite of the desserts from Night Kitchen is a celebration of flavors.
- The Craig Satchell Jazz & Swing Ensemble
The Craig Satchell Jazz & Swing Ensemble is an experienced and versatile jazz group. Their extensive range of jazz music includes swing, big band, bebop, Dixieland, and smooth jazz. They have performed at various venues in and around Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and beyond. The ensemble has team members who play saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, trombone, piano, bass, drums and provide female vocalists.
- Anthony Savarese Photography
Anthony Savarese is a highly talented freelance photographer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His specialty is creating beautiful family portraits and professional headshots that capture the essence of his subjects. His expertise in capturing special moments in time also extends to covering special events.
Pros and Cons of 50th Birthday Venues in Philadelphia
Turning 50 can be an emotional milestone for many people, and Philadelphia is a great city to celebrate this event. While planning a 50th birthday celebration have pros and cons, there are many ways to make the most of it.
Advantages
- Philadelphia is easily accessible by car, train, and bus, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting a large gathering.
- Philadelphia has arrays of activities for people celebrating their golden birthdays, such as attending sporting events, visiting historical landmarks, or enjoying attractions.
- From classic American fare to exotic international dishes, visitors to Philadelphia can enjoy delicious cuisine.
Disadvantages
- Because so many people visit Philadelphia year-round, crowds can become an issue if you are trying to enjoy your 50th Birthday celebrations away from large groups.
- Parking can often be scarce in the city, and you should keep this in mind when inviting guests who need parking or access to diverse transportation options.
- Traffic in certain areas may make getting around difficult due to street closures or heavy congestion, causing delays if you have planned activities around town.
Tips on How to Organize 50th Birthdays in Philadelphia
Hosting a 50th birthday in Philadelphia can be an unforgettable celebration. Here are five tips for throwing a successful 50th birthday party in the City of Brotherly Love.
- Get an Appropriate Venue: Select a location that can accommodate the number of guests attending and that it reflects their personality or interests. Consider venues such as warehouses, historic spaces, hotel ballrooms, or parks and gardens for outdoor events.
- Plan for Entertainment: Schedule entertainment to keep your guests engaged throughout the event, including live music, karaoke, DJs, and interactive games such as cornhole or Giant Jenga. For additional interactive fun, organize trivia questions related to the guest of honor or create custom bingo cards with memories from the past fifty years!
- Create Special Touches: Go beyond decorations by adding personal touches with custom-printed items like napkins, cups, menus, beverage labels, and favors with pictures of the honored guest. Incorporate childhood photos throughout the space.
- Select Delicious Food & Beverages: Carefully select food and drinks that appeal to dietary needs and preferences, and this is especially important if you serve alcohol! Keep it simple but tasty - try offering classic Philadelphia favorites like cheesesteaks or hoagies paired with local craft beer selections from its thriving brewing scene!
- Add Extra Details: Throw in some surprises so that your guests will not expect from a typical 50th birthday celebration. Have a photo booth area where guests can take pictures with props, offer activities such as lawn games outside, or provide luxury transportation options.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Fragments of Franklin Court
Walking through Franklin Court is like taking a step back in time. The serene courtyard is a slice of history, once home to one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Although the original house no longer stands, the 3D outline provides a glimpse into what once was. The architectural firm Venturi, Rauch, and Scott Brown did an impressive job creating the steel replica of the house, which accurately portrays its dimensions. In addition to admiring the outline, visitors can explore the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the Franklin Court Printing Museum.
- Washington Square
The beloved Washington Square is in the heart of Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood. Dating to William Penn's original city plan, the square has a rich history. Once called Southeast Sq, it served as a burial ground and pasture, but in honor of George Washington in 1825, it transformed into a stunning, formal park. Now part of the Independence National Historical Park, the square boasts a beautiful ratio of lush greenery to iconic monuments. The centerpiece is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a moving tribute to the unknown American and British soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.
- Fisher Fine Arts Library
The Fisher Fine Arts Library at UPenn is an architectural marvel that showcases the work of Frank Furness, a renowned American architect. The building, completed in 1891, features a beautiful catalog and reading room. The room is illuminated by natural light that filters in through clerestory windows and skylights, casting a warm glow on the space. Downstairs, the Harvey & Irwin Kroiz Gallery hosts exhibitions that showcase architectural archives, while the Arthur Ross Gallery is known for its art exhibitions.