About Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love," is renowned for its history, culture, and attractions. Founded in 1682 by William Penn to create a more religiously tolerant society, Philadelphia quickly grew into America's most influential colonial city and played an integral role in the nation's founding.
Today, this historic city maintains its place as a cultural hub with lists of attractions, vibrant nightlife, shopping districts, and selections of restaurants. There is no better place to mark a 60th birthday than in a city steeped with history and exciting activities that create lasting memories.
A stroll through Old City, where you'll find plenty of landmarks with stories behind them, will bring your birthday celebration full circle as you reflect on how far you've come since turning 21! From gratifying food tours throughout neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little Italy to experiencing live music venues, there is something for everyone in Philly when celebrating life's big moments.
60th Birthday Options in Philadelphia
- Event planners
Event planners are invaluable in helping busy hosts plan out every detail of their birthday parties. They know what needs to get done and when to ensure everything goes off without a hitch on such an important day. They also handle all vendor communications and help remove stress from organizing multiple aspects of one event.
- Photographers
Hiring a photographer is a great way to capture memories from your 60th birthday party. Professional photographers are skilled in composition, lighting, and editing, so your pictures will look polished and beautiful after the event. In addition, many photographers also offer photo books or albums which double as future gifts or keepsakes.
- Decorations
Without decorations, birthday celebrations are incomplete! Whether it is balloons, streamers, confetti poppers, or fancy centerpieces, there are endless options. Event rental companies across Philadelphia offer many affordable packages with different themes that can help create a unique ambiance perfect for any 60th birthday party!
- Musicians/DJs
Live music makes a celebration more festive and memorable for all involved! Whether it’s classical musicians playing during meals or a DJ spinning tunes on the dance floor into the wee hours. DJs are especially great entertainers, given that they mix different styles of music while keeping everyone entertained throughout the evening.
60th Birthday Vendors in Philadelphia
- Sweetpeashots Photography
Sweetpeashots is the go-to photographer for those seeking a professional and experienced eye to capture the most precious moments in life. Whether it is a life milestone, welcoming a new addition, or you want to encapsulate a moment in time, Natalie has got you covered. From weddings to family portraits and everything in between, Sweetpeashots will design a package tailored to your wishes.
- Memories Created for You
Memories Created For You has provided party planning services to families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for the last decade. From milestone birthdays to baby showers and everything in between, they create memories that last a lifetime. With a team of professionals, they take care of everything from balloon decorations to linen and chair covers.
- West Philadelphia Foot Tappers
The West Philadelphia Foot Tappers are a unique band that brings a modern edge to traditional jazz music. With the influence of Django Rheinhardt, their repertoire includes New Orleans jazz, romantic ballads, tango, and klezmer. Whether you are hosting a quiet cocktail party or a high-energy swing dance event, the West Philly Foot Tappers can cover various genres. Their period dress and professional sound support will make any event a truly unforgettable experience.
Pros and Cons of 60th Birthday Venues in Philadelphia
Celebrating a 60th birthday in Philadelphia can be rewarding but presents unique challenges. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of celebrating a milestone birthday in the City of Brotherly Love. Here are some pros and cons to consider when planning for a 60th birthday in Philadelphia.
Advantages
- With its proximity to major cities like New York City and Washington D.C., Philly makes for an ideal destination for those looking for a change of scenery or simply wanting to escape their daily routines.
- The city is filled with historical sites, museums, and other attractions that can provide entertaining and educational experiences for the birthday celebrant and their friends or family.
- Philadelphians are known for their hospitality, making it easy for friends from out of town to feel welcomed as they join in on the celebration of your big day!
Disadvantages
- Traffic within the city can be heavy at certain times of day, making it difficult to get around quickly or easily.
- Parking within downtown areas may also be limited due to high demand and restricted parking zones in some neighborhoods.
- If the occasion involves visiting popular attractions, finding tickets for popular events in town may be difficult during peak season due to high demand.
Tips on How to Organize 60th Birthdays in Philadelphia
A 60th birthday is an extra special milestone. To make the event extra memorable, here are five tips to help you organize a successful birthday celebration in Philadelphia.
- Choose an unforgettable venue: Whether you want to throw an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, there are plenty of choices, from restaurants and heaters to art galleries and landmarks.
- Think about these ideas: Themed birthdays bring out creativity when decorating and planning activities for the event. It ranges from classic themes like “black-and-white” or “Hollywood glam” to more innovative ideas, such as celebrating the guest of honor's hometown achievements or favorite works of literature or music.
- Get creative with decorations: Rent furniture pieces that add elegance to the setting or use interesting party props like paper lanterns and festive banners. Include centerpieces like floral arrangements, food displays, and sculptures.
- Serve plenty of food: Depending on what kind of party you want, whether a buffet dinner or appetizers, be sure to find catering services that can provide delicious dishes according to your budget and specific requirements (such as dietary restrictions).
- Plan fun activities: Plan enjoyable activities for guests, from group games such as charades or bingo to trivia about the guest of honor’s life story or musical performances featuring songs from their era.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Elfreth's Alley Museum
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City, Elfreth's Alley offers a charming peek into the city's past. This quaint cobblestone lane is not only a residential street, it's also America's oldest. The well-preserved Federal and Georgian row houses date back to the 1720s and offer an authentic glimpse of life in the early years of our country. The street gets its name from Jeremiah Elfreth, an 18th-century blacksmith and property owner who once called this place home. Regular Philadelphians occupy the houses, but one is open to the public as a museum.
- Autumn Revisited Mural
David Guinn's mural, Autumn Revisited, is a breathtaking work of art that captures the essence of fall in all its glory. Located on the side of the Fleisher Art Memorial, the mural seamlessly blends with the surrounding park, making it a perfect addition to the neighborhood. The silhouettes of children playing on the mural add a touch of innocence and playfulness to the scene. The portion of the mural on the opposite side of the park showcases a deer grazing in a stunning golden landscape.
- Bartram's Garden
Bartram's Garden is a true gem of North America, boasting the title of its oldest botanic space. Founded by a Quaker farmer named John Bartram in 1728, this tranquil haven spans 45 acres and is home to the impressive stone Bartram Hall and the Sankofa Community Farm. It is a National Historic Landmark, welcoming visitors to explore its beauty year-round. One of the most exciting things about Bartram's Garden is the abundance of activities and events, including kayaking and rowing on Saturdays.