About Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a population of approximately 6 million, making it the 6th largest city in the US. It is a historical city with unique attractions for visitors and locals. From the Liberty Bell to Benjamin Franklin’s grave, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (famous for the “Rocky Steps”), there are all kinds of historical and cultural landmarks to enjoy in Philly.
Philadelphia also has excellent shopping! Head over to Rittenhouse Square or go down Chestnut Street to find some great places to shop and dine.
Philadelphia has a continental climate, meaning hot summers and cold winters. While inclement weather can make planning outdoor events a challenge, Philly has a huge range of venues available, both indoor and outdoor and locals are experts at executing concerts in any weather conditions.
Concert Options in Philadelphia
Have a performance coming up in Philadelphia? There is no shortage of resources for musicians and performers in Philly. You can count on local service providers to help you put on a memorable show.
- Security
A security team will help keep both performers and concert guests safe. Whether you need someone to work the door, protect the talent, or keep the crowd in check, Philadelphia is home to many security professionals who can help keep your Philadelphia concert venue safe.
- Concert Promoters
There’s not much point in putting on a show if nobody attends. Philadelphia concert promoters will help you get the word out about your event so that you can play to a packed venue. They’ll also work with you to select the right venue for your event. Building a lasting relationship with a professional promoter could help you sell out shows in Philadelphia time and time again.
- Concert Photographers
Professional concert photographers are experts at capturing the pivotal moments of every performance. Whether you’re in need of promotional images for the media or simply want to document the occasion, an experienced photographer can help immortalize the event for all time.
- Rehearsal Space
Want to practice some new material before you try it out on a live audience? A rehearsal space is the perfect place to work out any kinks in the performance. From practice rooms to spaces that accommodate full bands, you have no shortage of options in Philadelphia.
Concert Companies in Philadelphia
Putting together a gig in Philadelphia? These local service providers can help with everything from event planning and production to photography.
- Derek Brad Photography
Derek Brad is an experienced concert photographer who has worked with organizations like Spotify, MTV, and Live Nation and has contributed to publications such as Rolling Stone and SPIN among others. He specializes in capturing the passion behind every performance and has photographed concerts by everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Lorde, Tom Petty and beyond.
- Point Entertainment
This entertainment company provides services such as programming and booking, concert production, marketing, and more. If you are looking to put on a concert in Philadelphia, Point Entertainment can help organize every aspect of the event from staging and lighting to marketing.
- Lil’ Drummaboy Recordings
Founded by Samori Coles, this recording studio and music production company has been working with talent in the Philadelphia area for 20 years. If you need studio space to record new music, Lil’ Drummaboy offers a professional setting at competitive rates.
Pros and Cons of Concerts in Philadelphia
While Philadelphia is an incredible place to host a concert, knowing some of the pros and cons will help you overcome potential challenges and plan the event most effectively. Here are some things to consider when choosing a Philadelphia concert venue and planning a show.
Advantages
- Accessibility
Between the international airport, Amtrak connections, and the fact that Philadelphia is within a 6-hour drive of one-quarter of the US population, it couldn’t be easier for event attendees to arrive in Philly.
- Lots of attractions
Philadelphia is a popular destination for travelers due to the huge variety of attractions. From trendy eateries to historical sites, there’s tons to do, and visitors will likely be thrilled to add your concert to their itinerary.
- Local economy
Philadelphia has a strong job market, meaning many residents likely have disposable income, making concert tickets a reasonable expense.
Disadvantages
- Unpredictable climate
Philadelphia is susceptible to erratic weather like snowstorms, thunderstorms, and heatwaves, which make it challenging to plan outdoor events.
- Traffic
Philadelphia is very congested and contending with traffic could make it tough to arrive at gigs on time.
- Crime
Philadelphia has a high crime rate compared to other cities in the US. Hosting a gig in an undesirable part of town could deter fans from attending for safety reasons.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- The Liberty Bell
Located within Liberty Bell Center at Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell is a historic attraction in Philadelphia. It was rung in 1776 to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The bell is recognized by the National Park Service as a National Historic Park and is free to visit. Within the Liberty Bell Center, visitors will find exhibits related to the bell, and park rangers are standing by to answer any questions.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located in the city's Fairmount Park and was designed by architect Frank Furness. The museum holds an enormous collection of art across eight curatorial departments. Some of the highlights include sculptures by Aguste Rodin, a large collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne, among others. There is also a large collection of American art, sculptures, furniture, and more. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also beloved for its famous steps, commonly known as the “Rocky Steps,” thanks to their presence in the popular film Rocky.
- Eastern State Penitentiary
One of the world's most famous prisons and tourist attractions, Eastern State Penitentiary, is located in Philadelphia and was designed by architect John Haviland. The prison operated from 1829 until 1971. Famous inmates included Al Capone, Willie Sutton, and "Whitey" Bulger. In 1965, the prison was closed because of deteriorating conditions and a high escape rate. The jail is now one of America's most famous abandoned buildings and is a popular tourist attraction for people visiting Philadelphia.