Starting this month, you can enjoy free music shows at some West Philly restaurants as part of Weeknights Live, a new program by the city’s Department of Commerce that aims to support local artists and neighborhood businesses.

Local artists will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the following Baltimore Avenue restaurants:

• Booker’s Restaurant & Bar (5021 Baltimore Ave)
• Carbon Copy (701 S. 50th St)
• Dahlak (4708 Baltimore Ave)
• Renata’s Kitchen (3940 Baltimore Ave)

The program also includes free performances on Monday nights at four bars in East Passyunk and five hotels in Center City on Tuesday nights.

The program was designed to boost Philadelphia’s nighttime economy during its typically slowest days. It has been expanded into a three-day-a-week program after the success of the “Tuesday Nights Live” pilot held in October-January.

This new initiative has been rolled out as the city prepares for a massive 2026 tourist season, which includes the World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).

The city is offering “fair pay” to performers, according to a report by Philly Voice. The locations are subject to change as the program is seeking new venues and talent via an online application process. For more details and updates, go here.