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The heart of the Penn Relays experience, Franklin Field is one of the most storied sports venues in the country—and for three days every April, it becomes the epicenter of track and field in the United States. While you can certainly visit University City over Penn Relays weekend and soak up the electric energy around campus, you'll need tickets to watch the competition, which features everyone from elementary school athletes to college stars and Olympic champions. The schedule of events changes every year, so check out the official Penn Relays site for the latest news and to purchase your tickets, ranging from a single-day pass to a three-day VIP experience. And before you head into the stadium, make sure to stop by the festival tents on Shoemaker Green, right outside Franklin Field, to keep the celebration going before and after the races.

Start your Penn Relays day off right with a stop at Spread Bagelry, one of Philadelphia's most beloved local bagel spots. Spread is famous for their Montreal-style bagels; hand-rolled, wood-fired, and unlike anything else you'll find in the city. Load up on one of their creative signature spreads and house-cured lox before heading over to Franklin Field, or grab a bag of bagels to fuel up throughout the day. You're welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the races, making Spread the ideal breakfast stop before a big day of track and field action in University City. Trust us, there's no better way to start a morning at the Penn Relays than with a warm, fresh-baked bagel in hand.

If you're arriving on campus in the morning and looking for another great breakfast option near Franklin Field, Pret A Manger on Penn's campus is a fantastic choice. From steel cut oatmeal to freshly made breakfast sandwiches and wraps, they've got something to satisfy every appetite before the action kicks off. Since you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the races, it's worth grabbing something to go so you don't miss a minute of the competition. While you're in the neighborhood, take a leisurely stroll down Locust Walk—one of Penn's most scenic stretches—and don't miss a photo op at the iconic LOVE sculpture.

When the midday hunger hits during a long day at the Penn Relays, head over to Five Guys for one of the most satisfying lunches in University City. Famous worldwide for their hand-formed burgers cooked to order on an open grill and fresh-cut fries made from scratch every day, Five Guys is a crowd-pleasing classic that never disappoints. And no visit is complete without one of their legendary milkshakes—the perfect companion to a juicy burger. Grab your order to go and find a shady spot on Penn's beautiful campus to recharge before heading back to Franklin Field for the afternoon events.

When you need a break from the excitement and heat of Penn Relays weekend, the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is the perfect escape. Just steps from Franklin Field, the Penn Museum offers a cool, shaded retreat where you can recharge without straying far from the action. Grab a bite from one of the nearby food stops and settle in by the stunning fountain in Stoner Courtyard, one of University City's most peaceful outdoor spots and a beautiful place to enjoy a meal and catch your breath. When you're feeling refreshed, the world-class galleries inside are well worth a wander before you head back to the track. With Franklin Field just around the corner, it's the ideal mid-day pit stop during a busy Penn Relays weekend in Philadelphia.

Need a proper meal and a break from the excitement of the Penn Relays? Franklin's Table is your answer. University City's popular food hall brings together a handpicked lineup of critically acclaimed chefs and local Philadelphia favorites under one roof, offering an impressive variety of options to satisfy every craving; from sushi and sandwiches to vegan-friendly fare and hearty comfort food. With spacious indoor seating and something on the menu for everyone, Franklin's Table is the perfect midday retreat to get out of the sun, refuel, and recharge before heading back to the track. It's one of the areas's most popular dining destinations, and after one visit, you'll see why.

After a long, exhilarating day cheering on your favorite athletes at Franklin Field, treat yourself to a well-deserved scoop at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Known for their rich, small-batch ice cream made with simple, high-quality ingredients, Van Leeuwen has earned a devoted following across the country and their University City location is a perfect stop on any Penn Relays weekend itinerary. Whether you gravitate toward a classic flavor like Honeycomb or want to try one of their rotating seasonal specials, every scoop is worth savoring. It's the sweetest possible way to wind down and celebrate a fantastic day at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

The Penn Relays doesn't have to end when the last race is run. Cap off your University City weekend with a late-night visit to Insomnia Cookies, the legendary bakery that built its reputation serving warm, fresh-baked cookies well into the night. Whether you go for a classic chocolate chip, a rich double chocolate mint, or treat yourself to a warm cookie ice cream sandwich, Insomnia Cookies is the ultimate sweet ending to a packed day of Penn Relays action. Conveniently located steps from Penn's campus and open late, it's a perennial favorite among students and visitors alike, and one bite of a warm cookie fresh from the oven will tell you everything you need to know.