Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ First Friday, Beck’s Cajun Café “Who Dat” Party, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Mardi Gras Celebrations and More!

Market Street Bridge Looking Into Center City

‘Exploring Traditions In Philadelphia

This weekend kicks off with the end of the Philadelphia Auto Show, First Friday and the continuation of  ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest in Penn’s Landing and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park. During the weekend enjoy, Chinese New Year Celebrations farmers’ markets, more magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with Beck’s Cajun Cafe’s ‘Who Dat’ party, Chinese New Year Celebrations, the Super Bowl and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. 

Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

In upcoming weeks get ready for East Passyunk Restaurant Week, 4th Friday in the Headhouse District and much more.

What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below. Are you a fan of our Facebook fan page. Follow us here for exciting daily updates! MyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share fun and exciting events and attractions with you. Check out what’s happening for you this weekend in Philly and for the upcoming week and put these events on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ February 5 – 11 ~

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”. Also, check back daily for updates!

Informational Posts For Things To Do Year Round or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Philadelphia Auto Show ~ February 5 – 7 ~ Enjoy more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display!   ~ Philadelphia Auto Show ~
• Mardi Gras Celebrations ~ February 5, 9 & 20 ~ Enjoy many different kinds of Mardi Gras activities and events such as Cajun food, drink specials, live music and more. ~ Mardi Gras Celebrations ~
• Broad Street Run Lottery ~ February  5 – 12 ~ For those wanting to run in the Broad Street Run on May 1st, you must first enter the lottery drawing. Click the link for more info from Be Well Philly. ~ Broad Street Run Lottery ~
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 5 to 14 ~ Enjoy Chinese food, Dragon Dances, the sounds of drums, dancers, martial arts and much more taking place in Chinatown! ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ February 5 – 15 ~  We have listed 33 bars & restaurants located in Philadelphia that have a fireplace to cozy up to!  ~ Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ February 5 – 28 ~ Held at Penn’s Landing, this will be a winter wonderland for all ages to explore. Enjoy ice skating, live music, warm fire pits, food, craft beers and much more.  ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~
• Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ February 5 – 28 ~ Enjoy ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ ~ More Details ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ February 5 – 11 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of February ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for February 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• Art After 5 ~  February 5 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Kun-Yang Lin Dancers – Hailed for its superbly trained dancers and inventive choreography, this South Philly-based group celebrates dance as the ultimate integration of body, spirit, and mind. Described as “deeply spiritual”, this performance group has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Mardi Gras Celebrations ~ February 5 ~ Enjoy many different kinds of Mardi Gras activities and events such as Cajun food, drink specials, live music and more. ~ Mardi Gras Celebrations ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ February 5 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ February 5 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~   
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ February 5 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Philadelphia Auto Show ~ February 5 – 7 ~ Enjoy more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display!   ~ Philadelphia Auto Show ~
• Broad Street Run Lottery ~ February  5 – 12 ~ For those wanting to run in the Broad Street Run on May 1st, you must first enter the lottery drawing. Click the link for more info from Be Well Philly. ~ Broad Street Run Lottery ~
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 5 to 14 ~ Enjoy Chinese food, Dragon Dances, the sounds of drums, dancers, martial arts and much more taking place in Chinatown! ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ February 6 ~ From 9 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 23rd and Pine Streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ February 6 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 43rd St and Baltimore Ave. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~  
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 6 ~ Enjoy Chinese food, Dragon Dances, the sounds of drums, dancers, martial arts and much more taking place in Chinatown! ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ February 6 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ February 6 & 10 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 115-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. ~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ February 7 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~  
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 7 ~ Enjoy Chinese food, Dragon Dances, the sounds of drums, dancers, martial arts and much more taking place in Chinatown! ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Beck’s Cajun Café Hosts “Who Dat” King Cake Party for Mardi Gras ~ February 7 ~  FREE  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Kitchen in Reading Terminal Market! Chef Beck will have a free cooking demonstration, followed by a King Cake decorating contest starting at 12:30 p.m.! Philadelphia’s Marilyn Russell and Tony Luke Jr. will be judging, along with food blogger Kass of Philly Food Girl! Laissez les bons temps rouler!  ~ Beck’s Cajun Café Hosts “Who Dat” King Cake Party for Mardi Gras ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ February 7 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Super Bowl – Sports Bars in Philadelphia ~ February 7 ~ Not having or going to a Super Bowl party? There are many sports bars in Philadelphia to watch the game. ~ Sports Bars in Philadelphia for Super Bowl Sunday ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ February 7 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ February 7 ~ From 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm today, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~    
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 8 ~ Enjoy Chinese food, Dragon Dances, the sounds of drums, dancers, martial arts and much more taking place in Chinatown! ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Mardi Gras Celebrations ~ February 9 ~ Enjoy many different kinds of Mardi Gras activities and events such as Cajun food, drink specials, live music and more. ~ Mardi Gras Celebrations ~
• Free Parking! ~ February 10 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ February 10 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~    
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ Now Open ~ A permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Travel through a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with dynamic lighting and sound effects that are triggered by your footsteps. Kids can act as a Doctor by scanning the brain with an MRI machine, explore your brain, challenge your brain & much more.   ~ “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ 
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Now Open ~ Stop over at Penn Museum in University City and learn about contemporary issues in Native America. Uncover the rich history and identity of the Native American people through 200 plus objects on display & much more. ~ Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~
• The Artifact Lab – Mummy Conversation at Penn Museum ~ Now until (no date set) ~ Here is your chance to get up close and personal. Watch conservators clean, examine, & preserve Egyptian Mummies at Penn Museum. Best of all, there are special times during the week to where you can ask them questions in person. ~ Conserving Mummies at Penn Museum ~

Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

• The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
• Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
• Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell ~
• Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall ~
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
• Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House ~
• Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
• National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
• Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia ~ February 12 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ February 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Kun-Yang Lin Dancers – Hailed for its superbly trained dancers and inventive choreography, this South Philly-based group celebrates dance as the ultimate integration of body, spirit, and mind. Described as “deeply spiritual”, this performance group has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ February 14 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~  
• East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ February 21 – 27 ~ Here is your chance to taste many different delicious meals from 24 well-known East Passyunk Restaurants and experience chefs delights at discounted prices. There are many types of food selections such as Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Steak, American and much more.  ~ East Passyunk Ave Restaurant Week ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ February 26 ~ Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~  
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of March ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for February 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ March 4 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ March 4 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~   
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ March 6 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ March 6 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Broad Street Run ~ May 1st ~      ~ Broad Street Run ~  

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out. If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weather for the weekend of February 5 – 7

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 40°  |  Low 30°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 46°  |  Low 30°
Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 50°  |  Low 33°

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears above, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

Photo Credit: By Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page