Things To Do In Philadelphia – First Fridays,Philly Theaters & More

‘Explore the Mysteries of Philadelphia’s Wonderful Art, Museums, & Theaters’

Halloween is over with for the most part and you have been cooped up because of Hurricane Sandy. The weather is shaping up to be sunny in Philly this weekend, but with temperatures to be much cooler. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the many things offered in the City of Brotherly Love.

Today kicks of with First Friday in Old City and First Friday in Manayunk. Enjoy the arts, entertainment, food, and much more. Get a chance to talk to some of the Art Galleries art directors, owners, and some of the local artists themselves.

There are still a few scary Halloween events or tours to explore, a good musical, or the Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village. Love mummies and Egyptian history, check out the artifact lab at the Penn Museum in University City. Here you get to talk to conservators live, asking them questions as they clean preserve ancient mummies.

No matter what you are in the mood for, you are sure to find something to do as a family, with a group of friends, or even that special date.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ November 2 – 8 ~

• First Friday’s in Old City~ November 2 ~ 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 ~ November 2 ~ 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 ~
• Arden Theatre Company’s First Friday ~ November 2 ~ Arden Theatre Company hosts a different Philadelphia artists or group of artists to present short, free performances.  Performing, Dali String Quartet, a music performance that blends a traditional string quartet with the Latin-American repertoire.  ~ Arden Theatre’s Event ~ ~ Info on Arden Theatre Company ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Japan Night – Experience Japanese folk music and dance from Iwate prefecture, the area devastated by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The group Kuromori Kagura will perform. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
• 215 Festival in Callowhill Neighborhood ~ November 2-4 ~ The 215 Festival is a literary arts festival celebrating the written, spoken and visualized word. The festival showcases the vibrant community of literary talent in Philadelphia. For the headliners and many other acts, click on the link. ~ 215 Festival ~
• Day of the Dead Celebration at Penn Museum ~ November 3 ~ A Mexican tradition/holiday that honors the lives of those that have passed by family and friends. Come to the Penn Museum to enjoy real Day of the Dead Altar, dancers, storytelling, crafts, and much more. ~ Day of the Dead Celebration ~
• Harvest Festival at Bartram’s Garden ~ November 3 ~ Admission & food are free. From 1-4 pm, there will be face painting, sack races, seed saving, cooking demos, and more. ~ Harvest Festival Info ~
• Sculptures and Murals (SAM) Tour ~ November 3 ~ Starts at Sister Cities Park, leaving at 2 pm. This tour takes guests for a walk around the Avenue of the Arts, City Hall, through Love Park, and along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to view artistic treasures such as Robert Indiana’s LOVE, Rodin’s The Thinker, The Secret Journey mural, and a dozen more public art gems. ~ Sculpture & Murals Tour ~
• 2012 Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ November 3 & 4 ~ Scrumptious apple treats including country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and everyone’s favorite — apples dipped in caramel! Held at Peddler’s Village. ~ Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• “Fire & Spice” weekends at Chaddsford Winery ~ November 3 & 4 ~ From 12 pm to 6 pm. With two outdoor fire pits on the patio, enjoy a bevy of ‘warming’ foods, such as chili and sausages. Spiced Apple and other fall-and-winter drinks will be featured. ~ Fire & Spice Weekend ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ November 3 & 7 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-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 ~
• Philadelphia Eagles Game 8 ~ November 4 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the New Orlean Saints. If not going to the game in New Orleans, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• Walnut Street Theatre presents The Music Man ~ November 6 – January 6 ~ A musical, with an early 1900’s story of a Professor coming to town, promising to keep the kids out of trouble. There are some memorable tunes in this show. ~ The Music Man ~ ~ Info on Walnut Street Theatre ~
• Sunshine Arts Fall Fundraiser on Boat House Row – Journey to the Mediterranean ~ November 8 ~ From 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, there will be 2 events. Exclusive wine tasting for the first event and the main fundraiser event is second. Event 1, full flight of fine wines paired with delectable hors d’oeuvres. Event 2, food, drinks and jazzy sounds by Craig Satchell. There will also be special items auctioned off. ~ Sunshine Arts Fundraiser ~ ~ Help Donate ~
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ Now until November 10 ~ There are 6 scary attractions inside the cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary which should put a little fear in your shoes. Do you dare? ~ Terror Behind the Walls ~
• Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~ Now until November 10 ~ This company has 3 main types of Ghost tours to choose from. Either way, you are bound to be spooked. Keep in mind that these tours run all year round, but are mostly concentrated around Halloween, so you need to check their calendar of events for dates. ~ The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~
• 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 ~
• Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
• The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
• Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~

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.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• First Glance Philly Film Festival ~ November 9 to 11 ~ Held at the Franklin Institute.  Independent Film Festival bringing you many great films, movie producers, and actors. ~ First Glance 15th Annual Film Festival ~
• Titanic Exhibit ~ November 10 – April 7, 2013 ~ The Titanic exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of 300 + artifacts from after the Titanic was sunk. This is the 100th anniversary of the tragic story of 1,502 people that lost their lives. ~ Titanic Exhibit ~
• Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ November 16 & December 21 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Deck the Alley 2012 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ December 1 ~ From 4 pm to 7 pm. Come celebrate  a Colonial Christmas on Elfreth’s Alley. Featuring: tours of Elfreth’s Alley’s private historic homes, holiday treats, caroling in the alley, colonial artisans, and a one-of-a-kind raffle! ~ What is Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~ ~ Deck the Alley tickets ~

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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of November 2 – 4

 

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 51°  | Low 37°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny |  High 49° | Low 35°

Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 49° |  Low 31°

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 ~

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