Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ March Madness, Museum Exhibits, Theatre, Spring Wine Festival At Chaddsford Winery, Macy’s Flower Show and More!

Schyulkill Boardwalk

Schyulkill Boardwalk

‘First Day Of Spring Might Bring Snow!’

This weekend kicks off with March Madness and three Philly colleges playing today with Villanova, Temple and St. Josephs! Check out where to watch all of your favorite teams! Also, the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, Tangle Presents RetroAct and the play Two Trains Running at Arden Theatre. During the weekend enjoy the Sound of Music at the Kimmel Center, Spring Wine Festival at Chaddfords Winery, farmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with the Macy’s Flower Show, an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars and Live Irish Music as well.

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 4th Friday in Headhouse District, the 85th Annual Easter Promenade, First Friday, Philadelphia Wine Week, Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia Science Festival, Chinese Lantern Festival, Broad Street Run, 4th Annual South Street SpringFest, Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair 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.

Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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 updatesMyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlivewe 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  ~ March 18 – 24 ~

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 ~
  • Sound of Music ~ March 18 – 20 ~ Held at the Kimmel Center, enjoy the spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family! ~ Sound of Music at the Kimmel Center ~
  • March Madness ~ March 18 – April 4 ~ Need a sports bar to watch your favorite team? Here is our list of sports bars in Philadelphia. Good luck Villanova, Temple & St. Joes!  ~ Philadelphia Sports Bars for March Madness ~
  • Two Trains Running ~ March 18 – April 15 ~ Held at Arden Theatre, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, tells the story about the civil rights movement that is sweeping across Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1969 and Memphis Lee’s diner is scheduled to be torn down, a casualty of the city’s renovation project. Two Trains Running ~
  • Peter and the Starcatcher ~ March 18 – May 1 ~ Takes a musical flight into Neverland with this Tony-winning prequel to this grownup’s prequel to Peter Pan. When starcatcher-in-training Molly meets an orphan boy longing for a home, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. ~ Peter and the Starcatcher ~
  • Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~ March 18 – May 9 ~ Held at The Barnes Foundation, marvel in the Picasso Exhibit: The Great War, Experimentation and Change! The show brings together some 50 works by the artist from major American and European museums and private collections, including paintings, drawings, watercolors, and costumes designed for the avant-garde ballet,Parade; and several pieces by his friends and contemporaries.Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~
  • Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science ~ March 18 to August 28 ~ At the Franklin Institute, visitors will explore a recreation of an Egyptian tomb, a real mummy, and authentic art and artifacts from ancient Egypt.  ~ Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science at Franklin Institute ~
  • The Science Behind Pixar ~ March 18 – September 5 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute, experience the Science Behind Pixar! Learn how your favorite Pixar characters were born into animated movies! Explore the science and technology behind it and more! ~ The Science Behind Pixar ~
  • Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ March 18 – November 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this exhibit illustrates what scientists can deduce from the fossil record when creating a reconstruction of a skeleton or model and what they must look to artists to interpret. It will also feature a touchable copy of a dinosaur skin impression & more. ~ Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~
  • The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ March 18 to November 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~
  • Macy’s Flower Show ~ March 20 – April 3 ~ This year’s theme, America the Beautiful, celebrates the wondrous landscapes that make up the good old U. S. of A. The magnificent floral arrangements include plant varieties indigenous to each of our nation’s regions and iconic destinations. ~ Macy’s Flower Show ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ March 18 – 24 ~

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of March ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for March 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Art After 5 ~  March 18 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Women in Jazz – Valray Sturgis and friends play homage to greats including Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ March 18 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Tangle Presents RetroAct ~ March 18 & 19 ~ Held at the Neighborhood House behind Christ Church in Old City on Fri at 8 pm & Sat at 3 pm & 8 pm. RetroAct is a revival and remix of acts from Tangle’s five years of innovative aerial performance! Tangle’s ten-woman cast travels through simmering duets, intricate balancing acts, a celebration of campy drag traditions, and a suspended-in-air meditation on the passage of time. ~ RetroAct ~
  • Sound of Music ~ March 18 – 20 ~ Held at the Kimmel Center, enjoy the spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family! Sound of Music at the Kimmel Center ~
  • March Madness ~ March 18 – April 4 ~ Need a sports bar to watch your favorite team? Here is our list of sports bars in Philadelphia. Good luck Villanova, Temple & St. Joes!  ~ Philadelphia Sports Bars for March Madness ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ March 19 ~ 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 ~ March 19 ~ 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 ~
  • Living History: Women of the Revolution – Heroes & Villains ~ March 19 ~ FREE – Held at 1 pm & 2 pm at the Independence Visitor Center, hear opposing experiences of the American Revolution from women who lived through it. Join the National Park Service as it presents historical portrayals of Lydia Darragh and Peggy Shippen Arnold. ~ Living History: Women of the Revolution – Heroes & Villains ~
  • March Madness ~ March 19 – April 4 ~ Need a sports bar to watch your favorite team? Here is our list of sports bars in Philadelphia. Good luck Villanova, Temple & St. Joes!  ~ Philadelphia Sports Bars for March Madness ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ March 19 ~ 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 March 19 & 23 ~ 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 ~
  • Living History: Women of the Revolution – Heroes & Villains ~ March 19 ~ FREE – Held at 1 pm & 2 pm at the Independence Visitor Center, hear opposing experiences of the American Revolution from women who lived through it. Join the National Park Service as it presents historical portrayals of Lydia Darragh and Peggy Shippen Arnold. ~ Living History: Women of the Revolution – Heroes & Villains ~
  • Spring Wine Festival ~ March 19 & 20 ~ From 12 pm to 6 pm each day, enjoy half-priced wine as you kick back with friends and enjoy live music, food trucks and much more. ~ Spring Wine Festival ~
  • Macy’s Flower Show ~ March 20 – April 3 ~ This year’s theme, America the Beautiful, celebrates the wondrous landscapes that make up the good old U. S. of A. The magnificent floral arrangements include plant varieties indigenous to each of our nation’s regions and iconic destinations. ~ Macy’s Flower Show ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ March 20 ~ 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 ~   
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ March 20 ~ From 1 pm to 5 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~     
  • Live Irish Music ~ March 20 ~ FREE – 6:30 pm – Held at Plough and the Stars, listen to Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfetones all the way from Dublin Live! ~ Live Irish Music ~
  • Free Parking! ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~  
  • Franklin Square ~ Open 2016 Season ~ The Franklin Square is a great place to bring the family or for a date. Located in the historical part of Philadelphia in Old City. This park offers a carousel, a miniature golf course, a storytelling bench, a playground, a picnic area and more. ~ Franklin Square ~
  • 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 MuseumBest 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 ~ March 25 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ March 25 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Denise King – Philadelphia-born Denise King’s warm tone and impeccable phrasing recall some of jazz’s legendary chanteuses. Tonight she performs her favorite love songs in her signature spontaneous style. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ March 25 ~ 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 ~  
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ March 27 ~ 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 ~  
  • 85th Annual Easter Promenade ~ March 27 ~ Stay tuned for details! ~ 85th Annual Easter Promenade ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of April ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for April 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityApril 1 ~ 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 ~ April 1 ~ 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 ~ April 3 ~ 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 ~ April 3 ~ 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Wine Week ~ April 3 – 10 ~ Stay tuned for info! ~ Philadelphia Wine Week ~
  • Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) ~ April 8 – 23 ~ Stay tuned for more info. ~ Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts ~
  • Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~ April 11 – 17 ~ Stay tuned for more info. ~  Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~
  • Philadelphia Science Festival ~ April 22 – 30 ~ Stay tuned for more info. ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~
  • Chinese Lantern Festival ~ April 22 – June 12 ~  Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with more than 25 larger-than-life illuminated displays of handcrafted giant flowers, a three-story pagoda and a huge 200-foot Chinese dragon. ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
  • Broad Street Run ~ May 1st ~      ~ Broad Street Run ~  
  • 4th Annual South Street SpringFest ~ May 7 ~ Stay tuned for info! ~ 4th Annual South Street SpringFest ~
  • Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~ May 21 & 22 ~  Stay tuned for more info. ~ Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~

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 March 18 – 20

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy with Sun  |  High 62°  |  Low 37°
Saturday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 49°  |  Low 34°
Sunday  |  70% Snow 3-7 inches  |  High 37°  |  Low 30°

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

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