Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day, Ben Franklin Birthday, Lunar New Year Celebrations, Tattoo Arts Convention and More!

Martin Luther King Mural on Lancaster Avenue by Cliff Eubanks

‘Jammed Packed Weekend Of Things To Do In Philadelphia!’

Happy birthday Benjamin Franklin, who was born January 17, 1706! The Benjamin Franklin Museum will be open to the public for free January 20 in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr holiday.

The weekend kicks off with Prohibition: 100 Years at the National Liberty Museum, Ben Franklin activities, Martin Luther King activities, The Band’s Visit at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philly Home Show, Hair O’ the Dog Party, Hamlet at the Independence Seaport Museum, Center City District Restaurant Week, ice skating at Dilworth Park, ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink and more. 

During the weekend enjoy Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum, Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Reading Terminal Market, Ben Franklin activities, Martin Luther King activities, Philly Home Show, Center City District Restaurant Week, ice skating at Dilworth Park, ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink, Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, free Irish Session at Plough & the Stars, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Quizzo at Plough and the Stars, ice skating at Dilworth Park, ice skating a Blue Cross RiverRink, Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, First Sunday 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. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

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: 

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. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~   
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2020 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Our guide to the many fireplaces located in Philadelphia bars & restaurants ~ January 17 – February 28 ~ Check out the 39 restaurants & bars with fireplaces in Philly! Are we missing one? Please tell us. thx  ~ Our guide to the many fireplaces located in Philadelphia bars & restaurants ~ 
• Hamlet at the Independence Seaport Museum ~ January 17 – 19 ~ FREE (with reserved ticket) (Select Dates of Jan 10 – 13 & 16 – 19) Held at the Independence Seaport Museum at 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. ~ Hamlet at the Independence Seaport Museum ~  
• The Band’s Visit at the Academy of Music ~ January 17 – 19 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street. Enjoy this Tony Award production of an Egyptian orchestra that boards the wrong bus on the way to a show and ends up in a remote desert town in Israel. The band brings the town to life in surprising ways, showing that even a brief visit from strangers can be unforgettable. ~ The Band’s Visit at the Academy of Music ~ 
• The Philly POPS Present Hamlisch: With Love at the Kimmel Center ~ January 17 – 19 ~ GA starts at $35. Held at the Kimmel Center at 300 S. Broad Street. In dedication and tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, The Philly POPS perform renditions of his award-winning songs from Broadway (A Chorus Line) and Hollywood (The Way We Were) with help from vocalist Ashley Brown. ~ The Philly POPS Present Hamlisch: With Love at the Kimmel Center ~
• Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center ~ January 17 – 19 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street. The 22nd annual convention returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center to celebrate body art with hundreds of tattoo artists and vendors from around the world. This event features head-turning art, live tattooing, human-suspension acts and sideshow performances, all while special guests talk about their experiences and showcase their impressive work. ~ Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center ~
• Philly Home Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center ~ January 17 – 19 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street. More than 240 home exhibitors and home design experts will bring ideas to both homeowners and renters. Experts in gardening, landscaping, interior design, furnishing, architecture and construction set up shop to answer questions and help guide attendees seeking advice and inspiration. Enjoy a weekend to include a make-and-take workshop led by master craftsman and local resident Jeff Devlin of Stone House Revival and other HGTV and DIY Network shows (Saturday) and Trade Day, which spotlights the building trades and grants free admission to home-building and renovation tradespeople (Sunday). ~ Philly Home Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center ~ 
• Benjamin Franklin Celebrations ~ January 17 – 20 ~ FREE & Paid activities & events throughout Philadelphia in celebration of Ben Franklin’s Birthday, that was on January 17, 1706. ~ Benjamin Franklin Celebrations ~
• Martin Luther King Weekend ~ January 17 – 20 ~ Explore many different events and activities, some free, that surround the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and what he represented for all! ~ Martin Luther King Day ~
• Our Guide to Chinese New Year Celebrations Throughout Philadelphia ~ January 17 – February 8 ~  Enjoy lion dances, Chinese food, crafts and more! ~ Our Guide to Chinese New Year Celebrations Throughout Philadelphia ~
• Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ January 17 – February 23 ~ Enjoy ice skating, food, drinks, special events and more! ~ Ice Skating at Rothman Ice Rink ~ 
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ January 17 – March 8 ~ Held at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Enjoy ice skating, food, beverages, a heated log cabin with a fireplace, games and more! ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ 
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 17 – 24 ~ Enjoy 3 course meals for lunch or dinner set at prix fixe prices throughout restaurants in Philadelphia! ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~ 
• Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens ~ January 18 – March 22 ~ Held at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square. Free with general admission (timed tickets required). This special attraction creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. ~ Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens ~
• City Winery Philadelphia ~ Now Open ~ Thanks to Founder & CEO Michael Dorf and his team, they have brought you a venue that offers excellent tasting wine, food and music, all in one place. For those music lovers, you’ll enjoy great shows in either their loft, that holds approximately 150 people or their main room, which holds approximately 350 people, to listen to some of the best performers around the country! The shows will begin September 27. Tickets for many shows are going quickly, so get them now! Get Tickets! ~ City Winery Philadelphia ~
• CandyTopia ~ Now Open ~ Located at 901 Market Street. Candytopia is an outrageously interactive candy wonderland that transports guests to an imaginative confectionery world with a one-of-a-kind full sensory experiences—you can expect larger-than-life installations inspired by pure, sugary bliss throughout Candytopia’s dozen unique rooms, along with candy samples and lots of fun surprises. ~ CandyTopia ~ 

Date Specific Events & Activities: 

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2020 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Our guide to the many fireplaces located in Philadelphia bars & restaurants ~ January 17 – February 28 ~ Check out the 39 restaurants & bars with fireplaces in Philly! Are we missing one? Please tell us. thx  ~ Our guide to the many fireplaces located in Philadelphia bars & restaurants ~ 
• Friday Nights Art ~ January 17 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Prohibition: 100 Years at the National Liberty Museum ~ January 17 ~ 7 pm – 9 pm at 10 pm at the National Liberty Museum at 321 Chestnut Street. $45 per person. Discover what life was really like in Prohibition-era Philadelphia while enjoying beer from Flying Fish Brewery and spirits from Boardroom Distillery. A mixology class, Prohibition trivia and an interactive murder mystery performance with Riddlesbrood Theatre Company round out the fun. ~ Prohibition: 100 Years at the National Liberty Museum ~
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ January 18 ~ 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 ~
• Liberty Lands Market ~ January 18 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh org8nic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. ~ Liberty Lands Market ~ 
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ January 18 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ January 18 ~ 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 ~ 
• Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Reading Terminal Market ~ January 18 ~ FREE – From 10 am to 1 pm at Center Court at the Reading Terminal Market, guests can watch cooking demos, Chinese Instrument performance, calligraphy, crafts, and the lion dance by the Philadelphia Suns. ~ Lunar New Year at Reading Terminal Market ~
• Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum ~ January 18 ~ 10 am – 5 pm at Penn Museum at 3260 South Street. Asian Arts Initiative helps host this annual celebration of the Lunar New Year with dance, martial arts, music, craft-making, calligraphy, storytelling and a grand finale lion dance. ~ Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum ~
• Hair O’ the Dog Party ~ January 18 ~ 9 pm – 1 am at NOTO Philadelphia at 1209 Vine Street! Dance the night away & break the 2020 New Year in at Hair O’ The Dog! Enjoy finger foods, open bars, live music and more. Part of the proceeds will be given to Viva Glam. ~ Hair O’ the Dog Party ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ January 18 & 19 ~ FREE – Saturday & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ 
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ January 18 & 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ January 19 ~ Established in 2007, this market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Featuring more than 40 vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Irish Sessions ~ January 19 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner. 
• Martin Luther King Day ~ January 20 ~ Explore many different events and activities, some free, that surround the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and what he represented for all! ~ Martin Luther King Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Celebrations ~ January 20 ~ FREE admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum in celebration of Ben Franklin’s Birthday, that was on January 17, 1706. ~ Benjamin Franklin Celebrations ~ 
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 20 – 24 ~ Enjoy 3 course meals for lunch or dinner set at prix fixe prices throughout restaurants in Philadelphia! ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ January 20 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy Quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ 
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ January 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• The Rail Park Opening ~ Now Open ~ This awesome new public space is FREE to the public.  This space allows visitors to enjoy seating, public art, greenery and elevated city views! The area stretches from Broad and Noble streets, jumps up to the Reading Viaduct overhead and ends above the 1100 block of Callowhill Street. ~ The Rail Park Opening ~
• Franklin Square ~ Open Now ~ Enjoy mini-golf, a carousel, food and drink options and an outdoor space for kids or to simply hang out at Franklin Square. ~ 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 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 ~
• Museum of the American Revolution – The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. The museum anchors the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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:

• Friday Nights Art ~ January 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Dinos After Dark ~ January 24 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this fall, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~ 
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ January 27 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ 
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ February 2 ~ 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 ~ February 2 ~ 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 ~ 
• First Friday in Old City~ February 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 in Manayunk ~ February 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 ~ 
• Dinos After Dark ~ February 28 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this fall, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ February 28 ~ 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 ~ 

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 January 17 – 19

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 33°  |  Low 20°
Saturday  |  100% Snow 1 – 3″ & Mixed  |  High 37°  |  Low 35° 
Sunday |  Mostly Sunny  | High 38° | Low 23°

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: Photo courtesy of Hughe Dillon of Philly Chit Chat for MyPhillyAlive

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