Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day, Center City Restaurant Week, Winterfest Brewfest, Lunar New Year Festival at Penn Museum and More!

‘Long Holiday Weekend In Philadelphia!’

The weekend kicks off with Market to Table Event at Reading Terminal Market, Young Professionals Night: Winter Wild at the Barnes Foundation, Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events, the Philly Home Show, Philadelphia Restaurant Week, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink, Viking Fest, Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences and more. 

During the weekend enjoy Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events, Chinese New Year Celebration at Penn Museum, the Philly Home Show, Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest, Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater, Philadelphia Restaurant Week, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park & the Blue Cross RiverRink, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy the Philadelphia Restaurant Week, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, ice skating rinks, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

NOTE about the Federal Government Shutdown: The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall are closed now. Many other attractions in Philadelphia’s Historic District are open for the duration of the shutdown, including the Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Museum of American Jewish History, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and Cherry Street Pier.

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, Chinese New Year Celebrations, 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 ~ January 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. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~
• Philly Home Show ~ January 18 – 20 ~ Explore hundreds of home exhibitors and home-design experts at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  There will also be guest designers and celebrities from the home design world. ~ Philly Home Show ~
• Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events ~ January 18 – 21 ~ Enjoy many events & activities to include some free admission to museums celebrating Martin Luther King Day! ~ Celebrate Martin Luther King Day ~
• Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~ January 18 – 21 ~ Come face-to-feet with nearly 20 massive, colorful, moving bugs! From a fluttering oversized monarch butterfly and a fluffy tri-colored bumblebee to a gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroach and a blood-sucking bed bug, these towering animatronics tell a rarely seen story of the behaviors and intricacies of extreme bugs. Get a bug’s-eye view of the world, explore critter calls, dig for ancient arthropods, and play an Xtreme bug facts game. ~ Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~   
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 18 – 25 ~  Come out and get discounted prices at your favorite participating restaurants, enjoying delicious foods both during lunch and dinner. Try a new restaurant as well! ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at restaurants & bars in Philadelphia ~ January 18 – February 28 ~ We have listed 34 bars & restaurants located in Philadelphia that have a fireplace to cozy up to while eating & drinking! ~ Our Guide to Fireplaces at restaurants & bars in Philadelphia ~
• Viking Fest ~ January 18 – until unknown ~ From 10 am – 3 pm at the Franklin Institute. Celebrate the opening of the new Vikings: Beyond The Legend exhibit with a festival that includes performances, demonstrations, reenactments and 21-foot long replica ship! ~ Viking Fest ~
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ January 18 – February 24 ~ Dilworth Park has been transformed into an Ice Skating Rink outside of City Hall. Known as the Rothman Ice Rink, it is open 7 days a week, to include all holidays. So make plans with the family, with friends, and enjoy this new found winter location in the heart of Philadelphia.  ~ Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~
• Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink & Winterfest ~ January 18 – March 3 ~ Enjoy ice skating this winter at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River.   Visitors will also be able to enjoy a lodge with a fireplace, games & more, cabins and more. ~ Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink & Winterfest ~
• Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ January 19 & 20 ~ Free with pay-as-you-go pints at the Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. Enjoy the 5th annual Winterfest Brewfest! Local and regional beer purveyors like Conshohocken Brewing Company, Evil Genius Beer Company, Cape May Brewing Co. and more pass out free samples of their finest seasonal brews at this two-day event. ~ Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ 
• Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~ January 19 & 20 ~ Held at the Marriam Theater at 250 S. Broad Street. Enjoy high-energy performances by historically Black college and university marching bands which was created by the musical team behind the 2002 feature film Drumline. ~ Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ January 18 – 24 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Friday Nights Art ~ January 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Candice Hoyes -​ Enjoy classic standards performed by this enchanting soprano as she brings today’s social issues to bear on her interpretations. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~
• Market to Table: Chef Tour and Dinner Featuring Joncarl Lachman ~ January 18 ~ From 5:30 pm to 8 pm at Reading Terminal Market. Learn how to shop for ingredients and prepare a meal like one of Philly’s best chefs! This new, intimate monthly afterhours dinner series will highlight how the Market can provide everything that you need to make a chef caliber meal at home. You’ll be cooking with Chef Joncarl Lachman, owner/executive chef of NOORD etcafe! ~ Market to Table: Chef Tour and Dinner Featuring Joncarl Lachman ~
• Young Professionals Night: Winter Wild at the Barnes Foundation ~ January 18 ~ From 7 pm to 10 pm at The Barnes Foundation.  Guests in animal-print attire mix, mingle and move to the music of Mole Street Artists at this edition of the Barnes Foundation’s networking series for young professionals. ~ Young Professionals Night: Winter Wild at the Barnes Foundation ~
• Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events ~ January 18 – 21 ~ Enjoy many events & activities to include some free admission to museums celebrating Martin Luther King Day! ~ Celebrate Martin Luther King Day ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ January 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 ~
• Liberty Lands Market ~ January 19 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh organic 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 19 ~ 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 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 ~  
• Chinese New Year Celebration at Penn Museum ~ January 19 ~ From 1 pm to 8 pm at Penn Museum. Guests will enjoy traditional dance and music, contemporary Asian film, tangram workshops, martial arts demonstrations, storytelling, calligraphy, and art-making for all ages.  For more info, Click Here. ~ Chinese New Year Celebration at Penn Museum ~ 
• Party At The Hair O’ Dog ~ January 19 ~ Held at the exclusive Crystal Tea Room this year, partygoers will enjoy performances by T-Pain, DJ K Styles and others. They will also enjoy open bar, gourmet stations and desserts, top-notch entertainment, and so much more! ~ Party At The Hair O’ Dog ~ 
• Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ January 19 & 20 ~ Free with pay-as-you-go pints at the Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. Enjoy the 5th annual Winterfest Brewfest! Local and regional beer purveyors like Conshohocken Brewing Company, Evil Genius Beer Company, Cape May Brewing Co. and more pass out free samples of their finest seasonal brews at this two-day event. ~ Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ 
• Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~ January 19 & 20 ~ Held at the Marriam Theater at 250 S. Broad Street. Enjoy high-energy performances by historically Black college and university marching bands which was created by the musical team behind the 2002 feature film Drumline. ~ Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~
• Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events ~ January 19 – 21 ~ Enjoy many events & activities to include some free admission to museums celebrating Martin Luther King Day! ~ Celebrate Martin Luther King Day ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ January 19 & 20 ~ FREE – Saturdays & 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  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 ~ 
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ January 20 ~ 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 ~  
• Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ January 20 ~ Free with pay-as-you-go pints at the Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. Enjoy the 5th annual Winterfest Brewfest! Local and regional beer purveyors like Conshohocken Brewing Company, Evil Genius Beer Company, Cape May Brewing Co. and more pass out free samples of their finest seasonal brews at this two-day event. ~ Winterfest Brewfest at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest ~ 
• Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~ January 20 ~ Held at the Marriam Theater at 250 S. Broad Street. Enjoy high-energy performances by historically Black college and university marching bands which was created by the musical team behind the 2002 feature film Drumline. ~ Drumline Live at the Merriam Theater ~
• Irish Sessions ~ January 20 ~ 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. 
• Celebrate Martin Luther King Day Activities & Events ~ January 21 ~ Enjoy many events & activities to include some free admission to museums celebrating Martin Luther King Day! ~ Celebrate Martin Luther King Day ~
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 21 – 25 ~  Come out and get discounted prices at your favorite participating restaurants, enjoying delicious foods both during lunch and dinner. Try a new restaurant as well! ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ January 21 – February 24, 2019 ~ Dilworth Park has been transformed into an Ice Skating Rink outside of City Hall. Known as the Rothman Ice Rink, it is open 7 days a week, to include all holidays. So make plans with the family, with friends, and enjoy this new found winter location in the heart of Philadelphia.  ~ Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ January 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 ~ 
• 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 March 2019 ~ 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 ~ January 25  & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ January 25 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Candice Hoyes -​ Enjoy classic standards performed by this enchanting soprano as she brings today’s social issues to bear on her interpretations. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~   
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ January 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of February ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for February 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• First Friday in Old City~ February 1 ~ 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 1 ~ 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 ~  
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 2 – 22 ~ Enjoy many activities, events & dinners ringing the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Pig, in Chinatown and throughout Philadelphia. ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ February 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 ~ February 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 ~ 

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 18 – 20

Friday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 41°  |  Low 29°
Saturday  |  80% PM Rain & Snow  |  High 37°  |  Low 36°
Sunday  |  90% AM Rain & Snow & Wind  |  High 44°  |  Low 5°

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 Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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