Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Dinos After Dark, Miss Saigon At The Academy Of Music and More!

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

‘Spring Is In The Air In Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with the opening of the Shofusho Japanese House and Garden, Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus: Risque, Dinos After Dark, March Madness Games at Philly Sports Bars, Bach in the Subways, Women’s Film Festival, Women’s History Month and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the last day of the Women’s Film Festival, the opening of the Shofusho Japanese House and Garden, Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music, Bach in the Subways, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus: Risque, The Rittenhouse Row Spring Fashion Crawl, March Madness Games at Philly Sports Bars, the Women’s History Month, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music, Philadelphia Restaurant Festival, March Madness Games at Philly Sports Bars, the Women’s Film Festival, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Women’s History Month, Philly Wine Week, First Friday, Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, First Sunday, Real Ale Invitational at Yard’s Brewing, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, Chinese Lantern Festival 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 ~ March 22 – 28 ~

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 Gay Men’s Chorus: Risque ~ March 22 – 23 ~ Held at the International House Philadelphia at 3701 Chestnut Street. The ensemble Brotherly Love (BROLO) performs three 90-minute concerts this week for the next musical showcase produced by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Risqué. The adult-themed cabaret features songs from Avenue Q, Book of Mormon, Falsettoland and more. ~ Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus: Risque ~
• Bach in the Subways ~ March 22 – 24 ~ FREE – Local classical musicians join this massive worldwide community celebration of famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday by playing his music for commuters and passerbys at transit stations and other public places. Each free performance varies in length and takes place at different times at select SEPTA, PATCO and Amtrak stations. ~ Bach in the Subways ~
• Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~ March 23 – 24 ~ During opening weekend, visitors can go on complimentary tours of the tea house and lush garden as well as feed the koi. $12, adults; $8, youth (5-17) and students (with ID); $2 ACCESS card holders (up to four guests); free, members, youth (5 & under), military (with ID and up to five guests) ~ Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~
• Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~ March 22 – 31 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street. Enjoy this moving story about an encounter between a Vietnamese woman and American soldier during the Vietnam War. The show, which features an impressive score of popular songs like Last Night of the World and The Heat Is On in Saigon. ~ Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~
• Women’s History Month ~ March 22 – 31 ~ Explore attractions throughout Philadelphia regarding the many contributions to society made by both historical and modern-day women all month long. ~ Women’s History Month ~ 
• Israeli Film Festival ~ March 22 – April 7 (select dates) ~ Held at various locations Lightbox Film Center at the International House at 3701 Chestnut Street. The festival celebrates the Israeli experience and share Israeli culture with the public. Enjoy screenings of documentaries and feature-length films that range from poignant dramas to lighthearted comedies. ~ Israeli Film Festival ~ 
• March Madness Games at Philly Sports Bars ~ March 22 – April 8 ~ Calling all college basketball fans! Enjoy March Madness games at these Philly sports bars! ~ March Madness Games at Philly Sports Bars ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ March 22 – 28 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of March ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for March 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Dinos After Dark ~ March 22 ~ 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 winter and spring, 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 ~
• Women’s Film Festival ~ March 22 – 23 ~ Held at various locations including the Philadelphia Film Center at 1412 Chestnut Street. The festival aims to inspire, celebrate and unite women working in the film and entertainment industry. Films made by women and about women are screened throughout the nine-day-long festival. ~ Women’s Film Festival ~
• Friday Nights Art ~ March 22 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Denise King – This vocal powerhouse and local favorite returns for a performance in honor of the legendary women of jazz. Member Perk: Starting at 5:00 p.m., the first 50 members receive a free CD and an opportunity to meet the performer during intermission. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~   
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~ March 23 ~ 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 ~  
• The Rittenhouse Row Spring Fashion Crawl ~ March 23 ~ From 1 pm – 4 pm at surrounding shops & stores in Rittenhouse. Numerous Rittenhouse Row retailers will have mini parties with drinks, gifts and discounts. ~ The Rittenhouse Row Spring Fashion Crawl ~
• Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~ March 23 – 24 ~ During opening weekend, visitors can go on complimentary tours of the tea house and lush garden as well as feed the koi. $12, adults; $8, youth (5-17) and students (with ID); $2 ACCESS card holders (up to four guests); free, members, youth (5 & under), military (with ID and up to five guests) ~ Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ March 23 & 24 ~ 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 ~ March 23 & 27 ~ 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 ~ 
• Bach in the Subways ~ March 24 ~ FREE – Local classical musicians join this massive worldwide community celebration of famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday by playing his music for commuters and passerbys at transit stations and other public places. Each free performance varies in length and takes place at different times at select SEPTA, PATCO and Amtrak stations. ~ Bach in the Subways ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ March 24 ~ 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 ~   
• Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~ March 24 ~ During opening weekend, visitors can go on complimentary tours of the tea house and lush garden as well as feed the koi. $12, adults; $8, youth (5-17) and students (with ID); $2 ACCESS card holders (up to four guests); free, members, youth (5 & under), military (with ID and up to five guests) ~ Opening Weekend At Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ~
• Irish Sessions ~ March 24 ~ 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. 
• Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~ March 24 – 31 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street. Enjoy this moving story about an encounter between a Vietnamese woman and American soldier during the Vietnam War. The show, which features an impressive score of popular songs like Last Night of the World and The Heat Is On in Saigon. ~ Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ March 27 ~ 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 ~ 
• Cigar Event at Catahoula Restaurant ~ March 27 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm at 775 Front St. Ladies & Gents! Kick-off the spring with this fantastic Cigar event at Catahoula Restaurant and Bar! Bring your cigar or enjoy one of theirs. 10% off of their food, beer & drinks. Enjoy your choice of Bulleit bourbon, Tullamore Dew whiskey, or Chivas Regal scotch and other liquors… either neat or on the rocks. If you prefer beer, you’ll enjoy Abita beers either on draft or from a can.  
• Philadelphia Restaurant Festival ~ March 28 ~ Starting at 6 pm at the Crystal Tea Room. The Philadelphia Restaurant is a food and drink lovers dream! With over 100 different amazing restaurants, craft beers, Bourbon and whiskeys, liquors, and wines from across the Philadelphia area to sample! Everyone will find something to rave about. ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Festival ~
• Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~ March 28 – 31 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street. Enjoy this moving story about an encounter between a Vietnamese woman and American soldier during the Vietnam War. The show, which features an impressive score of popular songs like Last Night of the World and The Heat Is On in Saigon. ~ Miss Saigon at The Academy of Music ~
• 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 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 ~ March 29  & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ March 29 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays – Louder Now – A night celebrating the many ways we raise our voices, featuring LADAMA, a multinational ensemble of women. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~    
• Philly Wine Week ~ March 31 – April 7 ~ Philly Wine Week is an eight day event that embraces those that savor the knowledge and taste of wines. There will be an opening event, events each day and a closing event. Enjoy wine with other fellow wine lovers, listen to guest speakers and much more. ~ Philly Wine Week ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of April ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for April 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• First Friday in Old City~ April 5 ~ 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 ~ April 5 ~ 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 ~ 
• Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ April 6 – 14 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms)  ~ Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ April 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 ~ 
• Pay As You Wish ~ April 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 ~ 
• Real Ale Invitational at Yard’s Brewing ~ April 14 ~ Details to follow soon.  ~ Real Ale Invitational at Yard’s Brewing ~ 
• Dinos After Dark ~ April 26 ~ 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 winter and spring, 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 ~ April 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 ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 1 – June 30 ~  Every night of the week from 6 pm to 11 pm at Franklin Square. Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with 30 larger-than-life illuminated displays such as a huge 200-foot long phoenix, pandas, sea creatures, mythological creatures and more. Enjoy special food, shopping, live performances as well.  ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~

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 22 – 24

Friday  |  90% Early Rain & Wind  |  High 52°  |  Low 32°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy & Windy  |  High 52°  |  Low 32°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 57°  |  Low 44°

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 Shofuso Japanese House & Garden for MyPhillyAlive

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