Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Franklin Square Holiday Festival, Christmas Village Preview Weekend, Philadelphia Marathon and More!

Independence Mall

‘First Snowfall in Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with kick off with the Philadelphia Marathon, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, Manayunk Cocktail Week, the First Person Arts Festival, the continuation of Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation, & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Christmas Village preview weekend, Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square, First Person Arts Festival, Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy the First Person Arts Festival, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday 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 ~ November 16 – 22 ~

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 Marathon Weekend ~ November 16 – 18 ~ Enjoy Marathon activities, half races on Saturday and the full 26.2 marathon on Sunday. Enjoy other things such as the 2018 Health and Fitness Expo, which is free and open to the public! Friday, November 16, 11 am – 9 pm and Saturday, November 17, 10 am – 7 pm. ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 16 – 18 ~ Held at various locations including Landmark’s Ritz East, 125 S. 2nd Street.  The film festival celebrates Jewish filmmakers and films about the Jewish experience. This year’s festival features 30 film events ranging from shorts and documentaries to feature films and panels. Screenings this week include TheInterpreter, Box For Life and Shoelaces.  ~ Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~
• Manayunk Cocktail Week ~ November 16 – 18 ~ Enjoy a weeklong celebration of special cocktails being served and cocktail-fueled events! Participating Manayunk bars and restaurants will take part in a variety of tastings, dinner pairings, parties, cocktail competitions, and happy hours all week long! ~ Manayunk Cocktail Week ~  
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 16 – 27 ~ Held at various locations including Christ Church Neighborhood House at 20 N. American Street.  The month long festival celebrates storytellers and showcases memoir and documentary art. Two workshops on Sunday kick off the festival: SlamCamp for Beginners and Gender Identity for Families. ~ First Person Arts Festival ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~ November 16 – December 31 ~ The Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square is one for the whole family to enjoy. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 75,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space.  ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show at Franklin Square ~
• Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ November 16 – December 31 ~ Held at the National Constitution Center.  The exhibition focuses on Alexander Hamilton and the challenging relationships and friendships he had with some of our country’s history makers such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Aaron Burr. ~ Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ 
• Viking Fest ~ November 16 – 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 ~
• Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~ November 16, 2018 – January 21, 2019 ~ 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 ~   
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ November 16 – 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 ~ 
• Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~ November 17 & 18 ~ Get a sneak preview of what will be taking place! The Christmas Village at Love Park in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks.  ~ Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ November 16 – 22 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Friday Nights Art ~ November 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Darryl Yokley -​ ​​This saxophonist presents Pictures at an African Exhibition, original compositions accompanied by the visual art of David Emmanuel Noel. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~  
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ November 16 – 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 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ November 17 ~ 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 ~ November 17 ~ 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 ~ November 17 ~ 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 ~ November 17 ~ 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 ~  
• Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~ November 17 & 18 ~ Get a sneak preview of what will be taking place! The Christmas Village at Love Park in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks.  ~ Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ November 17 & 18 ~ 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 ~ November 17 & 21 ~ 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 ~ November 18 ~ 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 ~ 
• Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~ November 18 ~ Get a sneak preview of what will be taking place! The Christmas Village at Love Park in Philadelphia is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Selling anything from ornaments, high-quality arts and crafts, international gifts, jewelry, and much more. You’ll also be overwhelmed by the aroma of traditional European foods, sweets, and drinks.  ~ Christmas Village Preview Weekend ~
• Irish Sessions ~ November 18 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Iriic while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.  
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 19 – 27 ~ Held at various locations including Christ Church Neighborhood House at 20 N. American Street.  The month long festival celebrates storytellers and showcases memoir and documentary art. Two workshops on Sunday kick off the festival: SlamCamp for Beginners and Gender Identity for Families. ~ First Person Arts Festival ~ 
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ November 19 – 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 ~ November 21 ~ 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 ~ Now Open 2018 ~ 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 ~

Philly Beer Gardens

• Morgan’s Pier ~ It might still not feel like spring just yet, but the fun outdoor bar, Morgan’s Pier, is now open for business. Enjoy food, drinks, live music and more. ~ Morgan’s Pier ~

• PHS Pop-Up Garden ~ Relax while enjoying food & beer at two different locations! South Street, 1438 South Street and University City Square, 36th & Filbert streets. ~ PHS Pop-Up Garden ~

• Parks On Tap ~  Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 23 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! ~ Parks On Tap ~

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 ~ November 23  & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ November 23 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Toney Miceli Quartet ft. Larry McKenna -​ ​​The velvety tenor saxophone of Philly mainstay Larry McKenna accompanies renowned vibraphonist Tony Miceli and his ensemble. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~   
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 23 – 27 ~ Held at various locations including Christ Church Neighborhood House at 20 N. American Street.  The month long festival celebrates storytellers and showcases memoir and documentary art. Two workshops on Sunday kick off the festival: SlamCamp for Beginners and Gender Identity for Families. ~ First Person Arts Festival ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ November 23 ~ 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 December ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for December 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ December 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 ~ December 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~ December 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 ~ December 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 ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ December 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  November 16 – 18

Friday  |  100% Rain Late Afternoon  |  High 53°  |  Low 39°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy & Windy  |  High 42°  |  Low 30°
Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 47°  |  Low 32°

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 Philly Chit Chat aka Hughe Dillion

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page