Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Ice Skating At Dilworth Park, Film Festivals, Marines Birthday Celebration At Cookie’s Tavern, Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys and More!

‘Winter Activities in Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with kick off the holidays at Peddler’s Village, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, the First Person Arts Festival, last days at Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, 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, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Marines Birthday Celebration, Diwali Festival of Lights at Reading Terminal Market, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, First Person Arts Festival, Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Veterans Day activities, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, 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 9 – 15 ~

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 ~ 
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ November 9 & 10 ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary is the nation’s premier haunted attraction in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. Better than any scary hayride or haunted mansion. Check it out. Ticket Discounts Inside!  ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ November 9 – 16 ~ The Ben Franklin Parkway is turning 100 and Philadelphia is set to mark this milestone with a year of special events, promotions, and family-friendly experiences through November 18, 2018. ~ Parkway 100 Celebration ~ 
• Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 9 – 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 ~ 
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 9 – 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 ~
• Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ November 9 – 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 9 – 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 9, 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 9 – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ November 9 – 15 ~

• 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 9 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Josh Lawrence -​ ​This trumpeter/composer and his ensemble Color Theory present music inspired by painter Vasily Kandinsky’s Compositions. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~  
• Kick off the Holidays at Peddler’s Village ~ November 9 ~ From 6 pm – 9 pm at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road in New Hope.  Enjoy an evening with the arrival of Mrs. Claus on the Main Green, caroling, free refreshments (hot cider! hot chocolate! cookies!) and a Light Parade that ends with a tree lighting inside Giggleberry Fair. ~ Kick off the Holidays at Peddler’s Village ~ 
• Ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park ~ November 9 – 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 10 ~ 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 10 ~ 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 10 ~ 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 10 ~ 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 ~  
• Marines Birthday Celebration ~ November 10 ~ From 10 am – 10 pm at Cookie’s Tavern at the corner of 10th St & Oregon Ave in South Philly. Celebrate the Marines 243rd birthday with all-you-can-eat food & beer, live music, a special ceremony and more. ~ Marines Birthday Celebration ~
• Diwali Festival of Lights at Reading Terminal Market ~ November 10 ~ FREE – From 11 am – 3 pm at Reading Terminal Market at 51 N. 12th Street.  Enjoy the festival as there will be Indian cultural dances, Indian cooking demonstrations in City Kitchen, & Indian Art & Mendi (hand painting).  ~ Diwali Festival of Lights at Reading Terminal Market ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ November 10 & 11 ~ 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 10 & 14 ~ 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 ~
• Veterans Day Activities ~ November 11 ~   ~ Veterans Day Activities ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ November 11 ~ 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 ~ November 11 ~ 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 11 – 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 12 – 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 14 ~ 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 16  & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ November 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Josh Lawrence -​ ​This trumpeter/composer and his ensemble Color Theory present music inspired by painter Vasily Kandinsky’s Compositions. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~   
• 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 ~
• 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 9 – 11

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

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