Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend, Philly Home Show, Philadelphia Eagles Playoff Game, Center City Restaurant Week and More!

‘Exploring Philadelphia!’

The weekend kicks off with David Bowie Week, Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend Activities, Les Misérables at the Academy of Music, Philly Home Show, Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more.

During the weekend enjoy Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend Activities, Les Misérables, David Bowie Week, Terracotta Warriors Exhibit, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, the Parkway 100 Celebration, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga, and much more.

The weekend ends with Center City District Restaurant Week, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Benjamin Franklin Day, Philly Home Show, the Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway and more.

Martin Luther King Jr Day ends with Center City District Restaurant Week, Martin Luther King Jr Day events & activities, Benjamin Franklin Day activities, the opening of the La Peg Pegsicle Bar and more.

During the week enjoy Center City District Restaurant Week, the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Les Misérables at the Academy of Music, Philly Home Show, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for the continuation of the Philly Home Show, Hair O’ The Dog, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Philadelphia Auto Show, The Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe, First Friday, Chinese New Year 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 Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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 12 – 18 ~

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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Our 2018 Guide To Fireplaces At These Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ January & February ~ Feeling cold and like to find a nice bar or restaurant in Philadelphia that has a fireplace. Check out our recommendations. If you have one that we didn’t mention, please tell us in the comments. Thanks.  ~ Our 2018 Guide To Fireplaces At These Philly Bars & Restaurants ~
• Season Preview & Expectations of The Philadelphia Eagles ~ 2017 – 2018 Season ~ It’s football time and who is not excited about the 2017 – 2018 Philadelphia Eagles! Disregarding the fans who predict that, “This is the year we win it all!” most Eagles fans are still bubbling over with excitement and playoff hopes. Let’s take a peak into how the Eagles should fair this season. ~ Season Preview & Expectations of The Philadelphia Eagles ~
• David Bowie Week ~ January 12 – 13 ~ Celebrate the life of David Bowie throughout Philadelphia with many live shows & activities! ~ David Bowie Week ~ 
• Big Philly BeerFest ~ January 12 & 13 ~ The 4th Annual Big Philly Beerfest presented by Fatheads Brewery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! 300+ Craft Beers! Local Food Trucks & Restaurants! Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Partners. ~ Big Philly BeerFest ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day ~ January 12 – 15 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day & the weekend, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day ~ January 12 – 15 ~ Enjoy FREE admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum during his birthday and extended weekend celebration. There will be special programs in celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, which will take place on 2 days. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Les Misérables at the Academy of Music ~ January 12 – 21 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. ~ Les Misérables at the Academy of Music ~
• Philly Home Show ~ January 12 – 15 & 19 – 21 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street. Take advantage of the hundreds of exhibitors and experts who will be on hand to help. ~ Philly Home Show ~
• Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink ~ January 12 – February 26, 2018 ~ Held at Dilworth Park, the Rothman Ice Rink 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 ~
• Terracotta Warriors Exhibit ~ January 12 – March 4 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute. This is your chance to dive into the secrets behind the 2,000 year-old army of clay statues that guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor. The exhibit features 10 original clay statues and over 140 artifacts from the tomb of China’s first emperor China’s First Emperor Qin Shihuangdi.  ~ Terracotta Warriors Exhibit at The Franklin Institute ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing ~ January 12 – March 4 ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing will be a winter wonderland for all ages to explore. Enjoy ice skating, live music, warm fire pits, food, craft beers, shopping and much more. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing ~
• Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~ January 12 – March 18, 2018 ~ FREE – Enjoy this outdoor exhibit that features a stunning nighttime display of surreal, glowing videos projected on to four large domes! ~ Winter Fountains on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ January 12 to Nov 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 ~
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 14 – 26 ~ Get ready for Philadelphia restaurant week aka Center City Restaurant Week! Savor discounted prices at over 100 Philly restaurants! Do you have a favorite? Is there a restaurant that you have been dying to try? Please tell us & your experiences! Thx ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~
• La Peg Pegsicle Bar ~ January 15 – 21 or until the bar melts ~ La Peg at FringeArts at 140 N. Columbus Boulevard. This time 5 local artists will be chosen to create ice works of art to make up a temporary sculpture garden. Enjoy drinks on a frozen bar! ~ La Peg Pegsicle Bar ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ January 12 – 18 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Our 2018 Guide To Fireplaces At These Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ January & February ~ Feeling cold and like to find a nice bar or restaurant in Philadelphia that has a fireplace. Check out our recommendations. If you have one that we didn’t mention, please tell us in the comments. Thanks.  ~ Our 2018 Guide To Fireplaces At These Philly Bars & Restaurants ~
• David Bowie Week ~ January 12 – 13 ~ Celebrate the life of David Bowie throughout Philadelphia with many live shows & activities! ~ David Bowie Week ~
• Art After 5 ~ January 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ CNOTE – NYC –​​This trio​ of Christopher McBride, Jonathan Edward Thomas, and Curtis Nowosad mixes jazz, R&B, rock, and fusion with ease, technicality, and musical precision. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Big Philly BeerFest ~ January 12 & 13 ~ The 4th Annual Big Philly Beerfest presented by Fatheads Brewery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! 300+ Craft Beers! Local Food Trucks & Restaurants! Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Partners. ~ Big Philly BeerFest ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend ~ January 12 – 15 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day & the weekend, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day Weekend ~ January 12 – 15 ~ Enjoy FREE admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum during his birthday and extended weekend celebration. There will be special programs in celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, which will take place on 2 days. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ January 13 ~ 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 13 ~ 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 13 ~ 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 13 ~ 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 ~
• Big Philly BeerFest ~ January 13 ~ The 4th Annual Big Philly Beerfest presented by Fatheads Brewery at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! 300+ Craft Beers! Local Food Trucks & Restaurants! Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Partners. ~ Big Philly BeerFest ~
• Brother Outsider Screening At The African American Museum ~ January 13 ~ Screening Included with $2 Admission – Starting at 3 pm at The African American Museum.  ~ Black Orpheus Screening At The African American Museum ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ Starting Back Up Feb 2018 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Eagles ~ January 13 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles plays the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day Weekend ~ January 13 – 15 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day & the weekend, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day Weekend ~ January 12 – 15 ~ Enjoy FREE admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum during his birthday and extended weekend celebration. There will be special programs in celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, which will take place on 2 days. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ January 13 & 17 ~ 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 14 ~ 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 ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day ~ January 14 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day & the weekend, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Center City District Restaurant Week ~ January 14 – 26 ~ Get ready for Philadelphia restaurant week aka Center City Restaurant Week! Savor discounted prices at over 100 Philly restaurants! Do you have a favorite? Is there a restaurant that you have been dying to try? Please tell us & your experiences! Thx ~ Center City District Restaurant Week ~
• Martin Luther King Jr Day ~ January 15 ~ Looking for some free things to do on Martin Luther King Day, we have compiled a list for you with entrance to several excellent museums for free. ~ Martin Luther King Jr Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day ~ January 15 ~ Enjoy FREE admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum during his birthday and extended weekend celebration. There will be special programs in celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, which will take place on 2 days. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Philly Home Show ~ January 15 & 19 – 21 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street. Take advantage of the hundreds of exhibitors and experts who will be on hand to help. ~ Philly Home Show ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ January 17 ~ 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 ~ 
• 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 19 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ January 19 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ CNOTE – NYC –​​This trio​ of Christopher McBride, Jonathan Edward Thomas, and Curtis Nowosad mixes jazz, R&B, rock, and fusion with ease, technicality, and musical precision. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Philly Home Show ~ January 19 – 21 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street. Take advantage of the hundreds of exhibitors and experts who will be on hand to help. ~ Philly Home Show ~
• Hair O’ The Dog ~ January 20 ~ Welcome to Hair O’ The Dog! The party of all parties that kicks off the 2018 new year! Enjoy live music from some well known artists, hors d’oeuvres and more! Also people watch as some guests dress to kill! ~ Hair O’ The Dog ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ January 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Auto Show ~ January 27 – February 4 ~ Philadelphia Auto Show is recognized by the industry as one of the top shows in the country, usually featuring more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display! Show-goers get to sit inside the vehicles, pop the hood and kick the tires; excluding the concept or exotic vehicles. Even take a few for a test ride. Check it out. ~ Philadelphia Auto Show ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of February ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for February 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe ~ February 2 ~ FREE – Doors open at 7 pm & show at 8 pm at World Live Cafe – Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine & drink specials, and music courtesy of Philly’s most exciting Cuban band, Conjunto! A perfect date night or just a night out with friends & is open to those 21 and up. ~ Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe ~ 
• First Friday’s in Old City~ February 9 ~ 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’s in Manayunk ~ February 9 ~ 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 ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ February 11 ~ 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 11 ~ 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 ~
• Chinese New Year ~ February 16 ~ The Chinese New Year kicks off with a midnight parade in Chinatown on Chinese New Year’s Eve and continues to explore many events throughout Philadelphia for the next 2 weeks. Check out the excitement, the Chinese culture and much more! ~ Chinese New Year ~

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 12 – 15

Friday  |  100% Rain  |  High 63°  |  Low 38°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 48°  |  Low 15°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 28°  |  Low 14°

Martin Luther King Day  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 31°  |  Low 25°

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 Jamie Dunek for MyPhillyAlive

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