Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Philadelphia Marathon, Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink, National Dog Show, Holiday Fun and More!

‘Exploring Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, the Grand illumination Celebration At Peddler’s Village, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, CraftNow Philadelphia, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more.

During the weekend enjoy the Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia Mummers Say Thanks to Veterans, Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar, the National Dog Show, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, the last day of the First Person Arts Festival, CraftNow Philadelphia, UniverSoul Circus, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, Mural Arts Monument Lab, the Parkway 100 Celebration, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga, and much more.

The weekend ends with the Philadelphia Marathon, the National Dog Show, Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar, the last day of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show and more.

During the week enjoy the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, UniverSoul Circus, Pay-What-You-Wish, Macy’s Holiday Light Show and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe 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 ~ November 17 – 23 ~

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 ~
• 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 ~
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 17 – 18 ~ Held at various locations including The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street. Every November, folks from all walks of life come together to share their stories on stage. Participants include Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, Hari Kondabolu and more. ~ First Person Arts Festival ~
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~ November 17 – 19 ~ Visit the health & fitness expo on Nov 17 & 18. Watch half marathons on Nov 18 and the main event, as 60,000 spectators cheer on more than 30,000 runners during the 26.2 miles running through the heart of Philadelphia on Nov 19! ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Mural Arts Monument Lab ~ November 17 – 19 ~Monument Lab is a public art and history project produced with Mural Arts Philadelphia. Monument Lab invites Philadelphians and visitors to join a citywide conversation about history, memory, and our collective future. Enjoy temporary installations by local and international artists accompanied by interactive pop-up laboratories for creative conversations. ~ Mural Arts Monument Lab ~
• Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~ November 17 – 19 ~ Held at various locations throughout Philadelphia. This festival brings nearly 30 films from a dozen different countries around the world for a two-week festival designed to highlight the diversity and commonality we hold as humans. Screenings will be held at venues citywide and will span a wide range of genres, connected by a thread of Jewish culture, heritage and history.  ~ Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival ~
• UniverSoul Circus ~ November 17 – 26 ~ Held in West Fairmount Park at 52nd St & Parkside Avenue. Guests will experience a circus that combines theater, dance and, of course, soul. The circus will bring high-flying acrobats, daring stunt artists and more to the big top. ~ UniverSoul Circus ~
• CraftNow Philadelphia ~ November 17 – December 8 ~ Held at various locations throughout Philly to include the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street. Enjoy many events & activities that will showcase the work of the many talented and hardworking craftsman in and around Philadelphia. ~ CraftNow Philadelphia ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ November 17 – December 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square for the whole family. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~
• Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 17 – 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 ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ November 17, 2016 to Nov 16, 2018 ~ 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 ~
• Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~ November 18 & 19 ~ At 11 am to 6 pm both days. Held at SugarHouse Casino, 75 vendors will have everything from jewelry and apparel to blown glass and pottery. ~ Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~
• National Dog Show ~ November 18 – 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, the Philadelphia Kennel Club will host two days of dog shows. There will also be agility demonstrations, family-friendly activities and more. The dog show will help raise money for a variety of canine-related causes.  ~ National Dog Show ~
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 24 to December 31 ~  The Macy’s light show has become a Philadelphia Holiday tradition since 1955 and a great family tradition for many over the years. The Light Show takes you on a journey through popular Christmas stories including The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman, and a magical Christmas Tree. 7 Days a Week  |  Show runs every two hours  |  10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm  |  Show lasts 15 minutes  ~ Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ November 17 – 23 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~ November 17 – 19 ~ Visit the health & fitness expo on Nov 17 & 18. Watch half marathons on Nov 18 and the main event, as 60,000 spectators cheer on more than 30,000 runners during the 26.2 miles running through the heart of Philadelphia, on Nov 19! ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Art After 5 ~ November 3 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Kavita Shah – New York–born singer-songwriter Kavita Shah brings her eclectic, jazz-based repertoire to the Museum. Placing diverse cultural traditions in dialogue, Shah is creating a new genre that reflects our increasingly hybrid world. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Grand illumination Celebration At Peddler’s Village ~ November 17 ~ From 6 pm to 9 pm at Peddler’s Village, watch Santa and Mrs. Claus switch on a million twinkling lights. Afterwards, stay for warm apple cider, roasted marshmallows, photo-ops with Santa, and more! ~ Grand illumination Celebration At Peddler’s Village ~
• First Person Arts Festival ~ November 17 – 18 ~ Held at various locations including The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street. Every November, folks from all walks of life come together to share their stories on stage. Participants include Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, Hari Kondabolu and more. ~ First Person Arts Festival ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ November 17 – December 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square for the whole family. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ November 17, 2017  – Nov 16, 2018 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Mummers Say Thanks to Veterans ~ November 18 ~ Starting at 8 am at the Mummers Museum (1100 South 2nd Street), the Philadelphia Veteran’s Comfort House (PVCH), and Philadelphia Mummers from 36 different clubs (New Year’s Brigades) will gather at the Mummers Museum for an annual donation drive in support of PVCH! The Mummers will be donating wish list items to the Philadelphia Veteran’s Comfort House for the upcoming holiday season. The donations will be loaded onto trucks at the Mummers Museum before being delivered to the Comfort House. ~ Philadelphia Mummers Say Thanks to Veterans ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ November 18 ~ 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 18 ~ 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 18 ~ 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 18 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~ November 18 – 19 ~ Visit the health & fitness expo on Nov 17 & 18. Watch half marathons on Nov 18 and the main event, as 60,000 spectators cheer on more than 30,000 runners during the 26.2 miles running through the heart of Philadelphia, on Nov 19! ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~ November 18 & 19 ~ At 11 am to 6 pm both days. Held at SugarHouse Casino, 75 vendors will have everything from jewelry and apparel to blown glass and pottery. ~ Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~
• National Dog Show ~ November 18 – 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, the Philadelphia Kennel Club will host two days of dog shows. There will also be agility demonstrations, family-friendly activities and more. The dog show will help raise money for a variety of canine-related causes. ~ National Dog Show ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ November 18 & 19 ~ 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 18 & 22 ~ 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 19 ~ 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. Beyond the abundance of fresh produce, you can also find a great selection of locally prepared foods and artisanal goods such as soups, caneles, ice cream, coffee and wine. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~ November 19 ~ Watch the main event, as 60,000 spectators cheer on more than 30,000 runners during the 26.2 miles running through the heart of Philadelphia! ~ Philadelphia Marathon Weekend ~
• Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~ November 18 & 19 ~ 11 am to 6 pm ~ Held at SugarHouse Casino, 75 vendors will have everything from jewelry and apparel to blown glass and pottery. ~ Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar ~
• National Dog Show ~ November 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, the Philadelphia Kennel Club will host two days of dog shows. There will also be agility demonstrations, family-friendly activities and more. The dog show will help raise money for a variety of canine-related causes. ~ National Dog Show ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ November 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 23 ~ From 8:30 am to noon, for all ages, paradegoers will see cool balloons such as Bugs Bunny, Penguins of Madagascar 2, Strawberry Shortcake, Clifford, dancers, national stars, the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders and much more! ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
• Christmas Village at Love Park ~ November 23 to December 24 ~ 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 at Love Park ~
• Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~ November 23 – December 31 ~ Held at Franklin Square for the whole family. This holiday light show is from 4:30 – 8:00 pm and features a dazzling display of more than 50,000 lights that have been designed specifically for this popular public space. ~ Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show ~
• Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink ~ November 23 – 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 ~
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for the 2017 season ~  The Franklin Square is a great place to bring the family or for a date. Located in the historical part of Philadelphia in Old City. This park offers a carousel, a miniature golf course, a storytelling bench, a playground, a picnic area and more. ~ Franklin Square ~
• 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 ~ November 24 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ November 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Tony Miceli Quartet Featuring Larry McKenna – ​Some of Philly’s finest come together for a night of unparalleled jazz. Tony Miceli, a versatile leader and sideman, is a virtuoso on the vibraphone. He’s joined tonight by Larry McKenna, known for his velvety sound and bebop-inspired improvisations, on tenor sax. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~ 
• Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~ November 24 to December 31 ~  The Macy’s light show has become a Philadelphia Holiday tradition since 1955 and a great family tradition for many over the years. The Light Show takes you on a journey through popular Christmas stories including The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman, and a magical Christmas Tree. 7 Days a Week  |  Show runs every two hours  |  10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm  |  Show lasts 15 minutes  ~ Macy’s Holiday Light Show ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ November 24 ~ 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 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ December 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’s in Manayunk ~ December 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 ~
• Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe ~ December 1 ~ FREE – Doors open at 7 pm & show at 8 pm – Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and music courtesy of Philly’s most exciting Cuban band, Conjunto! The night is FREE to attend w/ a variety of food and drink specials. 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 Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ December 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 ~ December 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 November 17 – 19

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 75°  |  Low 46°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 61°  |  Low 53°

Sunday  |  Cloudy  |  High 69°  |  Low 60°

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 by Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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