Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Philly Beer Fest, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Restaurant Week and More!

Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle – Throwback To January 2014

‘Beer in Philly, Food & Celebrations’

Does it feel like January with no snow in sight? Will we even get any snow in 2016?

This weekend kicks off with Philly Beer Fest, the continuation of  ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest in Penn’s Landing and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park. During the weekend enjoy farmers’ markets, more magic shows, Ben Franklin activities and much more. The weekend ends with Philadelphia Restaurant Week and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. Don’t forget Monday, January 18, Martin Luther King Jr day and the many activities during this day and for Benjamin Franklin’s birthday.

Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Friday, Scrapple Fest, Philadelphia Auto Show, First Friday, First Sunday’s 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.

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 15 – 21 ~

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 ~
• Philly Beer Fest ~ January 15 & 16 ~ Enjoy over 200 craft beers to start off 2016! ~ Philly Beer Fest ~ 
• Benjamin Franklin Weekend ~ January 15 – 18 ~ Enjoy weekend activities surrounding Ben Franklin & his birthday. On January 18, FREE admission 9 am to 5 pm to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ January 15 – February 15 ~  We have listed 33 bars & restaurants located in Philadelphia that have a fireplace to cozy up to!  ~ Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~ January 15 – February 28, 2016 ~ Held at Penn’s Landing, this will be a winter wonderland for all ages to explore. Enjoy ice skating, live music, warm fire pits, food, craft beers and much more.  ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ~
• Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ January 15  – February 28, 2016 ~ Enjoy ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park! Bring your skates or rent them, as you skate with City Hall in the background. ~ Ice Skating at Dilworth Park ~ ~ More Details ~
• Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ January 17 – 22 & 24 – 29 ~ Come out and get discounted prices at your favorite participating restaurants, enjoying delicious foods. Over 130 restaurants offering three-course dinners for $35 per person and many of them are offering three-course lunches for $20 per person. (Does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol). ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ January 15 – 21 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of January ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for January 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Art After 5 ~  January 15 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Michelle Lordi – Jazz singer Michelle Lordi is receiving international acclaim and heavy radio airplay for her latest recording project,“Drive”. Expect to hear songs from this breakthrough album and a sneak peek at her next project featuring local jazz legends Larry McKenna & Sonny Troy. Her sensuous and elegant presentation of standards from the 30’s and 40’s bring this romantic period back to life with modern clarity and emotion. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ January 15 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Philly Beer Fest ~ January 15 & 16 ~ Enjoy over 200 craft beers to start off 2016! ~ Philly Beer Fest ~
• Benjamin Franklin Weekend ~ January 15 – 18 ~ Enjoy weekend activities surrounding Ben Franklin & his birthday. On January 18, FREE admission 9 am to 5 pm to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ January 16 ~ 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 ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ January 16 ~ 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 ~  
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ January 16 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ January 16 & 20 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ January 17 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ January 17 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~    
• Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ January 17 – 22 & 24 – 29 ~ Come out and get discounted prices at your favorite participating restaurants, enjoying delicious foods. Over 130 restaurants offering three-course dinners for $35 per person and many of them are offering three-course lunches for $20 per person. (Does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol). ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~
• Martin Luther King Day ~ January 18 ~ Celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr with FREE admission to some museums or discounted admission, with activities & much more. ~ Martin Luther King Day ~
• Benjamin Franklin Day ~ January 18 ~ FREE admission 9 am to 5 pm to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Also enjoy storytelling and Tippler’s Tour with Franklin. ~ Benjamin Franklin Day ~
• Free Parking! ~ January 20 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ January 20 ~ 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 ~
• 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 22 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ January 22 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Jōst Project – The Jōst Project brings new generations to jazz by playing music of the 60s and 70s. This group takes rock classics like Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles and translates them into swinging jazz renditions for a sound that is undeniably unique. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ January 17 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~  
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ January 22 ~ 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 ~  
• ScrappleFest ~ January 23 ~ From 10 am to 4 pm at the Reading Terminal Market. Celebrate all things Scrapple at Scrapplefest! Guests can sample scrapple brands products, chefs will prepare an assortment of scrapple dishes, and a panel of local celebrities will judge the best Scrapple dish. ~ ScrappleFest at Reading Terminal Market ~
• WinterFest BrewFest ~ January 23 – 24 ~ Held at WinterFest, sample beers from local and regional brewers, live music and much more. ~ WinterFest BrewFest ~
• Philadelphia Auto Show ~ January 30 – February 7 ~ Enjoy more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display!   ~ 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 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• First Friday’s in Old City~ February 5 ~ 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 5 ~ 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 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 ~ February 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 ~

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 15 – 17

Friday  |  Mostly Cloudy & 100% Rain tonight  |  High 54°  |  Low 41°
Saturday  |  AM Clouds & PM Sun  |  High 48°  |  Low 31°
Sunday  |  Cloudy  |  High 39°  |  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: By Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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