Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Picasso Exhibit At The Barnes, King Midas Exhibit At Penn Museum, East Passyunk Restaurant Week and More!

Museums In Philadelphia – Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences & Penn Museum

‘Museums Take Over Philly’

Get out this weekend as we will enjoy spring-like temperatures! Because next week winter will be back for a few days, but don’t shoot the messenger.

This weekend kicks off with the continuation of  ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest in Penn’s Landing and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park. During the weekend enjoy exhibits at Penn Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Mummers Mardi Gras in Manayunk, and the Franklin Institute, farmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with the opening of the Picasso exhibit at the Barnes Foundation, East Passyunk Restaurant Week and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. 

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 in the Headhouse District, First Friday, The German Society of Pennsylvania 2016 Philly Bierfest, the Philadelphia Flower Show, Brewer’s Plate, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Chinese Lantern Festival 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.

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  ~ February 19 – 25 ~

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 Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ February 19 – 28 ~  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 ~ February 19 – 28 ~ 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 ~ February 19 – 28 ~ 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 ~
• Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ February 19 – November 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this exhibit illustrates what scientists can deduce from the fossil record when creating a reconstruction of a skeleton or model and what they must look to artists to interpret. It will also feature a touchable copy of a dinosaur skin impression & more. ~ Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~
• The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ February 19 to November 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~
• Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science ~ February 19 to August 28 ~ At the Franklin Institute, visitors will explore a recreation of an Egyptian tomb, a real mummy, and authentic art and artifacts from ancient Egypt.  ~ Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science at Franklin Institute ~
• East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ February 21 – 27 ~ Here is your chance to taste many different delicious meals from 24 well-known East Passyunk Restaurants and experience chefs delights at discounted prices. There are many types of food selections such as Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Steak, American and much more.  ~ East Passyunk Ave Restaurant Week ~
• Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~ February 21 – May 9 ~ Held at The Barnes Foundation, marvel in the Picasso Exhibit: The Great War, Experimentation and Change! The show brings together some 50 works by the artist from major American and European museums and private collections, including paintings, drawings, watercolors, and costumes designed for the avant-garde ballet,Parade; and several pieces by his friends and contemporaries.~ Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ February 19 – 25 ~

• 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 ~  
• Art After 5 ~  February 19 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Arooj Aftab – Arooj Aftab, originally from Lahore, is now based in New York making music that beautifully blends neo-Sufi melodies from her homeland with dark post pop, soul, and laid-back jazz. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• PAFA Open Studio Night~ February 19 ~ FREE – From 5 pm to 9 pm, students at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts enrolled in MFA, BFA, Certificate and Post-Baccalaureate programs open their studios to the public. This highly anticipated annual event offers visitors the rare opportunity to meet PAFA students, see the inner workings of their studios, view their works in progress, and get a sense of how they develop their ideas leading up to the Annual Student Exhibition in May. ~ PAFA Open Studio Night ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ February 19 ~ 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 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ February 20 ~ 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 ~ February 20 ~ 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 ~  
• Mummers Mardi Gras in Manayunk ~ February 20 ~  From 11 am until 6 pm, here is your chance to enjoy the Mummers again, a few months after the Mummers Parade. Head on over to Main Street Manayunk for this blowout bash, as the Mummers String Bands strut their stuff from 11 am to 1 pm. Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with the Mummers and more.  Mummers Mardi Gras: FYI – People can buy a $10 bracelet that gives them access to clubhouse after parties for each band and discounts at participating retailers and restaurants.  ~ Mummers Mardi Gras in Manayunk ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ February 20 ~ 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 ~ February 20 & 24 ~ 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 ~ February 21 ~ 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 ~ February 21 ~ 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 ~    
• East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ February 21 – 27 ~ Here is your chance to taste many different delicious meals from 24 well-known East Passyunk Restaurants and experience chefs delights at discounted prices. There are many types of food selections such as Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Steak, American and much more.  ~ East Passyunk Ave Restaurant Week ~ 
• Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~ February 21 – May 9 ~ Held at The Barnes Foundation, marvel in the Picasso Exhibit: The Great War, Experimentation and Change! The show brings together some 50 works by the artist from major American and European museums and private collections, including paintings, drawings, watercolors, and costumes designed for the avant-garde ballet,Parade; and several pieces by his friends and contemporaries.~ Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~
• Free Parking! ~ February 24 ~ 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 ~ February 24 ~ 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 ~ February 26 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ February 26 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Arooj Aftab – Arooj Aftab, originally from Lahore, is now based in New York making music that beautifully blends neo-Sufi melodies from her homeland with dark post pop, soul, and laid-back jazz. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ February 28 ~ 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 ~ February 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 ~  
• Philly Bierfest 2016: The German Society of Pennsylvania ~ February 27 ~ 1 pm to 5:30 pm – Come Celebrate Pennsylvania’s German Brewing Heritage with the Brewers of PA, the German Society of PA and Philly Roller Derby. Sample a diverse array of imports from Germany, savor German food & more! ~ 2016 Philly Bierfest: The German Society of Pennsylvania ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of March ~ 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~ March 4 ~ 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 ~ March 4 ~ 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 ~  
• Philadelphia Flower Show ~ March 5 – 13 ~ The 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show’s theme is Explore America ~ 100 Years of the National Park Service! Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center March 5 to 13. The Flower Show will celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service and our country’s majestic landscapes. FREE Tix – We’ll be having contests on our Facebook page & on Twitter, giving tickets away. Stay tuned! ~ 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ March 6 ~ 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 ~ March 6 ~ 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 ~
• Broad Street Run ~ May 1st ~      ~ Broad Street Run ~  

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 February 19 – 21

Friday  |  Cloudy  |  High 41°  |  Low 36°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 60°  |  Low 41°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 57°  |  Low 38°

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

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page