Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ President’s Day Weekend, Chinese New Year Dragon Dance Parade, Black History Month, Marvel Universe Live and More!

‘Chinese New Year Celebrations – The Year Of The Dog!’

The weekend kicks off with Black History Month, Philly Theatre Week, Free admission to the National Museum of American Jewish History all month long, the continuation of the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit, the Crocs exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing, Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more.

During the weekend enjoy the Winterfest Live Beer Festival, Philly Theatre Week, the continuation of the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit, the Crocs exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention, 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.

On Sunday, enjoy the Chinese New Year Dragon Dance Parade, many exhibits, the last day of Philly Theatre Week, Winter Fountains On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway and more.

On President’s Day, enjoy many fun and free activities and free admission to museums on President’s day. 

During the week enjoy the continuation of the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit, the Crocs exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, 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 Flannel Animal Event, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, East Passyunk Restaurant Week, The Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe, First Friday, Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia Restaurant Festival, Philly Wine Week, Brewer’s Plate 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 ~ February 16 – 22 ~

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 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Theatre Week ~ February 16 – 18 ~ A 10-day celebration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the nation. Audiences will have an opportunity to try something new from our theatre community through a series of productions, readings, interactive events, and much more! All events will be free, $15, or $30 and open to the public. ~ Philly Theatre Week ~
• Broadway Philadelphia’s Waitress at the Forrest Theatre ~ February 16 – 18 ~ Held at Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street. Waitress tells the story of Jenna. A waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. For details, Click Here.
• President’s Day Weekend~ February 16 – 19 ~ Enjoy many fun & free activities during the weekend and on President’s day. ~ President’s Day ~
• Marvel Universe Live! At Wells Fargo Center ~ February 16 – 19  ~ Marvel superheroes will invade the Wells Fargo Center. Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection in this incredible adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all…LIVE!  Also enjoy engaging performances from superheroes like Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk as they try to save the world from evil. For more details, Click Here.
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 16 – 22 ~  Throughout Chinatown & Philadelphia, enjoy exhilarating Lion Dances, traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese cuisine. ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• Ice Skating At Rothman Ice Rink ~ February 16 – 26 ~ 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 ~ 
• Celebration of Black History Month ~ February 16 – 28 ~ Black History Month is celebrated annually in the month of February, reflecting on the roles that African Americans played and who continue to play in our history! Many institutions in Philadelphia recognize Black History Month with exhibits, film screenings, discussions, special events and performances and much more. Read out guide of things to do during Black History Month in Philly! ~ Celebration of Black History Month ~
• Free Admission to the National Museum of American Jewish History ~ February 16 – 28 ~ FREE – National Museum of American Jewish Museum will have FREE admission the whole month of February in the Historic District of Philadelphia thanks to gracious support from the Parkway Corporation. Visitors will have access to the Museum’s core exhibition, displaying more than 20,000 artifacts, which highlights more than 360 years of Jewish life in America.  ~ Free Admission to the National Museum of American Jewish History ~
• Terracotta Warriors Exhibit ~ February 16 – 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 ~ February 16 – 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 ~ February 16 – March 18 ~ 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 ~ 
• Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World Exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences ~ February 16 – May 6 ~ Held at The Academy of Natural Sciences, come face-to-snout with live crocodilians, a group of reptiles that has evolved and thrived for 200 million years thanks to their brute strength, keen senses, and murderous instincts. ~ Cros Exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences ~
• Opening: Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey Exhibit ~ February 16 – September 9 ~ Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. From Pop Art and psychedelia to the civil rights and anti-war movements, the 1960s was a decade of liberation—and of great loss. See how designers, artists, and architects responded to the tumultuous period that still looms large in the American imagination. ~ Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey Exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ February 16 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ February 16 – 22 ~

• 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 ~
• Our 2018 Guide To Fireplaces At These Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ 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 ~
• Chinese New Year ~ February 16 – 22 ~ Explore many events throughout Philadelphia for the next week. Check out dragon dances, the excitement, the Chinese culture, food and much more! ~ Chinese New Year ~
• Art After 5 ~ February 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Martha Stuckey –​​ A theatrical evening of jazz standards and originals with Red 40 frontwoman Martha Stuckey. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Philadelphia Theatre Week ~ February 16 – 18 ~ A 10-day celebration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the nation. Audiences will have an opportunity to try something new from our theatre community through a series of productions, readings, interactive events, and much more! All events will be free, $15, or $30 and open to the public. ~ Philly Theatre Week ~
• President’s Day Weekend~ February 16 – 19 ~ Enjoy many fun & free activities during the weekend and on President’s day. ~ President’s Day ~
• Marvel Universe Live! At Wells Fargo Center ~ February 16 – 19  ~ Marvel superheroes will invade the Wells Fargo Center. Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection in this incredible adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all…LIVE!  Also enjoy engaging performances from superheroes like Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk as they try to save the world from evil. For more details, Click Here.
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ February 17 ~ 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 ~ February 17 ~ 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 ~ February 17 ~ 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 ~ February 17 ~ 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 ~
• Celebrate Chinese New Year at Reading Terminal Market ~ February 17 ~ FREE – From 10 am to 2 pm at Center Court at the Reading Terminal Market, guests can watch demos on how to make Chinese crepes in City Kitchen, enjoy a Lion Dance performance by the Philadelphia Suns and more. For more info, Click Here.
• Winterfest Live Beer Festival ~ February 17 ~ Held at XFinity Live from 3 pm to 7 pm (VIP starts at 2 pm). Guests will be able to sample 150 + beers from 74 breweries in a custom beer stein, enjoy live music, multiple DJs, tournaments, games and more! ~ Get Tickets ~ ~ Winterfest Live Beer Festival at XFinity Live ~
• 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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ February 17 & 21  ~ 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 ~ February 18 ~ 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 ~
• Chinese New Year Dragon Dance Parade ~ February 18 ~ From 11 am – 3 pm at 10th and Spring Streets, the festivities will continue throughout Chinatown with firecrackers, martial arts performances, the Philadelphia Suns’ lion dance, and so much more to welcome in the Chinese New Year. For details, click here. 
• Broadway Philadelphia’s Waitress at the Forrest Theatre ~ February 18 ~ Held at Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street. Waitress tells the story of Jenna. A waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. For details, Click Here.
• President’s Day Weekend~ February 18 – 19 ~ Enjoy many fun & free activities during the weekend and on President’s day. ~ President’s Day ~
• President’s Day ~ February 19 ~ Enjoy many fun & free activities on President’s day. ~ President’s Day ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ February 21 ~ 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 ~ 
• Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ February 21 – 22 ~  Throughout Chinatown & Philadelphia, enjoy exhilarating Lion Dances, traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese cuisine. ~ Chinese New Year Celebrations ~
• 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 ~ February 23 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ February 23 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: King Britt Presents –​​ Experience the vision, connections, and expertise of producer, musician, and musical maverick King Britt. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ February 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 ~
• East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ February 26 – March 9 ~     ~ East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ 
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of March ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for March 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Food & Music at World Live Cafe ~ March 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~ March 2 ~ 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 ~ March 2 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Flower Show ~ March 3 – 11 ~ The 2018 Philadelphia International Flower Show, held at the PA Convention Center, welcomes you to “Wonders of Water”; where guests will be able to celebrate the beauty and life-sustaining interplay of horticulture and water.  ~ Philadelphia Flower Show ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ March 4 ~ 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 4 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Restaurant Festival ~ March 20 ~ The Philadelphia Restaurant is a food and drink lovers dream! With over 100 different amazing restaurants, craft beers, Bourbon and whiskeys, liquors, and wines from across the Philadelphia area to sample! Everyone will find something to rave about.  ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Festival ~
• Philly Wine Week ~ March 22 – 29 ~   ~ Philly Wine Week ~
• Brewer’s Plate ~ March 30 ~ Brewer’s Plate ~
• Flannel Animal Event ~ April 8 ~  ~ Flannel Animal Event ~

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 16 – 19

Friday  |  Cloudy  |  High 40°  |  Low 36°

Saturday  |  60% PM Showers  |  High 51°  |  Low 45°

Sunday  |  100% Rain  |  High 52°  |  Low 35°

President’s Day  |  100% Rain  |  High 52°  |  Low 35°

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 Kim Eves for MyPhillyAlive

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