Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ President’s Day Weekend, Mummers Mardi Gras Parade, Mardi Gras Parade On South Street and More!

‘Exploring Philadelphia History & Mummery’

The weekend kicks off with FREE Admission the whole month of February at the National Museum of American Jewish History, Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi, Ballet X Winter Series 2017, the Philadelphia Home & Garden Show, ice skating at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest and the continuation of Jurassic World: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute.

During the weekend enjoy President’s Day Weekend activities, Black History Month Celebration at Reading Terminal Market, the Mummers Mardi Gras Parade in Manayunk, Ballet X Winter Series 2017, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with the Ballet X Winter Series, FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Art, Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi, Mardi Gras Parade on South Street, Flannel Animal at the Heritage and much more.

During the week enjoy President’s Day activities and FREE admission to museums, FREE Admission the whole month of February at the National Museum of American Jewish History, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Friday in South Street Headhouse District, East Passyunk Restaurant Week, Mardi Gras celebrations, First Friday, Brewer’s Plate, The Philadelphia Flower Show, Philly Wine Week, 4th Friday in South Street Headhouse District, Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up 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 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 ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ February 17 – 25 ~  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 ~
• BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~ February 17 – 19 ~ The ballet group, BalletX, takes the stage at the Wilma Theater over the weekend. Watch the troupe perform an impressive work by choreographer Jo Strømgren, whose work has been seen before by Fringe Festival guests. ~ BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~
• Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~ February 17 – 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, PA, check out the latest in smart homes, garden designs, workshops, speakers & more! ~ Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~
• Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~ February 17 & 19 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy this medieval story of chivalry and tragic love between an exiled soldier Tancredi and the beautiful Amenaide, daughter of the powerful Argirio. ~ Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~
• Rothman Ice Rink ~ February 17 – 26 ~ 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 ~
• FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~ February 17 – 28 ~ FREE – Thanks to generous support from the Parkway Corporation, explore the core exhibition, as well as the original, iconic 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island all for FREE! ~ FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~
• Blue Cross RiveRink Winterfest ~ February 17 – March 5 ~ The 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 RiveRink Winterfest ~
• Jurassic World: The Exhibition ~ February 17 – April 23, 2017 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute, this huge exhibition, thanks to the blockbuster movie franchise, allows visitors to come face-to-face with large life-like dinosaurs with thousands of square feet of dinosaur-inhabited galleries and incredibly life-like animatronic creatures! ~ Jurassic World: The Exhibition ~
• President’s Day Weekend ~ February 18 – 20 ~ President’s Day Weekend and President’s Day offers many visitors the ability to explore some Philly museums for free and special activities that surround those Presidents of the past. ~ President’s Day Weekend~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ February 17 – 23 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of February ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for February 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Our Guide to Fireplaces at Philly Bars & Restaurants ~ February 17 – 25 ~  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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ February 17 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Sullivan Fortner – An evening of playful jazz improvisations by this native New Orleanian pianist and 2015 recipient of the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~ February 17 & 19 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy this medieval story of chivalry and tragic love between an exiled soldier Tancredi and the beautiful Amenaide, daughter of the powerful Argirio. ~ Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~
• BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~ February 17 – 19 ~ The ballet group, BalletX, takes the stage at the Wilma Theater over the weekend. Watch the troupe perform an impressive work by choreographer Jo Strømgren, whose work has been seen before by Fringe Festival guests. ~ BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~
• Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~ February 17 – 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, PA, check out the latest in smart homes, garden designs, workshops, speakers & more! ~ Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~
• FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~ February 17 – 28 ~ FREE – Thanks to generous support from the Parkway Corporation, explore the core exhibition, as well as the original, iconic 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island all for FREE! ~ FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ February 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ February 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 ~ February 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 ~
• Black History Month Celebration at Reading Terminal Market ~ February 18 ~  FREE – From 10 am to 2 pm at the Reading Terminal Market, enjoy cooking demonstrations, live musical performances, discussions and more. ~ Black History Month Celebration at Reading Terminal Market ~
• Mummers Mardi Gras Parade ~ February 18 ~ Taking place Saturday 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 16 Mummers String Bands strut their stuff from 11 am to 1 pm. Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with the Mummers and after the parade, enjoy family activities such as face painting, a photo booth, food, drinks and more. The event helps generate exposure and raises money for one of the oldest traditions in Philadelphia. ~  Mummers Mardi Gras ~ ~ Mardi Gras Things To Do In Philly ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ February 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 ~
• BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~ February 18 – 19 ~ The ballet group, BalletX, takes the stage at the Wilma Theater over the weekend. Watch the troupe perform an impressive work by choreographer Jo Strømgren, whose work has been seen before by Fringe Festival guests. ~ BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~
• President’s Day Weekend ~ February 18 – 20 ~ President’s Day Weekend and President’s Day offers many visitors the ability to explore some Philly museums for free and special activities that surround those Presidents of the past. ~ President’s Day Weekend~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ February 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 ~
• FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts aka PAFA ~ February 19 ~ PAFA is FREE every Sunday during the World War I and American Art exhibits! This allows you to explore all other exhibits as well! ~ PAFA FREE Sundays ~
• BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~ February 19 ~ The ballet group, BalletX, takes the stage at the Wilma Theater over the weekend. Watch the troupe perform an impressive work by choreographer Jo Strømgren, whose work has been seen before by Fringe Festival guests. ~ BalletX Winter Series 2017 ~
• Mardi Gras Parade On South Street ~ February 19 ~ From 1 pm to 6 pm on and around South Street, enjoy The Wild Bohemians as they take you from bar to bar while wearing colorful costumes. The parade/bar crawl starts at NOLA-themed bar Fat Tuesday’s at 1 pm and continues to Downey’s, PaddyWhacks, O’Neals and more. ~ More Info ~ ~ Mardi Gras Things To Do In Philly ~
• Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~ February 19 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy this medieval story of chivalry and tragic love between an exiled soldier Tancredi and the beautiful Amenaide, daughter of the powerful Argirio. ~ Opera Philadelphia Presents Tancredi ~
• Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~ February 19 ~ Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, PA, check out the latest in smart homes, garden designs, workshops, speakers & more! ~ Philadelphia Home & Garden Show ~
• Flannel Animal Fundraiser ~ February 19 ~ Held at Heritage at 914 N 2nd St starting at 6 pm, join Philly Loves Beer and cheer on the “flanntily-clad” gentlemen of the Philadelphia beer scene as they strut their stuff down the catwalk at the first annual fundraiser – Flannel Animal: an All-Male Review. $5+ suggested donation at the door gets you entered to win a Philly Loves Beer prize!  ~ Flannel Animal Fundraiser ~
• President’s Day ~ February 20 ~ President’s Day offers many visitors the ability to explore some Philly museums for free and special activities that surround those Presidents of the past.  ~ President’s Day ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ February 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 ~ 
• FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~ February 22 – 28 ~ FREE – Thanks to generous support from the Parkway Corporation, explore the core exhibition, as well as the original, iconic 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island all for FREE! ~ FREE Admission February at National Museum of American Jewish History ~
• 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~
• Museum of  the American Revolution ~ Opens April 2017 ~ 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. Anchoring the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park, The Museum is going to be an exciting and important project. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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 24 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ February 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: Lonely Hearts Club – Love is a battlefield. Music, art, and theater help soothe your soul. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ February 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 ~  
• FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts aka PAFA ~ February 26 till April 9 (Sundays) ~ PAFA is FREE every Sunday during the World War I and American Art exhibits! This allows you to explore all other exhibits as well! ~ PAFA FREE Sundays ~
• East Passyunk Restaurant Week ~ February 27 – March 10 ~ East Passyunk Restaurant Week is your chance to taste many different delicious meals from 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 Restaurant Week ~
• Mardi Gras in Philadelphia ~ February 28 ~ Mardi Gras can be a day long celebration, a week long, or sometimes a month long. Check out the many restaurants and bars serving up Cajun foods, live music and parades taking place throughout Philadelphia. ~ Mardi Gras in Philadelphia ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ March 3 ~ 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 3 ~ 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 ~ March 5 ~ 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 5 ~ 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 ~
• Brewer’s Plate ~ March 5 ~ Brewer’s Plate In Philadelphia is your chance to savor delightful food that is paired with perfected brews, wine and cocktails from our region’s outstanding chefs, farmers, food artisans, brewers, distillers, and winemakers. Enjoy this talk of the town event! ~ Brewer’s Plate ~
• Philadelphia Flower Show ~ March 11 – 19 ~ The 2017 Philadelphia International Flower Show welcomes visitors to Holland: Flowering The World, where guests will be able to celebrate the beauty and ingenuity of Dutch culture, from vivid flower fields to innovative eco-design. Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. ~ Philadelphia Flower Show ~
• Philly Wine Week ~ March 19 – 26 –    ~ Philly Wine Week ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ March 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 ~  
• Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ April 1 – 9 ~    ~ Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~
• Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up ~ April 20 ~    ~ Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up ~

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 17 – 19

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 45°  |  Low 33°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  63°  |  Low 48°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  66°  |  Low 39°

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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