Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and cultural places to visit in addition to exciting events in and around the Philly area. We call it Philly Influencer’s Weekend Picks. If you attend any of these places or events, let us know how it went!Tweet us or email us at [email protected].
Events Running Through the Weekend
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Runs through Monday, January 21st
This is the last weekend for Xtreme Bugs at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The institution has been crawling and fluttering with over 20 gigantic insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes for several months. These interactive animatronics structures are a sight to behold. Come see these critters behaviors, be educated on the life of these amazing creatures, play games, and see several live insects on the premises.
For more information, click here.
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2. Closing Soon: 2019 Philly Home Show
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.
When: Friday, January 18th-Sunday, January 20th
The 2019 Philly Home Show concludes this weekend. There are several events to keep your eyes on over the next few days. Clint Harp, master woodworker and furniture builder from the hit HGTV series Fixer Upper and his own DIY Network show Wood Work will share his extensive knowledge and advice with show visitors on the Main Stage this Friday, Jan. 18 at 6 pm, and again on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 1 pm and 4 pm. Professional organizers who are certified by NAPO will be on location each day. There will also be small space solutions, concrete backyards, and planting discussions.
For more information, click here.
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3. Closing Soon: Center City Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Friday, January 25th
This is the last full weekend for Center City Restaurant Week. The culinary craze and wallet-friendly endeavor will end next Friday. Several participating restaurants in the city will be featuring three-course lunches and dinners for $20 and $35. Over 52 restaurants will be firing up their kitchens and refreshing their bars to serve you up something spectacular.
For more information, click here.
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4. MLK Day Celebrations
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Monday, January 21st
This Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Several institutions in the city will be celebrating this titanic figure in civil rights and American history all weekend. The African American Museum will have a splendid lineup of events. Eastern State Penitentiary will be hosting a reading of letters and family event. The Museum of American Revolution will be hosting special programs and events all weekend as well. The Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service offers you and your entire family several ways to get involved.
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5. Swing @ The Kimmel
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
When: Runs through Sunday, February 24th
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts brings Swing @ the Kimmel, an interactive and free virtual reality swing installation to the city over the next month. This family-friendly and cutting-edge innovation will immerse your family in the wonders of your favorite pastimes.
For more information, click here.
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6. The Bourse Welcomes: 1980s Escape Room
Where: The Bourse Philly, 111 S Independence Mall E
When: Runs through June 2019
The Bourse Philly opened an ‘80s-themed live-action escape room experience earlier this month. Guests can veer back to decades past when they “work together to get “back to the future” as they travel through a five-room, ‘80s themed mini-mall. This one-of-a-kind escape room is a blast from the past – filled with 1980s memorabilia, including Knight Rider, The Goonies, Walkie Talkies, Cabbage Patch Kids an ‘80s radio and more.” Tickets costs between $28-$32 at this attraction which is open daily.
For more information, click here.
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7. Oleanna at Walnut Street Theatre
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
When: Runs through Sunday, February 17th
Pulitzer Prize Winner David Mamet’s play Oleanna will be one of the many main attractions at Walnut Street Theatre through February. This perspective shaping tale paints the story of a professor and his student viewing their study sessions in a different light. Come out for a night of twists, character manipulation, and phenomenal performances.
For more information, click here.
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8. Romeo and Juliet at Wilma Theater
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
When: Runs through Saturday, February 9th
The Wilm Theater will be showcasing this re-working of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet. The new feature is “creating a timely exploration of unconditional love attempting to reconcile unforgivable violence.” This will be a production you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
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9. Market to Table at Reading Terminal Market
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Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St.
When: Friday, January 18th, 5:30PM-8PM
Reading Terminal Market will be hosting Market to Table: Chef Tour and Dinner Featuring Joncarl Lachman this Friday night. You’ll learn how to shop for ingredients, watch food prep and cooking, and more at this after-hours dinner series. Come learn to cook like a chef!
For more information, click here.
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10. Xavier vs. Villanova
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Friday, January 18th, 8:30PM
The Villanova Wildcats will be taking on the Xavier Musketeers this Friday night. The Big East rival is third in the conference and would love nothing more than to knock off the top dogs. Come to the Wells Fargo Center for a great showing of athleticism and skill from the 22nd ranked team in the country.
For more information, click here.
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11. Michael Yo
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Friday, January 18th & Saturday, January 19th
Hollywood and pop culture spokesman Michael Yo will be doing shows at Punch Line Philly this Friday and Saturday. He can be seen on CBS’ The Insider weekly and heard on his top podcast Yo & Jo Show. Come to Punch Line Philly to see this intriguing comedic persona.
For more information, click here.
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12. Young Professionals Night: Winter Wild
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, January 18th, 7PM-10PM
This Friday night at The Barnes Foundation will be Young Professionals Night: Winter Wild. #BarnesYP will turn this renowned institute into an urban jungle. There will be bold animal prints and more at this exotic jungle themed party.
For more information, click here.
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13. MØ
Where: Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.
When: Friday, January 19th, 8:30PM
Danish 30-year-old singer-songwriter MØ uniquely fused R&B and electronic harmonies. She’s collaborated with everyone from Diplo to Charli XCX to Cashmere Cat. In October 2018 she released Forever Neverland. The work has met stellar international acclaim.
For more information, click here.
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14. Kacey Musgraves
Where: The Fillmore Philadlepiha, 29 E. Allen St.
When: Friday, January 19th, 9PM
Let’s just begin with the fact that the show for this Grammy Album of the Year nominee is sold out. However, there are several re-sale options for those who have high hopes of seeing this Golden Hour songstress. Kacey Musgraves appearance on the list has nothing to do with the fact that I once played “Space Cowboy” on a loop for 4 hours straight. She is one of the biggest names in country music and one of the most gifted. Don’t miss out on your chance to see this truly talented act.
For more information, click here.
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15. Women’s March 2019
Where: Ben Franklin Parkway
When: Saturday, January 19th, 10:30AM-1PM
It’s back for another year. The 2019 Women’s March is this Saturday. The gathering will assemble at Aviator Park and make its way to Eakin’s Oval. Eventually, the assembly of the crowd will navigate down the parkway. The pep rally and speeches will begin at noon. Come hear about activism, progress, and equality.
For more information, click here.
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16. Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd. Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, March 24th
Longwood Gardens is always blossoming with the best florals and natural ambiance each day. This week kicks off their Orchid Extravaganza series. The wonderful grounds will be “filled with thousands of vibrant, artfully presented orchids.” Come to this premier oasis in the region to get swept away by its cascade garden and more.
For more information, click here.
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17. DRUMline Live
Where: Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, January 19th-Sunday, January 20th
One band! One sound! DRUMline Live is coming to the city of Philadelphia this weekend. This one-of-a-kind marching band experience will be taking over the Merriam Theater with thunderous vibrations and precision. Bring your whole family out to this immersion into the sights and sounds of halftime shows at HBCUs in this country.
For more information, click here.
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18. CultureFest! Lunar New Year Festival
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
When: Saturday, January 19th, 1PM-8PM
Penn Museum’s 38th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration is this Saturday. The prestigious institution will have many family-friendly activities at this culturally centered event. There will be Chinese dances, food, music, calligraphy, martial arts demonstrations, storytelling, arts and crafts, Year of the Dog Photo Contests, and much more.
For more information, click here.
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19. Thunder vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, January 19th, 3:30PM
The surging 76ers will be tested this Saturday afternoon by Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This top-tier opponent in the NBA’s best conference will be coming into the Wells Fargo Center for a rumble with MVP hopeful Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and company.
For more information, click here.
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20. Winterfest Brewfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, January 19th-Sunday, January 20th
There will be two sessions on Saturday and one session on Sunday for the 5th Annual Winterfest Brewfest. Come to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest lodge to sample several seasonal and craft beers. You can grab a pint and enjoy the majestic winter wonderland that the RiverRink has to offer.
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21. Cash Cash
Where: Franklin Music Hall, 421 N 7th St.
When: Saturday, January 19th, 8:30PM
Roseland, New Jersey DJ trio Cash Cash will be playing at the Franklin Music Hall this Saturday night. Their EDM-fueled sound will be playing throughout the venue as the crowd rocks out to their favorite tracks. House and electro-pop fans, this concert is for you!
For more information, click here.
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22. The 25th Annual Hair O’ The Dog
Where: The Crystal Tea Room, 100 E Penn Square #9B
When: Saturday, January 19th, 8PM-1AM
Voted the “Best Event in Philly”, one of Philadelphia’s most popular, upscale, and glamorous events is back with a bang this year. The event features a top-tier 5-hour top-shelf open bar featuring additional brands from the Diageo portfolio like Captain Morgan, and Don Julio, and beer including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Light and more. Grammy Hitmaker T-Pain will be performing at this amazing party in which a portion of proceeds will benefit the Morris Animal Refuge.
For more information, click here.
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23. Black Thought Presents: Delirious
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Sunday, January 20th, 8PM
Punch Line Philly makes is the second pop-up on this list with Black Though Presents: Delirious this Sunday. Co-hosted by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Quincy Harris, this will be a hilarious night of raw and unfiltered talent and comedic jabs.
For more information, click here.
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Map of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at[email protected].
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