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].
1. Closing Soon: UniverSoul Circus
Where: Fairmount Park, North 52nd Street & Parkside Avenue
When: Runs through Sunday, December 8
The UniverSoul Circus will be closing their tents outside of The Mann Center this weekend. The traveling and energetic circus features acrobatics, live animals, clowns, and all the animations you can expect from a memorable show. Don’t miss your chance to see this splendid performance before it’s too late.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: New Asian Futurisms
Where: Asian Arts Initiative | 1219 Vine St
When: Runs through December 6
New Asian Futurisms at the Asian Arts Initiative will close this Friday. The exhibit asked several talented artists and crafters “to imagine a place beyond time and space, a backdrop for the imagination of queer, differently-abled, of a multiplicity of thought.” This inclusive and spectrum embracing display has been a cultural and media wonder. There will be a closing reception featuring a performance by Humeysha.
For more information, click here
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3. Museum of the Moon
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 5
The Franklin Institute welcomes you to marvel at this free moon spectacle. Hovering and suspended in the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Museum of the Moon is a “photorealistic sculpture of the moon—measuring 23 feet in diameter and featuring high-resolution NASA imagery of the lunar surface that shows every cliff and crater”. This a celestial wonder that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here
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4. PAX Unplugged
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 8
PAX Unplugged will be running off and running through the weekend. The national gamer convention will feather panel discussions, demos, tabletop gaming, arcade gaming, and video gaming, Omegathon rounds, and a closing ceremony.
For more information, click here
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5. Historic Holidays in Old City
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The Old City Christmas tree will begin glowing this Thursday. The A bespoke tree developed by the French-trained designers at Petit Jardin en Ville is glowing through its courtyard. Don’t miss the Historic Holidays in Old City Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Tippler’s Tour, a historic-themed pub crawl, also kicks-off this week. Set in the winter of 1777 and led by a costumed reenactor, you’ll be swept through several bars in Old City.
For more information, click here
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6. A Very Philly Christmas at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park
Where: Various locations
When: December 5 – January 1
Special events and tours at Cedar Grove, Historic Strawberry Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion, Lemon Hill Mansion, Mount Pleasant Mansion, and Woodford Mansion will kick-off this week. The houses will revive their colonial-era heritage and bring seasonal history to life. Bring an appetite and culinary curiosity during Flavors of the Season and celebrate some of Philadelphia’s best tastes for the holidays. Historic Strawberry Mansion’s theme is Make a Joyful Noise. The five rooms in the largest historic house will reflect timeless classics like Let it Snow, Holly Jolly Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and plenty of others. There’s an impressive collection of dolls and vintage toys dating back to the 18th century.
For more information, click here
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7. Holiday Tree Lighting at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Friday, December 6 | 5 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
The holiday gem, Blue Cross RiverRink, will be having its very own special Christmas tree lighting this Friday night. Jackie Verna will be singing the night away with several seasonal hits. The night will culminate with the lighting of a 40ft tall tree. There will many other performances, drinks, beverages, and prizes throughout the night.
For more information, click here
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8. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 | Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, December 6 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art promotes this great cultural and musical showcase each week. This week’s installment of the Friday Nights series will be a Feliz Navidad party with a performance from members of the Villalobos Brothers. The event will feature live music, small bites, drinks, and more.
For more information, click here
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9. First Friday ! at the Barnes Foundation
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, December 6 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Barnes Foundation will also be hosting an exciting and musically-driven event this Friday night. The world-renowned institution’s First Friday event will tenor Allen Pinkney Jr. and special guest musicians. The vocal talent will be singing uplifting spirituals and some classics.
For more information, click here
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10. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, December 6
Each First Friday of the month Old City opens its galleries and studios for a little fun. Several participating spaces will have tremendous sales, gallery access, holiday sweets and ornament making workshops, live music, and more. Come to this historic area of the city and be blown away by the immersive culture, artistry, and more.
For more information, click here
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11. New Kensington First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, December 6
Old City isn’t the only neighborhood celebrating the first Friday of the month. New Kensington will be brimming with art, culture, food, and more. December’s First Friday! will feature special Happy Hours, food tasting events, sales, art deals, dance classes, poetry readings, and several other activities.
For more information, click here
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12. Havana Nights
Where: World Cafe Live | 3025 Walnut St
When: Friday, December 6 | 9 p.m.
For another event offering live music, World Cafe Live will be hosting Havana Nights this Friday evening. This is a FREE event full of Latin flair and music. There will be authentic food and drinks available for purchase. Come out for the amazing salsa music and tear up the dance floor.
For more information, click here
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13. The Spongebob Musical
Where: Forrest Theatre | 1114 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 15
The hit Nickelodeon series, Sponge Bob Square Pants, has been turned into a popular Broadway musical. Featuring Grammy award-winners and a Tony award-winning design team, this sensation will certainly entertain your family over the coming days.
For more information, click here
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14. The Pennsylvania Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Tuesday, December 31
George Balanchine’s ballet The Nutcracker is one of the most celebrated theatrical pieces of each holiday season. The Christmas-themed production will be running at the Academy of Music through the end of the month. Come see the pageantry of the Sugar Plum Fairies, The Rat King, and the royal court this weekend.
For more information, click here
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15. BalletX Fall Series at The Wilma Theater
Where: The Wilma Theater | 265 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 15
BalletX showcases have been highlighting the stage at Wilma Theater for years. The 2019 Fall Series will be rousing audiences with its tremendous movement and dance for the next week. Come out and see two world premieres by choreographers Matthew Neenan and Jo Strømgren and marvel at the talented performers.
For more information, click here
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16. A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 21
A Philly POPS Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season kicks-off this week. Guest conductor David Charles Abell and the POPS orchestra will be filling Verizon Hall with wondrous and beautiful holiday tunes through the first three weeks of the month. The 65-piece orchestra will be accompanied by guests like Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez and others.
For more information, click here
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17. The Philadelphia Orchestra
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 7
The Philadelphia Orchestra will be showcasing its tremendous talent with three performances of “Bach’s Mass in B minor” this week. Conducted by Nézet-Séguin, this towering musical triumph was completed a year before Bach’s death and is a true epochal summation of his artistry.
For more information, click here
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18. On the Exhale
(Suli Holum // Photo by Paola Nogueras)Where: Theatre Exile | 1340 S. 13th St
When: Runs through Sunday, December 22.
Theater Exile’s run of On the Exhale continues this week. The compelling play tells the story of “a liberal college professor searches for meaning after a terrible act of violence.” Starring Suli Holum, the production depicts the lessons we teach and receive in life.
For more information, click here
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19. Pheobe Robinson
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, December 7
Actress, writer, entertainer, and comedian Phoebe Robinson will be performing for three nights at Punch Line Philly. The 2 Dope Queens act and, “Sooo Many White Guys” podcaster will be bringing her signature brand of comedy to the popular venue’s stage. You don’t want to miss this talented performer.
For more information, click here
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20. Red Bull Presents: True Notes
Where: Warehouse on Watts | 923 N Watts St
When: Friday, December 6 | 8 p.m.
Red Bull Presents: True Notes will feature Jamila Woods, Amber Mark, Mereba, and Jasmine Solano at Warehouse on Watts this Friday. These soulful female artists will blow you away with their supreme vocal talent, lyricism, and genre-bending music.
For more information, click here
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21. Anita Baker
Where: Liacouras Center | 1776 N. Broad St
When: Friday, December 6 | 8 p.m.
Speaking of soulful singers, R&B legend Anita Baker will be bringing her Farwell Concert Series to Philadelphia this Friday night. The eight-time Grammy award-winner will be singing “Sweet Love”, “Giving You the Best That I Got”, and several other hits.
For more information, click here
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22. Cher
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, December 6 | 8 p.m.
Music icon Cher sold out the Wells Fargo Center in April. She’s back by popular demand this weekend! The Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning entertaining act is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
For more information, click here
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23. Bourbon Lounge and Sips with Santa
Where: The Shops at Liberty Place | 1625 Chestnut St
When: Saturdays in December
The Bourbon Lounge by Bluebird Distilling and Santa Saturdays will be taking over The Shops at Liberty Place each Saturdays in December from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Christmas extravaganza includes free photos with Santa, a charitable selfie contest, and a pop-up Bourbon Lounge. Each Saturday, Santa will sit on his throne, inviting guests and their little ones to tell him their Christmas wishes and take photos with him. Guests can also expect to see different pairs of holiday characters spreading good cheer alongside Santa. On December 7, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be joining the fun, followed by Buddy the Elf and Mrs. Claus on December 14, and Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf on the final Saturday, December 21.
For more information, click here
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24. South Philly Handmade Brigade
Where: 1241 Carpenter St
When: Saturday, December 7 |11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The 2019 South Philly Handmade Brigade is this Saturday. The free to enter the mercantile event will have a massive amount of vendors selling handcrafted collectibles, jewelry, crafts, home goods, candles, fixtures, furniture, and more. Come get some much-needed ceramics for your place or pick up a one-of-a-kind present for the people in your life.
For more information, click here
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25. Holiday 2019 West Craft Fest
Where: The Rotunda | 40th St & Walnut St
When: Saturday, December 7 |11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Rotunda on Walnut Street will be bustling with busy shoppers this Saturday and Sunday. There will be seventy local vendors selling their handmade crafts, art, and goods. This is a free-to-enter and rain or shine event. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to stop by the holiday-themed commercial market this weekend.
For more information, click here
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26. Deck the Alley on Elfreth’s Alley
Where: Elfreth’s Alley | 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley
When: Saturday, December 7 | 3-7 p.m.
Historical avenue Elfreth’s Alley will be transformed for the merry holiday. This Saturday evening join Santa Claus, colonial dressed carolers, traditional loom weavers, and more at this treasured location. There will be twinkling holiday lights and plenty of art pieces up for sale within the museum store.
For more information, click here
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27. The Clay Studio’s Hand Crafted Holidays
Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N. 2nd St
When: Saturday, December 7 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Clay Studio’s fifth annual Hand Crafted Holidays kicks-off this weekend. This will be a festive day of tastings, demonstrations, shop discounts, and hands-on activities intended to spark creative ideas for holiday decorating, gifting, and entertaining. There will be clay ornament making, a Gong Fu Tea Ceremony with The Random Tea Room, gallery talks, handmade donuts, and signature cocktails. Bring the kids and they can make and decorate winter-themed ornaments while you shop!
For more information, click here
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28. Penn Museum’s Holidays Around the World Celebration
Where: Penn Museum | 3260 South St
When: Saturday, December 7 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Penn Museum will be hosting a Celebrations Around the World event this weekend. There will be Diwali, the Dragon Boat Festival, Eid-al-Fitr, Ramadan, and the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Bring your family out for a day of craft-making, Indian dance performances, live music, sari-wrapping, Arabic writing and Islamic culture, storytelling, and more.
For more information, click here
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29. Oshogatsu at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Where: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden | Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr
When: Saturday, December 7 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden will be having an Oshogatsu celebration like no other this weekend. There will be ikebana flower arrangements, and traditional decorations of pine, bamboo, and berries. You will also see a special exhibition of kimonos, partake a complimentary cup of tea green tea on the veranda, and more.
For more information, click here
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30. Parade of Lights at Independence Seaport Museum
Where: Independence Seaport Museum | 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Independence Seaport Museum’s annual holiday show returns this weekend. Local working boats will be lit up, begin to twinkle and shimmer, and fill the water with the joys of the season. There will be tons of activities for the whole family. Santa will be in attendance, there will be gingerbread boat decorating, an LED card station, and more.
For more information, click here
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31. Holiday Bar Crawls
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, December 7
This Saturday from 2 p.m.-10 p.m., several bars in the city will be participating in the Dashin’ Through the Bars Crawl. There will be holiday-themed drinks, specials, DJs at each venue, and more. On the same date, the 13th Annual Running of the Santas will be held at Field House. The festivities kick off at 11 A.M. There will be live music, drink specials, a massive after-party, and several VIP options.
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32. Senators vs. Flyers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 p.m.
The hockey season is two months young. After Saturday’s game with the Ottawa Senators, the Philadelphia Flyers will be hitting the road for three consecutive games. Come to the Wells Fargo Center to see your favorite hockey team get another win.
For more information, click here
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33. HERspace Women’s Art Festival
Where: Philly Art Collective | 253 N 3rd St
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 p.m.
The Philly Art Collective will be hosting the HERspace Women’s Art Festival this Saturday. Powerful and talented artists from various mediums will be on display. There will be live music, complimentary refreshments, vendors, and more at this wonderful and cultural celebration.
For more information, click here
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34. Cavs vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 p.m.
Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and the 76ers will be taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers this Saturday night. This will be the third time these Eastern Conference foes matchup this season. Come to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the home favorites extended their home winning streak.
For more information, click here
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35. Madonna
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: December 7, 8, 10, & 11
Music icon Madonna will be performing at The Met Philadelphia for a four-night stint. The “Like a Virgin”, “La Isla Bonita”, “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue”, and “Take a Bow” singer will rock the house all night long.
For more information, click here
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36. Raptors vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Sunday, December 8 | 6 p.m.
The Sixers will be trying to exact some revenge this Sunday night when they take on the Toronto Raptors. Come to the Wells Fargo Center and be a part of the #PhilaUnite. The Philly faithful will be out in droves hoping to spark the team in this possible Eastern Conference Championship preview.
For more information, click here
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37. Devendra Bernhardt
Where: Union Transfer | 1026 Spring Garden St
When: Saturday, December 8 | 7 p.m.
Singer-songwriter, musician and visual artist Devendra Bernhardt will be performing at Union Transfer this Sunday night. Bernhardt’s 10th studio album, Ma, will feature singles like lead single “Kantori Ongaku” and others. Come hear this folk act live.
For more information, click here
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38. The Joe Budden Podcast
Where: Tower Theater | S 69th St & Ludlow St
When: Sunday, December 8 | 8 p.m.
The winter leg of the Joe Podcast Tour will be taking over New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Philly’s stop is this Sunday. The popular podcasts will be live and in-your-face at the Tower Theater. Fans of the Joe Budden, Jamil “Mal” Clay, Rory Farrell and Parks Vallely will come out droves.
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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