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: Center City Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Friday, January 24
To culinary fans dismay, Center City Restaurant Week ends this Friday. Several participating restaurants in the city have been featuring three-course lunches and dinners for $20 and $35 over the past week. This is your last chance to stop by over 52 restaurants for savory and special meals and drinks.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: The Snow Queen
Where: Arden Theatre Company | 40 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
The Arden Theatre Company run of The Snow Queen concludes this weekend. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, this magical struggle between good and evil has been brought to life in a stunning way. With the theme of friendship and adventure at its core, this production is a can’t miss.
For more information, click here
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3. Closing Soon: Winter Wine-derland
Where: Chaddsford Winery | 632 Baltimore Pike | Chadds Ford, PA
When: Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
It’s the last weekend for Chaddsford Winery‘s Winter Wine-derland. The winde extravaganza and winter festival features wine tastings, live entertainment, fire pits, ice carvings, live music, food trucks, cocktails, and more.
For more information, click here
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4. Lunar New Year in Chinatown
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
There will be plenty of Lunar New Year celebrations this weekend and on this list. Head over to Chinatown for calligraphy instructionals, rose petal tea, dim sum tastings, and more. The Philadelphia Suns’ will be doing a late-night lion dance this Friday. On Sunday, there will be a daytime lion dance and a parade.
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5. Lunar New Year
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
The Lunar New Year is upon us and the Year of the Rat is commencing. Several cultural events will be seeping the city this weekend. Stop by the Independence Seaport Museum, Please Touch Museum, Rivers Casino, and other hotspots to partake in some fantastic festivities. The galleries of Chinese art will also be reopened at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Sunday.
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6. Camp-In
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25
This fun and captivating museum event bring out tons of families every time. Camp-In at Penn Museum offers an engaging, fun, and informative sleepover at one of the best institutes in the city. There will be hands-on games, crafts, telescope observations, a volcano feature screening in the Tuttleman IMAX® Dome Theater, and more.
For more information, click here
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7. Wonderspaces
Where: Philadelphia Fashion District | 9th-11th & Market Sts
When: Opens Friday, January 24
Wonderspaces, the pop-up spellbinding and artistic installation, opens its doors this weekend. The Fashion District Philadelphia will be the endeavor’s first permanent location. The exhibit Points of View will blow you away with its creative construct, VR components, and one-of-a-kind visuals.
For more information, click here
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8. Contemporary Photography Exhibition IX
(“Touch”// Sasha Phyars-Burgess)Where: Philadelphia Photo Arts Center | 1400 N. American St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 22
Sasha Phyars-Burgess and Guanyu Xu have won the ninth annual Contemporary Photography Competition and Exhibition competition. Phyars-Burgess’ UNTITLED PART II & III (WE ALL HAVE TO MAKE COMPROMISES), is a multimedia series that explores the cultural connotations and markers that come with looking at bodies, particularly black bodies. For Guanyu Xu’s series Parallel Rooms, he photographed complex installations that he situates secretly and temporarily in his parents’ home in Beijing, China. He positions and layers portraits of himself and other gay men, photographs of landscape and built environment taken in the United States, Europe, and China; and torn pages from the film and fashion magazines he collected as a teenager.
For more information, click here
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9. Riverdance
Where: Merriam Theater | 250 S Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
Riverdance will be at the Merriam Theater through Sunday. Riverdance‘s Grammy award-winning score will be on full display at the prestigious venue. Immerse yourself in the traditional dancing and phenomenal performances.
For more information, click here
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10. A Woman of No Importance
Where: Walnut Street Theater | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, March 1
Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance comes to the big stage. Head to Walnut Street Theatre to see this production navigating an American heiress’ mission to find love in England. For theater lovers, this charming play will have you entertained through March.
For more information, click here
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11. Riptide vs Wings
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, January 24 | 7 p.m.
The Philadelphia Wings will be taking on the New York Riptide (1-5) this Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center. This is the third home game of the season for the 4-1 franchise. In their last matchup, the Wings celebrated a 15-12 victory.
For more information, click here
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12. Asian Arts Initiative’s The Beat of Resistance
Where: Asian Arts Initiative | 1219 Vine St
When: Runs through Friday, March 27
The Beat of Resistance opens at the Asian Arts Initiative this week. The sonically explorative exhibition showcases “the sounds of Asian America…focused on beats-oriented music, this metrical program sets the rhythm of moving bodies and movement bodies…” There will be an opening ceremony party this Friday night.
For more information, click here
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13. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, January 24 | 5-8 p.m.
Each Friday evening the Philadelphia Museum of Art starts your weekend off right with this amazing art and music collective event. This weekend Greg Farnese, backed by the John Colianni Quartet, will be performing. There will be gallery access, small bites, drinks, and more.
For more information, click here
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14. Dilworth Park Happenings
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
Head to Dilworth Park this weekend for tons of celebrations and a fun time. Karaoke Nights will be taking over the popular winter cabin this Friday. This Saturday, the ice rink will be outlined with Asian red and more for the park’s Chinese New Year Celebration.
For more information, click here
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15. Dinos After Dark
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, January 24 | 4-8 p.m.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be hosting Dinos After Dark this Friday night. Stop by the beer garden in Dinosaur Hall during this extended hours gathering. There will be specimen and fossil inspections, a scavenger hunt, live animals, and more at this wild night of fun. The event is pay-what-you-wish admission (with a $10 suggested donation).
For more information, click here
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16. BeethovenNOW at the Academy of Music
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 8
The Philadelphia Orchestra brings BeethovenNOW to the city this weekend. In celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and pianist Yefim Bronfman kick off the festivities this weekend with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4. Rachmaninoff’s romantic Symphony No. 3 and Fung’s Dust Devils will also be played during the performance.
For more information, click here
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17. Amir K
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, January 25
Each week Punch Line Philly delivers great stand-up shows and crowd-pleasing events. This week CW’s MadTV star Amir K. will be doing at a three-night residency at the comedy house. This seasoned talent in comedy will have you laughing all night.
For more information, click here
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18. Good Good Comedy Theatre Weekend
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre | 215 N. 11th St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
The Good Good Comedy Theatre will be filled with laughter as well this weekend with several hilarious shows. Friday night includes Joke Bath: Comedy + Free Beer w/Rajat Suresh and Jeremy Levick. The entire audience will get a free beer during the show. This Saturday, Make Up or Break Up will take over the stage in the crazy game where” couples to the test in a series of games to decide who is meant to be and who should probably break up.” Check out Dina Hashem on the same night. On Sunday, The Bechdel Cast returns to Good Good for a live taping with hosts Jamie Loftus (Adult Swim) and Caitlin Durante (The Daily Zeitgeist).
For more information, click here
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19. Silent Philly Party at Blue Cross RiverRink
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink | 121 N. Columbus Blvd
When: Friday, January 24 | 7-11 p.m.
The colorful headphones and DJs are coming to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest this weekend. Head to the Delaware waterfront to hear your favorite songs blasting through your headphones. There will be an abundance of fun at this silent disco.
For more information, click here
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20. Grace Potter
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Friday, January 24 | 8 p.m.
Singer-songwriter and entertainer Grace Potter will be live at The Fillmore Philadelphia this weekend. Potter released her fourth solo album, Daylight, in 2019. Come hear the tremendous tracks from that stunning work and several other hits.
For more information, click here
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21. City Winery Weekend
Where: City Winery | 990 Filbert St
When: Runs through Sunday, January 26
Urban winery, bar, restaurant, and concert venue City Winery will have several talented acts on stage this weekend. This Friday, singer-songwriter Yuna will be performing two tremendous shows. Phillips Phillps will be on the main stage this Saturday. The Loft will be hosting a Bacon and Legs Drag Brunch on Sunday as well.
For more information, click here
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22. American Handcrafted
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Saturday, January 25-Monday, January 27
There will be countless vendors each day of this blowout mercantile event. American Handcrafted will be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center through Monday. There will be endless rare and unique collectibles on hand at this expo. Each seller will have a lineup of tremendous handcrafted treasures.
For more information, click here
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23. Art Star CRAP Bazaar
Where: Art Star | 623 N. 2nd St
When: Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26
The Art Star Craft Bazaar is a local handmade crafts festival that takes place in the city twice a year. It’s counter-event, the Art Star CRAP Bazaar will feature several local artisans peddling items that they believe to be gloriously made but also crap. Following the trash to treasure motto, you’ll find jewelry, shirts, collectibles, ceramics, and more.
For more information, click here
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24. Founders Philly Freeze-Out in Manayunk
Where: Main St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The Founders Philly Freeze-Out in Manayunk is this Saturday. There will be samples of Founders Brewing Company beer throughout the event that will feature ice carvings, a chowder crawl, and more. Brews and cider will be flowing at this neighborhood event spanning several bars and restaurants.
For more information, click here
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25. Radio 104.5’s Winter Jawn 2020
Where: XFINITY Live! | 1100 Pattison Ave
When: Saturday, January 25 | 12 p.m.
XFINITY Live! will be the location for one of the biggest music events in the city this weekend. Radio 104.5’s Winter Jawn 2020 will feature AJR, Local Natives, and so many others at this massive festival. There will be plenty of drinks flowing and sing-alongs in the crowd at the yearly blowout.
For more information, click here
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26. Big 5 Basketball
Where: The Palestra | 223 S. 33rd St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 2 p.m.
If you’re looking for Big 5 basketball action this weekend, head over to The Palestra. The Penn Quakers will be taking on the Temple Owls this Saturday afternoon. The stands will be packed as the rival matchup takes over the hardwood.
For more information, click here
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27. Pancakes and Booze Art Show
Where: Underground Arts | 1200 Callowhill St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 8 p.m.
Underground Arts will be hosting its annual Pancakes and Booze Art Show this Saturday. The creative art showcase will feature several local creatives and more. There will be free pancakes for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this unique and entertaining display.
For more information, click here
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28. Bushfire Benefit
Where: Khyber Pass Pub | 56 S. 2nd St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 12-4 p.m.
This Saturday, Kylie Flett, Director of PR + Strategy at Punch Media, will be hosting a Bushfire Benefit in conjunction with my client Khyber Pass Pub From 12-4 pm. attendees will enjoy Aussie beer, wine, meat pies, sausage rolls, a raffle, live music — and more! Our fundraising goal for this event is $5,000 and all proceeds will be donated to the Adelaide Koala Rescue and Kangaroo Island Mayoral Fund
For more information, click here
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29. Cas Public and Kopergietery: 9
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 7 p.m.
9 evokes the senses and “pushes back the limits of silence to rise above difference and transform the body into language.” Come experience a bold journey of movement that questions how we perceive and understand sound in other ways.
For more information, click here
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30. Mike Epps
Where: Xcite Center at Parx Casino | 2999 Street Rd | Bensalem, PA
When: Saturday, January 25 | 8 p.m.
Comedian and actor Mike Epps will be performing at Xcite Center at Parx Casino this Saturday. The household name will be bringing his signature brand of storytelling to the area. Don’t miss your chance to see him live.
For more information, click here
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30. Lakers vs. 76ers
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Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, January 25 | 8:30 p.m.
The Fresh Prince will be taking on King James this weekend at the Wells Fargo Center. James brings one of the top contenders in the Western Conference to Philly for this primetime matchup. Sixers fans, come out to the WFC and bring all of the energy.
For more information, click here
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31. Self-Care Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: BOK | 1901 S. 9th St
When: Sunday, January 26 | 2 p.m.
This Sunday, come to the BOK building for a skincare workshop followed by a boozy movie screening of Bong Joon Ho’s “Mother”. Irwin’s pop-up bar will provide libations for purchase a la carte, such as a soju cocktail, beer, and wine. They will also have a make your own boba tea station. There will be some Korean food and snacks provided! VIP tickets are available for the skincare workshop, starting at 2 pm. Regular admission (screening only) will start at 4 pm. Guests are invited to come at 3:30 to get a drink and eat some delicious Korean food.
For more information, click here
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32. Dancing with the Stars: Live!
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Sunday, January 26 | 8 p.m.
The excitement, dazzling choreography, costumes, and sensational dancers from ABC’s hit series Dancing with the Stars comes to the city this Saturday night. Come to The Met Philadelphia for a night of wonderful moves and stellar performances by these acts that you’ve grown to love.
For more information, click here
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33. Comedy Central Presents a Benefit for Chris Cotton
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Sunday, January 26 | 8 p.m.
The Sunday night, Punch Line Philly will be hosting a benefit celebrating the legacy of Chris Cotton. The South Philly native’s death sent shockwaves through the comedy community in December. The popular entertainment venue’s showcase will feature standup acts, discussions, and more.
For more information, click here
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Map of Events
Upcoming Featured Event
Saint Motel at the TLA
(Saint Motel // Photo by Catie Laffoon)Where: Theatre of The Living Arts | 334 South St
When: Monday, February 10
LA-based indie rock quartet Saint Motel will be taking over the TLA next month! The celebrated indie-pop band’s world headline tour will be making its Philadelphia stop on Monday, February 10th. Saint Motel’s kaleidoscopic sound and inventive live performances has earned them a massive fan following. Check out their latest release, “THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK: PART 1,” the first of a three-part album to be released over the coming months. Co-produced by singer A/J Jackson and GRAMMY-winner Mark Needham, the five-song collection is highlighted by lead single “Van Horn.” Don’t miss your chance to see them live.
For more information, click here
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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