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: We Can Be Heroes
(Jacqueline Hoffman “The Soul” // Photo by Candis R. McLean)
Where: National Liberty Museum | 321 Chestnut St
When: Runs through Monday, January 3
TheNational Liberty Museum‘s “We Can Be Heroes” exhibit explores the influence that David Bowie and his music had – and continues to have – on contemporary art. A mixture of sculpture, paintings and digital artwork from both local and international artists are featured in the exciting and enthralling exhibit. Don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful exhibit before it closes.
For more information, click here
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2. Chestnut Hill on Ice
Where: Germantown Avenue
When: Friday, January 31 | 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, February 1 | 12 to 5 p.m.
Beat the winter blues and head to Germantown Avenue this weekend for two days of ice-themed attractions, including a pop-up ice skating rink, live ice carvings, s’mores bar, a designer-built yurt village, maple syrup bar, wine and liquor tastings, chili specials, fires pits, ice bar and more! Chestnut Hill on Ice is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go activities for all ages. World-renowned ice sculptor Peter Slavin and Philadelphia’s own Ice Sculpture Philly, combined with cold weather activities, cozy comforts, restaurant and retail specials, and more. There will be photo selfie stations and several other buzzworthy activities at this exciting event.
For more information, click here
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3. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink | 121 N. Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Sunday, February 2
This treasured ice skating rink has been shelling out heaps of fun over the past few weeks. In its 26th year, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, is a stunning sight to behold. The wintry themed entertainment area has a cabin selling great food and beverages, a kid’s lodge with arcade games, and of course, a massive rink opens each day. This Friday night, there will be a Flyers vs. Penguins watch party. Stop by Saturday morning for Storytime at The Lodge with your family.
For more information, click here
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4. Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 2
Another fun and festive area to visit during the wintry months is Dilworth Park. Each day, the park is bustling with enticing adventures each turn. This Friday there will be a Karaoke Night. You can always have a fun time at the Rothman Rink and Winter Cabin.
For more information, click here
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5. Swarm vs Wings
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, January 31 | 7 p.m.
The Philadelphia Wings will be taking on the Georgia Swarm (3-2) this Friday night at Wells Fargo Center. The Wings (5-1) are perfect on the season at home. The center will be rocking with a raucous crowd and an amazing NLL action.
For more information, click here
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6. Philly Art Collective Weekend
Where: Philly Art Collective | 253 N. 3rd St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 2
The Philly Art Collective continually has tremendous and culturally stimulating exhibits and events each week. This weekend features the HERspace Women’s Art Festival and the All That Jazz Festival. These free art showcases will provide all attendees a truly immersive cultural experience.
For more information, click here
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7. Best Picture Weekend
Where: Philadelphia Film Center | 1412 Chestnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 2
The Philadelphia Film Center will be showcasing the best the Oscars has to offer this weekend. It’s Best Picture Weekend at the screening venue. You can catch this year’s nominations over the next few days. Individual tickets and weekend passes are available.
For more information, click here
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8. Thurgood
Where: Walnut Street Theater | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 9
The Walnut Street Theatre’s production of Thurgood Marshall’s life continues to take center stage. Thurgood tells the story of the civil rights activist, lawyer, and first African American Supreme Court Justice. The New York Daily News called production, “Rich in history, humanity and humor.
For more information, click here
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9. Requiem
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Friday, January 31 and Sunday, February 2
Opera Philadelphia will bringing Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem to the Academy of Music this weekend. Come be swept by the splendor of this phenomenal work. Crafted in memory of Italian poet Alessandro Manzoni, this musical masterpiece is one that you do not want to miss.
For more information, click here
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10. BeethovenNOW: Daniil Trifonov
Where: Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 2
BeethovenNOW continues this weekend with Daniil Trifonov. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Grammy-winning recording partner will be returning for four performances. Amplifying the programs are two underappreciated works by formidable women composers: Lili Boulanger, the first woman to win, in 1913, the prestigious Prix de Rome composition prize, and Louise Farrenc, whose Symphony No. 2 dialogues with Beethoven, and leaves us asking why her works are not a more integral part of the canon today. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Winter Sale ends Friday at 11:59 PM! Their annual special is heating up and tickets are going fast. Use promo code WINTERDEAL for $39 tickets to almost every concert remaining in the 2019–20 season.
For more information, click here
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11. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, January 31 | 6-10 p.m.
Each Friday evening the Philadelphia Museum of Art starts your weekend off right with this amazing art and music collective event. Friday Remix will be taking over the venue. Artists will be performing throughout various galleries, offering up participatory experiences. Inspired by the exhibition Designs for Different Futures, this event will blow you away.
For more information, click here
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12. Cold War Kids
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Friday, January 31 | 6-10 p.m.
California indie rockers Cold War Kids will be playing at The Fillmore Philadelphia this Friday night. The “First” and “Love Is Mystical” performers released their seventh studio album, New Age Norms 1, in November.
For more information, click here
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13. Little Big Town
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Friday, January 31 | 8 p.m.
Country music superstars Little Big Town will be performing to blowout shows at The Met Philadelphia this week. This Thursday and Friday nights, come hear hit tracks like “Pontoon”, “Girl Crush”, and “Better Man”, and countless every.
For more information, click here
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14. Chris Hardwick
Where: Helium Comedy Club | 2031 Sansom St.
When: Runs through Saturday, February 1
The host of “Talking with Chris Hardwick,” “The Wall,” “@midnight with Chris Hardwick and many other features is coming to the Helium Comedy Club this weekend. Chris Hardwick’s signature brand of “nerdism” comedy will be on full display with five shows in the city this weekend.
For more information, click here
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15. Good Good Comedy Theatre Weekend
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre | 215 N. 11th St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 1
Good Good Comedy Theatre always brings the laughs. Several hilarious programs and standup performances will lighten up your weekend and entertain you. This Friday, catch Weeding Out the Stoned and Joke Bath: Comedy + Free Beer. On Saturday, catch The Lucas Brothers performing two hilarious headline shows.
For more information, click here
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16. Bruce Bruce
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Runs through Saturday, February 1
Known funnyman and actor Bruce Bruce will be bringing all the laughs to the Punch Line Philly stage for several nights. The hilarious performer has toured across the world with his tremendous standup. Come hear the Def Comedy Jam alum this Friday and Saturday.
For more information, click here
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17. Black History Month
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Saturday, February 29
February marks a great celebration in history and culture. Black History Month will be commemorated in several venues and institutions in the city all month. There will be free concerts, discussions, readings, festivals, gatherings, celebrations at several museums and institutions in the city, and more. This weekend, catch a free screening of Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse as the Free Library of Philadelphia (South Philadelphia) begins its Black History Month Matinee Series.
For more information, click here
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18. New Exhibitions at PAFA
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | 118-128 North Broad Street
When: Opens Saturday, February 1
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) will open two engaging and exciting exhibits to the public this Saturday. Making Community: Prints from Brandywine Workshop and Archives, Brodsky Center at PAFA, and Paulson Fontaine Press features approximately 100 prints by some of the most significant American artists of our time. The works of Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, Carolee Schneemann, and many others will be on display. You’ll get plunged into the craftsmanship and artistry behind contemporary American printmaking over the past half-century. Curated by the PAFA Youth Council, At One Stroke: Prints by Helen Frankenthaler, highlights the work of one of the 20th century’s most influential and pioneering artists. In a gift from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, these prints and several from PAFA’s permanent collection will give you insight into Frankenthaler’s process and vision.
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19. A Collector’s Vision: Highlights from the Dietrich American Foundation
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Opens Saturday, February 1
A Collector’s Vision: Highlights from the Dietrich American Foundation opens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Saturday. Featuring rare are American art from the 1700s and 1800s, these Dietrich American Foundation pieces will transport you back to colonial America. The exhibit features portraits of George Washington, a teapot made by Paul Revere, silver from colonial Philadelphia, and more.
For more information, click here
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20. Mural Arts Philadelphia Love Letter Tours
(Philadelphia Love Letter Tours // Photo by Candis R. McLean)Where: Various locations
When: Every Saturday (1-3 p.m.) and Sunday (10:30 am-12:30 p.m.)
Philadelphia has been called the “mural capital of the world.” With stunning pieces unfolding in almost every corner, you may want the opportunity to hear the story behind the concepts and artists themselves. Mural Arts Philadelphia provides fun Love Letter Train Tours to help you gain in-depth knowledge about these phenomenal murals enriching the cityscapes of West Philly.
For more information, click here
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21. Taste of Philadelphia Food Tour
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N. 12th St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 10-11:15 a.m.
Each Saturday, the Reading Terminal Market hosts Taste of Philadelphia Tours. This Saturday morning, there will be a decadent gourmet food tour throughout the historic and culinary hotspot. Come get an in-depth look and taste of many of the vendors who make fantastic dishes each day.
For more information, click here
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22. Getaway at The Greenhouse
Where: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | 100 North Horticultural Dr
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center offers you a blissful and beautiful escape from the wintry mix outdoors. The Getaway at Greenhouse will feature live music, a beer garden, games, a giant sandbox, food trucks, and several other events.
For more information, click here
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23. Chinese New Year Celebration – Spring Festival at Parkway Central Library
Where: Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Year of the Rat is upon us. Philadelphia has been celebrating the Lunar New Year for several weeks. The Parkway Central Library will be hosting a Spring Festival this Saturday. There will be a Lion Dance, martial arts, folk music, and more.
For more information, click here
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24. African American Children’s Book Fair
Where: Community College of Philadelphia | 1700 Spring Garden St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 1-4 p.m.
One of the highlights of black history month, the 2020 African American Children’s Book Fair is taking over 17th and Spring Garden this Saturday. This free admission event will feature authors, readings, prizes and giveaways, and tons of books for sale.
For more information, click here
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25. Puppy Bowl Events
(Jet Wine Bar)Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, February 1
Jet Wine Bar, Philadelphia’s “global vineyard,” is inviting guests to watch the Puppy Bowl at 3 pm while enjoying themed food and drink specials. Imbibers can sip a Greyhound ($9), made with Stateside Vodka, grapefruit, and lemon, a Good Boy ($9), made with Bird Dog apple whiskey, lemon, and honey, and glasses of Yard Dog White Blend and Red Blend from Australia for $8 a glass. Food specials include Paw-corn with truffle and black pepper for $3 and Pups in a Blanket served with spicy ketchup for $6. Also, Philadelphia Brewing Company will be showing both the Kitten Bowl at 2 pm and the Puppy Bowl at 3 pm on Sunday. Guests are invited to enjoy pints of Working Cat Pale Ale in celebration of the furry festivities with $1 from each sold going to Morris Animal Refuge. In addition, guests can enjoy $3 pints of Kenzinger. If they’re lucky, viewers might even be able to spot brewery cat Duke himself cheering on his feline family during the Kitten Bowl.
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26. Making Home Movies
Where: 669 Ranstead St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 3-6 p.m.
Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Porch Light program is hosting a free screening of Making Home Movies. Highlighting “6 films, 6 distinct communities, countless Philadelphia stories”, these beautiful features were crafted by various immigrant and refugee communities.
For more information, click here
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27. Creighton vs. Villanova
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Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 12 p.m.
The eighth-ranked team in the nation will be taking on the Creighton Bluejays (16-5) this Saturday in a Big East showdown. The Villanova Wildcats (17-3) are on a fourteen-game winning streak and are looking to push it to fifteen. Come to the Wells Fargo Center before the madness of March begins.
For more information, click here
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28. Avalanche vs. Flyers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 7 p.m.
The Philadelphia Flyers will be hosting the Colorado Avalanche this Saturday nights. The Flyers are currently 6th in Metropolitan Division. The Avalanche bring their three-game winning streak into the heart of South Philly. Come to the Wells Fargo Center to see these two teams face off.
For more information, click here
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29. MLW Fightland
Where: 2300 Arena | 2300 S. Swanson St.
When: Saturday, February 1 | 3-6 p.m.
Philadelphia wrestling fans, head over to the 2300 Arena this Saturday night for MLW Fightland. This battle of brawn and strength will feature a World Heavyweight Title Fight between Jacob Fatu and CIMA. The venue will be jumping with thunderous blows and amazing entertainment.
For more information, click here
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30. The Wood Brothers
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Saturday, February 1 | 8 p.m.
The Wood Brothers will be playing at The Fillmore Philadelphia this Saturday night. The American folk band seventh studio album, One Drop of Truth, was nominated for Best Americana Album at the Grammys this year. The hit group also released their seventh studio album, Kingdom in My Mind, on July 24. Singer-songwriter Kat Wright will be the opening act.
For more information, click here
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31. Museum First Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy and The Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Sunday, February 2 | 10 a.m – 5 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation will be having its monthly First Sunday events. This Sunday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is Family Festival: People, Places, Paintings. Artist Patricia Thomas will be celebrating Black History Month with an exciting paint party. The Barnes Foundation’s PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: The Art of Women will have a number of activities. There will an art-making station, storytelling, live music, and more.
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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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