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: Philadelphia Auto Show
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Runs through Monday, February 17
The Philadelphia Auto Show will be closing its doors this Monday. The ten-day automobile showcase features Camp Jeep, The DUB Car show, stunning exotic cars, a Hollywood car display, vintage automobiles, and more. Don’t miss your chance to see the 119th year of this popular Philadelphia tradition.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: Philly Theatre Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
Theatre Philadelphia has been hosting several theatrical events and activities throughout the past week. This weekend’s, shows include Grey Rock, King Lear, a modernized Romeo and Juliet, and several other stellar productions.
For more information, click here
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3. Closing Soon: Getaway at The Greenhouse
Where: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | 100 North Horticultural Dr
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center has been offering up this blissful escape from the wintry mix outdoors for weeks. The Getaway at Greenhouse has featured live music, a beer garden, games, a giant sandbox, food trucks, and more. This will be your last chance to glimpse at The Jungle, The Beach, The Midway, and other structures.
For more information, click here
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4. Black History Month Weekend Events
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
Black History Month continues to roll along in the City of Brotherly Love. The cultural significant and celebratory month seeks to educate, inform, and create discourse amongst the populace about the great accomplishments of African-Americans through the centuries. This weekend, the Free Library of Philadelphia and the National Constitution Center will continue their monthlong events. The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will also host and amazing performance of Intuition: Songs From The Minds Of Women featuring Alicia Olatuja.
For more information, click here
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5. Philly Home + Garden Show at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center | 100 Station Avenue, Oaks
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
The Philly Home + Garden Show will be taking of the city over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center over the next few days. There will be a massive number of vendors, textile merchants, lighting and sound companies, landscape architects, gardening experts, and more.
For more information, click here
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6. Exciting Exhibits at PAFA
(Making Community: Prints from Brandywine Workshop and Archives, Brodsky Center at PAFA, and Paulson Fontaine // Photo by Candis R. McLean)Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | 118-128 N. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, April 12
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) opened two engaging and exciting exhibits to the public this month. 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.
For more information, click here
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7. 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 continues to draw the eyes of many at the Asian Arts Initiative. 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…”. This is an intense artistic showcase that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here
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8. Valentine’s Day Skate at Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Friday, February 14 | 7-10 p.m.
Dilworth Park Winter happenings have been one of the main attractions near City Hall for months. This Friday, the ice skating rink will be full of romance. There will be a Sweetheart Skate, drink specials, and karaoke in the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin. You can get free ice skating passes at the Capital One Café (135 South 17th Street).
For more information, click here
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9. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Sweetheart Skate
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Friday, February 14 | 1st session begins at 7-8:30 p.m.
The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will also be hosting a couple-centric skating soiree this Friday night. Their Sweetheart Skate will feature three skating sessions. A rose, a box of chocolates, and a lovely photograph is included with the price of admission.
For more information, click here
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10. Valentine’s Day Dinner and Events
(Ocean Prime)Where: Various locations
When: Friday, February 14
Philadelphia will be bursting with romance over the next few days. In such a bustling city, deciding where to take your loved one can become an overwhelming task. There are several restaurant and bar options. Reading Terminal Market will also be hosting a cooking class this Friday. For those looking for a laugh, head over to Underground Arts for the 10th annual Ex Files Story Slam this weekend.
For more information, click here
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11. Jurassic World Live Tour
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Monday, February 17
The Jurassic World Live Tour will be taking over the Wells Fargo Center this weekend. Jurassic World will be brought to life in this amazing arena show. Don’t miss your chance to return to Isla Nublar in this all-new dinosaur showcase. Blue, the mighty T. Rex, and several other favorites will be there.
For more information, click here
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12.Independence Seaport Museum Weekend
Where: Independence Seaport Museum | 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Monday, February 17
This weekend the Independence Seaport Museum will have several tremendous events. The returning series, The British Mistake will take over the institution on President’s Day. Saturday, the Independence Seaport Museum will host Youth and Opportunity in Society: 1890s to Today which explores the challenges and opportunities facing youth today.
For more information, click here
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13. A Woman of No Importance
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Sunday, March 1
Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance is wowing on the Philadelphia 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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14. Shen Yun at Merriam Theater
Where: Merriam Theater | 250 S Broad St
When: February 12 – March 1
Shen Yun artistically brings several generations of traditional Chinese culture to the City of Brotherly Love over the next month. Come see the pageantry, spiritual origins, and history. The audience will take a visual journey through a rich civilization and see the roots of these great people.
For more information, click here
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15. City Winery Weekend
Where: City Winery | 990 Filbert St
When: Runs through Sunday, February
Urban winery, bar, restaurant, and concert venue City Winery will have several talented acts on stage this weekend. Over the next few days, you can catch Jeff Bradshaw with special guest Carol Riddick, SPAGA, Donavon Frankenreiter w/ Christina Holmes, and many others.
For more information, click here
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16. Friday Night at the Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, February 14 | 5-8:45 p.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds a special happy hour series each Friday. The gathering uniquely blends arts and music in this special clash of culture. Each week there’s small bites, beverages, cocktails, special gallery access, and live music. This week Michelle Lordi will be performing her interpretations of jazz standards.
For more information, click here
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17. Artist Bash: To Die For
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, February 14 | 8-11 p.m.
The Barnes Foundation will be hosting Artist Bash: To Die For this Friday night. This soiree celebrates an extreme take on Valentine’s Day by exploring the themes of love and loss. The Seabrook Minyo Dance Club will be performing. There will be a Day of the Dead procession led by La Calaca Flaca, poetry readings, a cabaret performance, and more.
For more information, click here
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18. Philadelphia Orchestra Weekend
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 17
The Philadelphia Orchestra will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with Sorcerers, Spells, and Magic. Mozart’s The Magic Flute, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas and several other bewitching pieces will be performed during the Friday night concert. The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra will also be performing this Sunday inside the Perelman Theater.
For more information, click here
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19. Philly POPS Present Aretha: Respect
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 16
The Philly POPS and conductor Byron Stripling will be celebrating the life and legacy of songstress Aretha Franklin. Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Ryan Shaw will be singing “Chain of Fools,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Respect,” and several other hits.
For more information, click here
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20. Boyz II Men
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Friday, February 14 | 8 p.m.
Boyz II Men will be playing in front of the hometown crowd this Friday night at the Met Philadelphia. The “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee” icons will be serenading fans at this intimate Valentine’s Day concert.
For more information, click here
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21. NOTO Philadelphia’s 3-Year Anniversary Weekend
Where: NOTO Philadelphia | 1209 Vine St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 22
Through Saturday, February 22, NOTO Philadelphia will be celebrating it’s three year anniversary. Famous DJs including Nicky Romero, W&W, and Chase B will be taking over at the popular complex during the celebration series. Rappers Lil Baby and PnB Rock and social media personality Kirill Was Here will also be in the building performing amazing sets.
For more information, click here
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22. Presidents Day Weekend
Where: Various locations
When: Running through Monday, February 17
To every kid in school’s relief, this Monday is President’s Day. The American holiday will be celebrated all over the city at several venues and institutions. The National Museum of American Jewish History, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, and other institutions will be celebrating the occasion.
For more information, click here
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23. Survival of the Slowest at Academy of Natural Sciences
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, September 20
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be opening a new and interesting exhibit this week. Survival of the Slowest explores the adaptations that certain animals have evolved over millions of years in order to survive. There will be amazing and adorable live animals including a two-towed sloth, hedgehogs, geckoes, and more. This opening weekend, there will be a scavenger hunt and kids can learn how animals camouflage themselves.
For more information, click here
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24. Hippo Conservation Weekend
Where: Adventure Aquarium | 1 Riverside Dr | Camden, NJ
When: Runs through Monday, February 17
It’s Hippo Conservation Weekend at the Adventure Aquarium. Resident hippos Button and Genny will be all smiles during this three-day celebration. Guests can learn about Nile hippopotami, create crafts, and win prizes.
For more information, click here
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25. National Jazz Festival
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Saturday, February 15 | 8:05 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The National Jazz Festival will be live at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this Saturday. The day-long festival will feature more than 1,200 jazz student musicians from across the country. There will be clinics, workshops, and several tremendous performances.
For more information, click here
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26. The Black Journey: African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Where: Independence Visitor Center | 599 Market St
When: Various dates including Saturday, February 15 | 2-3:30 p.m.
This 90-minute factual adventure will illustrate the rich history of Black Americans of Philadelphia. You can “take a journey to Congo Square, visit the unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of the yellow fever epidemic, learn about the Quaker school where both Black and White students were educated together” and more. From the location where the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1793 or tales of Martha Washington’s enslaved handmaiden who emancipated herself, this tour has it all.
For more information, click here
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27. Culturefest! African and Diasporic Cultures
Where: Penn Museum | 3260 South St
When: Saturday, February 15 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m
The Penn Museum will be celebrating the African diaspora this Saturday. This all-day celebration will include storytelling, live performances, music, an African marketplace, crafts, mask making sessions, and more.
For more information, click here
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28. Philadelphia Fusion Homestand
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St
When: Saturday, February 15-Sunday, February 16
The Overwatch League comes to the Met Philadelphia this weekend. The video game war zone will be a sight to behold. There will be screens all over the venue as fans can watch this intense six-on-six duel. Gaming fans will be out in droves to see this regular-season matchup.
For more information, click here
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29. Winterfest Live!
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Where: XFINITY Live! | 1100 Pattison Ave
When: Saturday, February 15 | 2-6 p.m.
Taste more than 100 different beers while enjoying live music, giveaways and games all day at this popular winter beer festival in South Philly. Featured beers include winter favorites in a number of varieties like porters, stouts, lagers and more.
For more information, click here
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30. Villanova vs. Temple
Where: The Liacouras Center | 1776 N. Broad St
When: Sunday, February 16 | 1 p.m.
The fifteenth ranked Villanova Wildcats will be heading across town to The Liacouras Center to take on their regional rival, the Temple Owls. This Brotherly Love battle will feature a great matchup of local talent.
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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