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 thephillyinfluencer@gmail.com.
1. Closing Soon: Thurgood
Where: Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
When: Runs through Monday, February 9
The Walnut Street Theatre’s production of Thurgood will be coming to an end this Sunday. Thurgood The civil rights activist, lawyer, and first African American Supreme Court Justice’s life took over the popular theater for weeks. This will be your last chance to see this gem.
For more information, click here
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2. Philadelphia Auto Show
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 17
The 2020 Philadelphia Auto Show revs up and kicks into gear this weekend. The action begins this Friday with the Black Tie Tailgate. The opening night soiree will have exclusive first looks at this year’s vehicles, cocktails, and more. The auto show will welcome the general public this Saturday. There will be countless cars on display, the infamous DUB Show, a Hollywood rides display, and much more at this popular annual event that draws thousands. Philadelphia Eagles star Alshon Jeffrey will be in attendance this Saturday.
For more information, click here
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3. Black History Month Weekend Events
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, February 9
The cultural celebrations surrounding Black History Month continues in the city of Philadelphia this weekend. The Franklin Institute will be hosting a Black History Trivia event this Saturday. The Oscar-winning film, Moonlight will be screened at the South Philadelphia Library. Mural Arts Philadelphia will be showcasing tremendous African American-themed street art on a trolley tour.
For more information, click here
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4. Philly Theatre Week
Where: Various locations
When: February 6-16
Speaking of the arts, Philly Theatre Week begins this week. Theatre Philadelphia will be hosting several theatrical events and activities throughout the next ten days. The Greater Philadelphia Region will be bursting with selective readings, productions, and plenty of sessions that the entire family can enjoy. In its third year, there will be more than 300 events and performances during the festival. Catch Grey Rock, King Lear, a modernized Romeo and Juliet, and several other wonderful plays.
For more information, click here
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5. Lansdale Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, February 9
For those in Montgomery County, Lansdale Restaurant Week will be running through Sunday, February 9. Get tremendous deal and sample specialty menus at Boardroom Spirits, Round Guys Brewing Company and Stove & Tap, and other local gems.
For more information, click here
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6. Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens
Where: Longwood Gardens | 1001 Longwood Rd | Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, March 22
Longwood Gardens is always blossoming with the best florals and natural ambiance each day. This weekend, feel free to stop by their annual series, Orchid Extravaganza. 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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7. Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience
Where: The Franklin Institute | 222 N. 20th St
When: Runs through Sunday, April 19
The Franklin Institute is offering up and amazing deal for The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience exhibit for Philly Influencer readers. You can use promo code WCMOMMY to receive $3 off daytime, adult admission for up to 4 people. You can also visit the website or call 215-448-1200 to order your tickets today. Based on Joshua Piven’s best-selling book, this immersive exhibit teaches you how to outlast some of the most severe occurrences the wilderness and life can throw at you.
For more information, click here
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8. Happy Place
Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd | King of Prussia, PA
When: Runs through Saturday, February 29
Happy Place has already enjoyed a residency at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. The fun-filled extravaganza will remain at the King of Prussia Mall through February. Whether you’re dancing in the middle of the world’s largest indoor confetti dome, jumping off of a larger than life rainbow into a pot of happiness, or posing inside a rubber ducky bathtub, this place is bursting with joy.
For more information, click here
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9. The Escape Game
Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd | King of Prussia, PA
When: Runs through April 2020
The Escape Game has been open in the King of Prussia Mall since early December. The 60-minute adventure offers a one-of-a-kind and tactile experience like nothing you’ve ever seen. Teams work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately complete a mission to escape the room. Each game immerses teams in scenic design that rivals Hollywood movie sets and incorporates twists, turns, and jaw-dropping surprises around every corner.
For more information, click here
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10. Nick Jr. Live
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, February 9
The Academy of Music will be hosting this fun-filled and family-friendly showcase all weekend long. Nick Jr. Live will feature Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing in a thrilling musical adventure.
For more information, click here
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11. FOURTEEN at National Constitution Center
Where: National Constitution Center | 525 Arch St
When: Runs through Friday, March 27
FOURTEEN returns to the National Constitution Center this weekend. Upheaving and examing what life was like during the Reconstruction era and after the ratification of the 14th Amendment, this production is filled with history and depth. You’ll hear readings from Frederick Douglass’ open letter “To My Old Master” and more. FOURTEEN is free with museum admission.
For more information, click here
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12. BeethovenNOW: Emanuel Ax
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 8
The Philadelphia Orchestra continues to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th Birthday with performances of all five piano concertos. Three award-winning soloists have showcased their phenomenal talents over the last few weeks. This weekend, Emanuel Ax will perform Piano Concerto No. 2, Piano Concerto No. 3, Di Castri’s Lineage, and Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra. Beethoven made his public debut with his Second Concerto, a dramatic, humorous, ebullient work that announced the young artist’s arrival. The muscular Third embodies Beethoven’s “proud Prospero-like assertion of his beloved C-minor powers”, says Emanuel Ax. (Gramophone) Rising star and Curtis Institute of Music graduate Karina Canellakis makes her Philadelphia Orchestra debut, also leading Canadian composer Zosha Di Castri’s 2015 tribute to her grandmother and Lutosławski’s fascinating showpiece for orchestra.
For more information, click here
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13. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, February 7
The first Friday of the month always gets Old City Districts shops, institutions, galleries, restaurants, and art lovers bustling. Several art studios in the area such as the Painted Bride Art Center, The Clay Studio, and 3rd Street Gallery have several beautiful exhibits and workshops open for all.
For more information, click here
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14. New Kensington First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, February 7
New Kensington will be surging with art, culture, food, bar festivities and more. February’s First Friday! will feature special happy hours, food tasting events, tango classes, art sales, poetry readings, art shows, and several other activities.
For more information, click here
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15. Friday Night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, February 7 | 5-8:45 p.m.
Each Friday evening the Philadelphia Museum of Art starts your weekend off right with this amazing art and music collective event. This Friday night jazz vocalist Shenel Johns will be showing off skill as she celebrates African American artists.
For more information, click here
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16. Barnes Foundation First Friday!
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, February 7 | 5-8:45 p.m.
The Barnes Foundation continues its First Friday! series this Friday with this amazing and exciting soiree. Drag performer and vocalist Cookie Diorio celebrates iconic and legendary women in music. You’ll hear timeless selections from various genres of music.
For more information, click here
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17. Grizzlies vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Friday, February 7 | 7 p.m.
The Philadelphia Sixers season is a tale of two teams. At home, the Sixers look unstoppable and on the road, they’re a complete trainwreck. Lucky for you, they’ll be home all weekend. They’ll be taking on rising star Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies this Friday night.
For more information, click here
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18. Blue Heaven
Where: FringeArts | 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Saturday, February 8
This weekend marks FringeArts’ two-day comedy festival, Blue Heaven. Several up-and-coming and established comedians will be front and center at this popular artistic center. Shrill acts Joel Kim Booster (Big Mouth) and Patti Harrison (Search Party) will be the headliners this year.
For more information, click here
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19. Michael Yo
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 8
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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20. World Cafe Live Weekend
Where: World Cafe Live | 3025 Walnut St
When: Runs through Saturday, February 8
World Cafe Live always hosts entertaining events and has stellar artists on its soundstage. This Friday, R&B and Soul singer Mykal Kilgore will be performing. On Saturday, you can catch Philadelphians running in their skivvies during the Cupid’s Undie Run. On the same night, TV personality Ross Matthews will be bringing his Name Drop Tour to the venue.
For more information, click here
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21. AAMP Family Fun Day
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St
When: Saturday, February 8 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This Saturday is February’s AAMP Family Fun Day. Sponsored by Rivers Casino, the heralded museum has collaborated with Reading Terminal Market to celebrate Black History Month. There will be trivia, a scavenger hunt, a live drum performance, cooking demonstrations (at Reading Terminal Market), and more.
For more information, click here
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22. Second Saturday Sketch at the Rodin Museum
Where: Rodin Museum | 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Saturday, February 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Art lovers and enthusiasts, stop by the Rodin Museum this Saturday for their Second Saturday Sketch series. Free with museum admission, you can sketch from Rodin’s masterpieces. Materials are provided for this monthly gathering.
For more information, click here
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23. QT Noir Arts Festival
Where: The Rotunda | 4014 Walnut St
When: Saturday, February 8-Sunday, February 9
This Saturday is the QT Noir Arts Festival. This two-day event celebrates the outstanding work of Black LGBTQ+ artists in Philly. There will be visual art displays, dance performances, music, and all things crafts.
For more information, click here
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24. Seton Hall vs. Villanova
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Saturday, February 8 | 2:30 p.m.
The Villanova Wildcats will be taking on the Seton Hall Pirates (16-5) this Saturday afternoon. This top-15 matchup between the upper crust of the Big East. Come to the Wells Fargo Center for a great showing of athleticism and skill from the 10th ranked team in the country.
For more information, click here
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25. Bucks Brewfest 101
Where: Bucks County Community College | Linksz Pavilion | 275 Swamp Rd | Newtown, PA
When: Saturday, February 8 | 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Also outside of the city, Bucks Brewfest 101 is this weekend. High-quality craft beers and limited releases will be at this coveted beer festival this Saturday. There will be over 70 different drafts, entertainment, live music, and more.
For more information, click here
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26. Sweets and Stouts
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, February 8 | 1-4:30 p.m.
This Saturday, come to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for Sweets & Stouts. Enjoy tremendous samples from several local breweries and sweets from Dunkin Donuts, Garces Group, Chickie’s and Pete’s, and more. There will be complimentary desserts and beer samples inside The Lodge.
For more information, click here
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27. Hollow Coves
Where: Johnny Brenda’s | 1201 Frankford Ave
When: Saturday, February 8 | 9 p.m.
Brisbane, Australia indie-folk band Hollow Coves will be playing at Johnny Brenda’s this Saturday night. Their first EP, Wanderlust, was met with great critical acclaim. The duo released their first studio album, Moments, in October 2019. There will be great melodies and musicianship on display this Saturday night.
For more information, click here
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28. Ritz Chamber Players
Where: The Kimmel Center | 300 S. Broad St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 3 p.m.
The Ritz Chamber Players are America’s first chamber music ensemble composed solely of masterfully skilled musicians spanning the African diaspora. This Sunday, the invigorating and talented performers will be playing at the Kimmel Center.
For more information, click here
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29. The 85 South
Where: The Liacouras Center | 1776 N. Broad St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 8 p.m.
Join DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean this Sunday night at The Liacouras Center. The dynamic trio brings their hit podcast, “The 85 South”, to the city of Brotherly Love this weekend. This live taping will be a show that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here
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30. Bulls vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 6 p.m.
The second of the Sixers homestand weekend takes place this Sunday. Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and company will be taking on the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern Conference showdown. Head down to the Wells Fargo Center to see exciting basketball action.
For more information, click here
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31. YBN Cordae
Where: Theatre of Living Arts | 334 South St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 8 p.m.
Fresh off his 62 Grammy Awards Best Rap Album nomination success, YBN Cordae will be performing at the Theatre of Living Arts this Sunday night. The hip-hop act released his debut album, The Lost Boy, in July 2019.
For more information, click here
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32. Tove Lo
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 8 p.m.
Swedish electropop singer-songwriter Tove Lo will be centerstage at The Fillmore Philadelphia this Sunday night. The “Habits (Stay High)” act will be the popular entertainment venue jumping with her lineup of hits.
For more information, click here
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33. 7th Annual Oscars Party & Screening at Philadelphia Film Center
Where: Philadelphia Film Center | 1412 Chestnut St
When: Sunday, February 9 | 6 p.m.
The Academy Awards are this Sunday. For the filmed enthusiasts in the city, going out to watch the famed production is always fun. The Philadelphia Film Society will be hosting a live screening of the Academy Awards. There will be live entertainment, food, cocktails, and more.
For more information, click here.
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Map of Events
Featured Event
Saint Motel
(Saint Motel // Photo by Catie Laffoon)Where: Theatre of Living Arts | 334 South St
When: Monday, February 10 | 8 p.m.
LA-based indie rock quartet Saint Motel will be taking over the TLA next week! 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 candis.mclean@gmail.com.
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