The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Theater) Poor Judge has returned to Philadelphia bringing a mashup of cabaret and experimental theater. Featuring the music of Aimee Mann, the show follows seven actions navigating love and loss, with the love-music mixtape taking its own role in the story.

⌚️Jan 13-25, 📍265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 wilmatheater.org, 💵 $20-90

(History) Did you know that Philadelphia was the first American city to organize a formal dancing assembly, producing professional dancers, masters and music composers? Come learn more about how Philadelphia made itself a dance capital in a young United States.

⌚️Jan. 14, 6:30p.m., 📍1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $12

(Comedy) Head to the Stagecrafters Theater for an unforgettable night of magic and mentalism. Headliner Ran D’Shine blends magic, a little mystery and comedy to create a night that will keep you laughing out loud.

⌚️Jan 16, 7:30p.m., 📍8130 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19118, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $29

(Dance) This dance company has been celebrated by many, and brings their cutting-edge talent back to Philadelphia. They effortlessly blend classical ballet with edgy, new works and timeless performances showcased by exceptionally trained dancers.

⌚️Jan. 16-18, 📍3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 $105

(Comedy) This comedy show brings together very funny talent from all over the Philadelphia area. Come ready to laugh out loud and pour into the local arts community. Proceeds from the show will benefit programming at Molly’s Books and Records.

⌚️Jan. 16, 8-10p.m., 📍1010 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $10-100 donations

(Community) Tap into your inner artist with an evening of figure drawing. You’ll have the chance to get creative in a calm candlelit environment and enjoy drinks and charcuterie. Come sip, draw, and meet other artists.

⌚️Jan. 17, 5p.m., 📍1254 S.18th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 social-beings.com, 💵 $45

(Community) What could be better than an evening of delicious affogatos, matcha floats, homemade pastries and more at this cozy night out. Plus, if you need something heartier, enjoy pizza by Down North and ice cream by Cuzzy’s.

⌚️Jan. 17, 5-8p.m., 📍5127 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19139, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Get ready for an epic dance showcase with some incredibly talented local dancers. You’ll enjoy special performances by Jazz Hands Dance Academy, Longwood Performing Arts and more.

⌚️Jan. 18, 5:30p.m., 📍7 Lock St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $29

(Music) Behind every powerful woman are even more powerful women in this dynamic musical. Follow the stories of the brilliant American women who fought for the right to vote. This show has been recognized by the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical.

⌚️Jan 6-18, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31-164

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend blends reflection with action — and in Philly, that means history-rich programming, civil rights–centered family activities, music and movement, and even a little superhero fun on ice.

(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City, the three-day weekend centers Black freedom fighters whose lives intersected with the nation’s founding. Historic reenactors portray Phillis Wheatley and Elizabeth Freeman, while hands-on activations — including a protest cart, sea chest, and civil rights gallery talks — invite families to connect past struggles to present-day movements. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Jan. 17–19, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $14–$27; $2 ACCESS cardholders; free under age 5

(Musical) At the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Paige Hernandez performs her joyful, movement-filled story of a girl who brings hip-hop to her grandmother’s home in Cuba — and returns with salsa in her soul. Dancing is encouraged, and Sunday’s show is relaxed and sensory-friendly. Ages 3–12.

⌚ Jan. 17, 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.; Jan. 18, 3 p.m., 📍480 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146, 🌐 philadelphiatheatrecompany.org, 💵 $20–$40

(Ice skating) Down on the Delaware River at RiverRink Winterfest, kids can meet the Norse god of thunder for a story and photos — no skating required — before hitting the ice alongside Thor himself. Capes optional, enthusiasm required. Ages 3–12.

⌚ Jan. 18, 2–4 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5–$17

(Civil rights) The Please Touch Museum marks the holiday with age-appropriate programming focused on service, empathy, and leadership, including theater workshops, a reading of It Starts with ME! by Dr. Bernice A. King, and a high-energy parade led by the PME drumline. Ages 0–8.

⌚ Jan. 19, 2–4 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholders

(Civil rights / free) At the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the entire museum activates for a day of family-focused programming that blends learning, creativity, and reflection — from student presentations to hands-on activities designed for all ages.

⌚ Jan. 19, 2–4 p.m., 📍701 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 aampmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(Musical) At the Academy of Music, this Tony Award-winning musical puts women’s history front and center, tracing the suffrage movement through the lives of trailblazers like Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul — with plenty of big numbers to help the story land. Ages 10 and up.

⌚ Jan. 6–18, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31–$164

(Seasonal / outdoors / goats) At Awbury Arboretum and West Laurel Hill Cemetery, the Philly Goat Project puts discarded Christmas trees to good use — by feeding them to goats. Families can linger for cocoa, s’mores, and goat meet-and-greets, or simply drop off a tree with a suggested donation. All ages.

⌚ Jan. 10, 17, 24, noon–3 p.m.; rain dates Jan. 11 and 25, 📍6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19138; and 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, 🌐 phillygoatproject.org, 💵 Free; $20 per tree donation requested

(Theater / multiday) At Old City’s Arden Theatre, Madeleine L’Engle’s sci-fi classic comes to life as Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace journey across time and space on a female-forward, family-friendly adventure. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Through Jan. 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $30–$51

(Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights. All ages.

⌚ Through Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(Seasonal / multiday) Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Through Mar. 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental