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.

(Community) If you love dining out and getting a great deal, mark your calendars, because Center City Restaurant Week is back. Make your way to the dozens of participating restaurants offering pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus priced at $20, $45 and $60.

⌚️Jan. 18-31, 📍Various locations, 🌐 centercityphila.org/, 💵 $20-60

(Music) This evening of music combines the traditions of East and West to honor Lunar New Year. Enjoy an incredible showcase of music blending classical favorites with traditional Chinese music.

⌚️Jan. 28, 7:30p.m., 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $32-65

(Community) Have a friend you know would make the perfect partner? Nows your change to pitch them. Make a sort presentation about what makes your friend amazing and pitch them to a room of singles all looking for the perfect match.

⌚️Jan. 29, 7:30p.m., 📍1023 Hamilton St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 pitch-a-friend.com, 💵 Free to attend

(Comedy) Sometimes, you really need to break down a point, and this comedy show does just that. Some of the best comedians in Philadelphia will take to the stage and present a Powerpoint presentation on the topic they feel most passionate about. Get ready to laugh and be inspired to make a presentation of your own.

⌚️Jan. 29, 10-11p.m., 📍302 S. Hicks St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 tickettailor.com/, 💵 $12-15

(Community) Looking to get a bit creative this week? This workshop teaches you how to make a quilted wall hanging, perfect for decorating your space. Materials will be provided and you’ll leave with a finished piece ready to put on display.

⌚️Jan. 29, 6-8:300.m., 📍760 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 checkout.square.site/, 💵 $60

(Community) The newest vehicles from leading automakers and up-and-coming brands are all coming to the Philadelphia Convention Center. Come see these amazing cars up close and even get hands-on with both indoor and outdoor drive opportunities.

⌚️Jan. 31 - Feb. 8, 📍12th & Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $12-20

(Community) Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Penn Museum’s 45th annual Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy a full day of art making, live performances and a traditional Lion Dance. In Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is celebrated with feasts, gift exchanges, lantern lightings and more.

⌚️Jan. 31, 10a.m. - 4p.m., 📍3260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 https://penn.museum, 💵 $14-23, Free for members

(Community) Still going strong in your quest for Dry January? Whether you’re maintaining sober curiosity all year or just for the month, this wellness social is for you. Come enjoy zero-proof beverages, wellness activations, drink sampling and so much more, all with wellness in mind.

⌚️Jan. 31, 12-5p.m., 📍1516 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $43.33

(Community) Main Street Manayunk is converting into a winter wonderland. This festival is pay-as-you-go and features ice carving demos, food and drink specials at local bars, and a winter market with dozens of local artists and vendors. All ages are welcome, so bundle up and bring the whole family.

⌚️Jan. 31, 11a.m. - 4p.m., 📍Main St. Manayunk, Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 manayunk.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

January ends on a surprisingly strong note, with big-name kid favorites, free winter skating, Lunar New Year celebrations, and a few very appealing ways for parents to sneak in some alone time.

(Theater) At The Met Philadelphia, preschool favorite Gabby returns for a second local stop on her North American tour. Naya Ramsey-Clark stars as Gabby, joined by Pandy Paws and the rest of the Gabby Cats for a colorful, problem-solving adventure designed for very young fans. Ages 2–6.

⌚ Jan. 29, 6 p.m., 📍858 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 gabbysdollhouselive.com, 💵 $41–$155

(Community) At Mister John’s Music in Bella Vista, music educator John Francisco turns his studio into a four-hour, kid-only hangout complete with a movie, pizza, popsicles, and supervision — while parents enjoy a rare child-free evening. Bonus: the event recurs every few weeks. Ages 4–10.

⌚ Jan. 30, 5–9 p.m., 📍761 S. 8th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 misterjohnsmusic.com, 💵 $45

(Community / free) At RiverRink Winterfest, Winterfest joins the city’s 250th celebration with two free hours of skating, including skate rentals, plus face painting, prizes, and cake — a rare no-cost way to try the Delaware River–side rink. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Jan. 31, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(Culture) The Penn Museum hosts its annual all-day Lunar New Year celebration ahead of the Year of the Horse, with live music, art-making, storytelling, cultural demonstrations, and a lively lion dance finale. All ages.

⌚ Jan. 31, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍3260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 penn.museum, 💵 $14–$23

(Cars) Inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, dozens of new cars open their doors for hands-on exploring — and, in some cases, actual test drives. For kids, the biggest draw is the mini driving track, where pretending to be behind the wheel is encouraged. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Jan. 31–Feb. 8, times vary, 📍12th & Arch sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $13.50–$21.50

(Art / free) At the Brandywine Museum of Art, free admission pairs with live performances by Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company, African Diaspora drumming and dance demonstrations, storytelling, and suncatcher making, tied to the exhibition Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa. 19317, 🌐 brandywine.org, 💵 Free

(Art / free) At the Barnes Foundation, a special First Free Sunday previews next week’s African American Children’s Book Fair. Highlights include mother-son authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Weatherford, hands-on art-making with Fleisher Art Memorial’s ColorWheels, and free access to the Rousseau exhibition. Reservations required. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free

(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