The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend
The best things to do in Philadelphia, including popular events, festivals, attractions and tours, free activities and entertainment. See upcoming events and what’s on in Philly today.
![Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto this weekend at the Wells Fargo Center.](https://www.inquirer.com/resizer/v2/IDRIPTSVVZCZLEA5X3OSPLDL3U.jpg?auth=71f9abd0a703a14b0a6ef7be2e3bdcbaabd5cf00f10d1eef09f6aa299a961471&width=760&height=507&smart=true)
Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.
Boozy Ben’s “Bengo” at Franklin Square
(Community) You’ve never played a game of bingo like this before. Come play bingo with a historic twist you can only get in Philly. This Ben Franklin themed game will take place inside the Ben on the Rocks heated tent, where you can grab a drink as you play.
⌚️ Feb. 14, 5-7p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 $5
Valentine’s Day Candle Experience
(Community) Spend an afternoon crafting the perfect Valentine’s Day candle scent to bring the fragrance of love home with you. This 90-minute candle making experience includes two 8oz candles, a special gift and a glass of wine to sip while you create.
⌚️Feb. 14 & 15, 📍Various locations, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 $90
Jewelry Making Workshop
(Community) Design your next favorite jewelry piece at this beginner-friendly workshop. You’ll craft a stunning new piece to take home, learn the basics of jewelry making, and explore the NextFab studio. All materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring scrap materials you’d like to include.
⌚️Feb. 15, 12-2p.m., 📍1800 N. American St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 nextfab.com, 💵 $99
Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective
(Art) A new exhibit is heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective is an anthology of the Chicago artist’s work, highlighting the full spectrum of her career.
⌚️Feb. 8-June 1, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 press.philamuseum.org, 💵 $14-30
Holy Grail of Memphis at Arden Theatre Company
(Theater) Don’t miss out on seeing this new comedy by Philly’s own Michael Hollinger, as it heads to the stage. This play follows Newton Stover III as he goes on a journey to rebuild his legacy with the help of recordings from a legendary bluesman.
⌚️Jan. 16 - Feb. 23, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 Varies
Independence Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest
(Community) Nothing says winter time like skating right alongside the Delaware River. The rink is reopening for the 2024-2025 winter season. Come skate, grab delicious hot chocolate, play games and make winter memories at the waterfront.
⌚️Nov. 29, 2024 - Mar. 2, 2025, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Varies
The best events for kids in Philly
Winter isn’t going anywhere just yet, so why not make the most of it? From ice-skating spectacles and a one-of-a-kind frozen piano to a Valentine’s craft party and hands-on learning experiences, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained over the long weekend.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
(Ice-skating) At Wells Fargo Center, Mirabel, Elsa, Anna, Mickey, Minnie, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven take the ice for a dazzling performance. Expect sing-alongs—and plenty of glowing, plastic souvenirs. Ages 2-10.
⌚February 14-16, times vary, 📍3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148, 🌐 wellsfargocenterphilly.com, 💵 $28-$195
Presidents’ Day Weekend
(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, celebrate Presidents’ Day with hands-on activities like making DIY inaugural buttons and Washington sashes, exploring Washington’s headquarters virtually, and learning about Black revolutionaries in honor of Black History Month. Ages 4 and up.
⌚February 15-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $13-$25; $2 ACCESS cardholder; free for children 5 and under
Drop-in Science Workshop
(Science) At the Academy of Natural Sciences, kids can get a jumpstart on spring with a session on seeds, plant growth, and decomposers. Make and take home a seed starter while learning about heirloom plants. Ages 4-12.
⌚February 15, 2-4 p.m., 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $20; $70 for four
Hearts and Crafts Kids Ball
(Holiday) At Cherry Street Pier, little ones can craft boas, tutus, and fashions, create a giant paper chain, enjoy high tea, and dance the afternoon away. Hosted by PopUpPlay, Nimble Craft, National Kids Gym, and Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Ages 2-9.
⌚February 15, 2-4 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 $20; $70 for four
Ice Piano
(Ice-skating) At Dilworth Park Rink, experience a one-of-a-kind performance featuring a piano made entirely of ice. Enjoy the music from the rink or simply watch as a local quartet accompanies the frozen keys. Ages 3 and up.
⌚February 15, 4-6 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates
Do Portugal Circus
(Circus / multi-day) The red and blue big tops outside Franklin Mall signal a high-energy, classic circus spectacle featuring clowns, silk aerialists, jugglers, trapeze artists, and motorcyclists defying gravity inside a giant metal orb. Ages 4 and up.
⌚January 31-February 16, times vary, 📍1455 Franklin Mills Cir., Philadelphia, PA 19154, 🌐 doportugalcircus.com, 💵 $20-$50
Leaders and Legends
(History / free) At Smith Memorial Playground, learn about Black Philadelphia icons like Mo’ne Davis, Michael Nutter, Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson, and Underground Railroad hero William Still in an interactive outdoor display that makes education fun. All ages.
⌚February 4-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays, 📍3500 Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19121, 🌐 smithplayground.org, 💵 Free
Po’s Awesome Lunar New Year Adventure
(Movie / free / multi-day) At the Universal Sphere, enjoy 15-minute screenings featuring Kung Fu Panda characters Po, Master Shifu, and Mr. Ping, plus an interactive lantern activity. Advanced reservations recommended. Visit on a Saturday to meet Po himself. Ages 5 and up.
⌚January 21-February 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 📍1800 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 theuniversalsphere.com, 💵 Free
Winterfest
(Outdoors / multi-day) Penn’s Landing welcomes winter fun with a skating rink, fire pits, cabins, arcade games, and snacks. Construction is ongoing, but the venue remains a must-visit for winter break. Ages 4 and up to skate.
⌚November 29-March 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5 to skate, $12 to rent skates
Winter at Dilworth Park
(Seasonal) City Hall’s front yard transforms for winter with the foliage and light-filled Wintergarden, a festive makers market, and an ice-skating rink (weather permitting). All ages.
⌚November 15-February 23 (rink; through March 9 for Wintergarden), 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free (Wintergarden), $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates
Ice Dinosaurs
(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.
⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2