The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

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.

(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

(Community) This city-wide scavenger hunt helps you explore the fun in your city while building some wellness practices. Your exploration is designed to help explore all seven areas of self care: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational. This activity is perfect to do alone or with a group.

⌚️Jan. 16-19, 📍 622 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish

(Art) Looking for a fun way to boost your creativity? Come unleash your inner artist at this all-levels watercolor class. You’ll learn all the basics and leave with a new piece of art to be proud of. All materials are provided for you, just bring a willingness to try something new.

⌚️Jan. 17, 7-8:30p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $25

(Comedy) This monthly comedy show features all women and queer comics for a night of non-stop laughs. The show lineup includes Domo Cann, Illhan Ali, Erica Green and more.

⌚️Jan. 17, 7:30-9p.m., 📍1527 Jackson St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19145, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $15

(Community) Prepare your taste buds for an evening in the Alps, enjoyed from the comfort of Chestnut Hill. Martines Cafe is serving up a cozy menu of roasted potatoes, charcuterie, wine and tasty desserts.

⌚️ Jan. 17, 6 & 7:30p.m., 📍89 Bethlehem Pike, Philadelphia, Pa, 19118, 🌐 chestnuthillpa.com, 💵 $60

(Community) Ease into the weekend with this restorative yoga session in the heart of the Bellevue’s Conservatory. The class is open to all fitness levels and is designed to help improve your balance, flexibility and add some positivity into your day. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat.

⌚️Jan. 18, 9-10:30a.m., 📍224 S. Broad St., Floor 8, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 lp.constantcontactpages.com, 💵 Free

(Community) There’s no place like this Wicked themed drag brunch. Grab your ruby slippers and head to dock street for a day of singing, dancing, drinks and great vibes.

⌚️ Jan. 18, 11a.m. - 2:30p.m., 📍2118 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $20

(Community) Philly’s annual celebration of all things cars is back for another year. Dozens of car brands are participating, so stop by to get a close up of everything from the most exotic rides to classic vintage cars. Not to mention, the 60,000 square foot e-track gives you the chance to ride in select electric vehicles from a variety of brands.

⌚️Jan. 11-20, 📍12th & Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $12-20

(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

Celebrate a meaningful long weekend with free and affordable events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. From history lessons and storytelling to artmaking and live performances, there are plenty of opportunities to engage even the youngest civil rights advocates.

(Civil rights / multi-day) At the African American Museum in Philadelphia, enjoy special programming throughout the weekend, including performances, children’s activities, and gallery access. Highlights include a free Sunday morning breakfast for kids, inspired by the Black Panthers, and free admission with extra programming on Monday. All ages.

⌚Jan. 17, 18, 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍701 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 aampmuseum.org, 💵 $4-$7; free for children under 3

(History / multi-day) At the Museum of the American Revolution, explore 18th-century African American history makers like poet Phillis Wheatley and maverick Elizabeth Freeman. A weekend of meaningful history lessons focused on influential women. Ages 5 and up.

⌚Jan. 18-20, 11 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

(History / free) At the National Constitution Center, enjoy a full day of programming, including arts and crafts, readings of the “I Have A Dream” speech, storytime, and a live viewing of the presidential inauguration. Bring new school supplies to donate. Ages 3 and up.

⌚Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 constitutioncenter.org, 💵 Free

(Play / free) At the Please Touch Museum, celebrate with storytime, painting, science demonstrations, and music. Special guests include Queen Nur, Amir Campbell, David Buckholtz, and Mr. Boom Boom. Ages 0-4.

⌚Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(Art / history / free) At the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, enjoy artmaking, storytelling, and an hour of music and interactive play with Thembi Palmer during this annual MLK Day celebration. Ages 2-10.

⌚Jan. 20, noon-3 p.m., 📍9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118, 🌐 woodmereartmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(Space / outdoors / multi-day) At Abington Art Center, “An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars” creates celestial magic through a walkable, hour-long light and music show on a 27-acre campus. Note: The path is not wheelchair accessible. Bundle up! All ages.

⌚Most Thursdays-Sundays through January 31, 5-8:30 p.m., 📍525 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046, 🌐 astralumina.com, 💵 $30-$39

(Seasonal / free / multi-day) For two more weekends, Peddler’s Village in Bucks County keeps the holiday lights glowing and adds fire breathers, jugglers, ice carvers, sculptures, and a “Jack Frost” scavenger hunt to brighten the winter. All ages.

⌚January 10-11, 17-18, 4-8 p.m., 📍Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA 18931, 🌐 peddlersvillage.com, 💵 Free entry

(Cars / multi-day) At the PA Convention Center, even the youngest car enthusiasts can climb into dozens of display vehicles and enjoy a drivable toy track. Features include new models and vintage cars (look but don’t touch). Ages 3 and up.

⌚January 11-20, times vary, 📍12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $12-$20

(Musical / multi-day) Arden Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, featuring fairy dust, beloved characters, and plenty of joy. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Ages 6-12.

⌚November 27-January 19, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25-$46

(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

(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

(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