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.

(Music) This opera follows Sue, a woman with a very complicated personality that is unpacked on stage. The show tells the story of Sue’s life decade by decade, with a different score for each season of life.

⌚️Feb. 4-8, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 tix.operaphila.org, 💵 Choose Your Own Pricing

(Community) We all know that chocolates, wine and flowers can be symbols of romance, but what about the science behind them? Join a master flavorist, essential oil specialist and a chemist of wine to uncover the molecular worlds of these romantic staples.

⌚️Feb. 6, 5p.m., 📍315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish

(Community) If football isn’t your thing, this bowl game might be more your speed. Join the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for drink specials, games and prizes. The menu will be football themed and indoor turf and toys are provided for all furry friends. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the PSPCA.

⌚️Feb. 7, 12-4p.m., 📍901 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 crafthallphilly.com/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) As the country gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is no better time to ask what history really means to you. Bring your own drinks and snacks and come explore and unpack that question through poetry.

⌚️Feb. 7, 7-9p.m., 📍601 W. Allens Ln., Philadelphia, Pa, 19119, 🌐 canvas.allenslane.org, 💵 $20-25

(Comedy) Looking for a moment of levity in your week? This comedy show is nothing but good drinks, free popcorn and friendly vibes as you’re entertained by top tier comedians.

⌚️Feb. 7, 7:30p.m., 📍1039 S. 8th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $20

(Community) This book fair is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Shop for children’s books across many genres, discover new authors or grab fresh reads from authors you know and love. Participating authors and illustrators will read and sign books throughout the day, and you’ll have the chance to win fun prizes and giveaways.

⌚️Feb. 7, 1-4p.m., 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Celebrate Dickens’ birthday with readings, performances, food and more with the Friends of Clark Park. The event will start with a program, ending at the Dickens statue, and then you’ll enjoy pizza at Clarkville to wrap things up.

⌚️Feb. 8, 2-3:30p.m., 📍4523 Chester Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Get ready to sweat, stretch and get strong at this empowering, women-centered pilates class. This workout focuses on movement and mindfulness to help you connect with yourself and empower your wellness journey.

⌚️Feb. 8, 12-4p.m., 📍2950 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19133, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $65.87

(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

February leans creative and cozy, with library art classes, museum exhibits, puppetry with a purpose, a Valentine’s-themed kids’ ball, and a high-energy dance performance rooted in African traditions.

(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 Widener Library in Strawberry Mansion, kids spend three Monday afternoons learning about a different Black artist, then creating their own artwork inspired by that artist’s style and themes. Ages 6–12.

⌚ Feb. 2, 9, 16, 3:30 p.m., 📍2808 W. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19132, 🌐 freelibrary.org, 💵 Free

(Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Theater) At Riverbend Environmental Education Center, puppeteers from Philadelphia Children’s Theater tell an environmental tale about a young whale and ocean friends working together to rescue Mama Whale from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Ages 5–10.

⌚ Feb. 7, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 📍1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, Pa. 19035, 🌐 riverbendeec.org, 💵 $18

(Art) PopUpPlay transforms Cherry Street Pier into a Valentine-ready fantasy, complete with a cardboard castle, tutu- and Valentine-making stations, a red carpet entrance, and a bubble-filled dance floor soundtracked by DJ Frost. Ages 2–10.

⌚ Feb. 7, 2–4 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 $20; four for $70

(Theater) At the Miller Theater, this electrifying dance company traces the evolution of stepping, rooted in African and HBCU sorority and fraternity traditions. Expect percussion-driven movement — and audience participation. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Feb. 7, 7 p.m., 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $43.50–$73.50

(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