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) Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? But it’s not just for writing novels. This event explores the creativity of haiku poetry, perfect for poetry lovers or anyone wanting to learn more about haiku. You’ll learn all of the basics, receive feedback on your work and connect with other creative writers.

⌚️Nov. 12, 5-8p.m., 📍518 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 $30

(Community) Lace up your walking shoes and join Fairmount Park Conservancy and astronomer Buddy Muhler for a two-mile guided moonwalk and telescope observation. The moonlight along Lemon Hill Rim Trail will guide you as you learn about the history of the area, before turning your attention to the skies.

⌚️ Nov. 12, 6-8p.m., 📍 Lemon Hill Dr, Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 fairmountpark.ticketleap.com, 💵 $15

(Movies) This festival delivers ten days of unforgettable Jewish cinematic and storytelling. Jewish international films and media from across the globe will head to Philadelphia, and events will take place with local organizations across the city. Curate your festival experience by grabbing a badge or ticket to individual events.

⌚️ Nov. 12-24, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phillyjfm.org

(Community) Head out to mix and mingle with Philly’s young professionals. There will be networking, art viewing, gallery exploring, dancing and more. Dress code is 70′s and 80′s chic, so reach for those bold prints, bright colors or vintage finds in your closet.

⌚️Nov. 15, 7-11p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 $25-35

(Art) This craft show features unique pieces by 195 artists from across the United States. The artists on display represent 13 diverse categories of art. Proceeds from the show benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

⌚️ Nov. 15-17, 📍1101 Arch St Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 pmacraftshow.org/, 💵 $10-25

(History) Commemorate the 247th anniversary of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution at Fort Mifflin. You’ll meet Revolutionary War reenactors, see musket and cannon demonstrations and participate in living history activities.

⌚️ Nov. 16-17, 10a.m.,📍6400 Hog Island Road, Philadelphia, Pa, 19153, 🌐 fortmifflin.us, 💵 $11.25-17

(Community) If you’ve tried and loved the Georgian food at Saami Somi in Reading Terminal Market, then you won’t want to miss this.  Jet Wine Bar will be pairing wines from the Republic of Georgia with a selection of Khachapuri, dips and spreads. Have a glass, bottle or take something to go.

⌚️Nov. 16, 3-7p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) From folk tales to classic mythology, this event is a true celebration of all things storytelling. The Brave Ones focuses on stories highlighting courage and resilience with an acclaimed lineup of storytellers. You’ll hear all about inspiring heroes, transformative journeys and big challenges, with a little humor woven in between.

⌚️ Nov. 17, 2-4p.m., 📍4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 tockify.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

(Movies) For over a week, this hybrid film festival presents the best in Asian & Pacific Islander film and storytelling. The event combines a mix of virtual and in-person screenings and events for a truly accessible experience. Grab a festival pass or individual ticket so you don’t miss out on any of the available screenings.

⌚️Nov. 7-17, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 tickets.paaff.org, 💵 Varies

This fall weekend, Philadelphia brings its vibrant history, artistic flair, community spirit, and patriotic pride to life. From enchanting holiday displays to hands-on art experiences and historic reenactments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city.

(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

(Seasonal / free) Head to Peddler’s Village in Bucks County for a festive tree- and village-lighting ceremony hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. St. Nick flips the switch at 6:15 p.m., and shops stay open late. All ages.

⌚November 15, 4:30-10 p.m., 📍2400 Street Rd., New Hope, PA 18938, 🌐 peddlersvillage.com, 💵 Free

(Holidays / multi-day) At the Brandywine Museum of Art, marvel at massive miniature train sets, Critter-adorned trees, and intricate dollhouse displays, all ready for the holiday season. Perfect for fans of trains, Wyeth art, and seasonal magic. All ages.

⌚November 16-January 5, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. December 26-30), 📍1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 🌐 brandywine.org, 💵 $8-$25

(History) Fort Mifflin commemorates the 1777 British bombardment that put this Revolutionary War-era fort on the map with battle reenactments, firearm demonstrations, guided tours, and interactive history. Ages 8 and up.

⌚November 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍6400 Hog Island Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, 🌐 fortmifflin.us, 💵 $10-$14

(Art) At the Franklin Institute, don’t miss the final days of this popular LEGO art exhibition by sculptor Nathan Sawaya. Kids will love creations like a T-Rex and a human form with spilling yellow bricks, while adults may appreciate re-creations of the Mona Lisa and more. All ages.

⌚Through November 17, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $20-$61

(Community / multiday) Can you teach toddlers and elementary school-age kids empathy? It’s certainly worth trying. The Please Touch Museum’s visiting exhibit aims to help children express feelings and understand others’ through lightbox silhouette-making, playing with empathy blocks, and negotiating a seesaw. Ages 2-10.

⌚September 27-January 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays,📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org , 💵$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(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