17 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year at Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal Market will resonate with cheers of “Gong hay fat choy!” Join the public market as they celebrate the Chinese New Year with festive decorations, activities and traditional holiday fare. Participating vendors include Joseph Poon, Sang Kee, Tea Lead, Lion Dance by the Philadelphia Suns and more. Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m., free, Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street.
Midnight Lion Dance Performance
It’s the Year Of The Monkey! A midnight parade, led by the Philadelphia Sun’s Lion, will march a crowd through the streets of Chinatown. The Lion dancers will make their way to City Hall, where they will continue to perform into the night. Sunday, February 7, 10:30 p.m., free, starts 10th and Race streets, ends at 1404 JFK Boulevard.
Lunar New Year at the Independence Seaport Museum
Ring in the New Year port-side. The whole family can celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Independence Seaport Museum. Activities inspired by Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions are slated to take place throughout the day. Saturday, February 6, 11 a.m., $15 adult, $10 children, 211 S. Columbus Boulevard.
First Friday
“The Avenues” Closing Reception at Painted Bride Art Center
Photo courtesy Painted Bride Art Center
Art will takes on multiple forms at the closing of Shawn Theodore’s exhibition “The Avenues.” Acclaimed poet Ursula Rucker will recite works inspired by the visual art in the gallery, including a portrait of African American Philadelphia. The visual art will be accompanied by a soulful musical score that will play throughout the night. View full First Friday listings here. Friday, February 5, 5 p.m., free entry, 230 Vine Street.
InLiquid Benefit 2016
Emerging and established artists join forces to showcase over 250 contemporary works. Paintings, photography, furniture and more will be auctioned off throughout the night. Guests can place their bids via a mobile bidding platform, 501 Auctions. Saturday, February 6, 6 p.m., $50 in advance, $65 at the door, 1400 N. American Street.
Wendy Maruyama: The WildLIFE Project
Artists make the transition from craft to advocacy while homage to African wildlife at the Gerry Lenfest Gallery. Three renowned artists are featured in this display that addresses poaching and illegal ivory trade. Large sculpted elephant heads, shrine-like cabinets, video displays, incense and a bronze bell will work together to stimulate the senses. Opens Friday, February 5, 5 pm, free admission, 141 N. Third Street.
First Friday: Art and Barnes Foundation
Love is in the air at the Barnes Foundation. Come get swept off your feet by the thousands of masterpieces that make up the Barnes collection. Juilliard alumn Jumaane Smith will add to the romantic ambience of the evening with performances from his debut record, I Only Have Eyes for You. Friday, February 5, 6 p.m., $25, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
See A Show
Cold Mountain
Philly is belting out the high notes in the east coast premiere of Cold Mountain. Grammy winner Nathan Gunn takes the stage as a Civil War deserter who braves the harsh North Carolina terrain to find his true love, played by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. This masterpiece, based on the award-winning novel by Charles Frazier — this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia book — unfolds at the Academy House stage now through Valentine’s Day. Opens Friday, February 5, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210.
Strength and Longing Pennsylvania Ballet
The night is split up into four dance installments. Jerome Robbins kicks off the night with a fast-paced jazz number then Justin Peck slows it down with his choreography set to the sounds of a string quartet. Also, enjoy the premiere of Nacho Duato’s Without Words and an all-star showcase of top male ballet dancers. Through Sunday, February 7, 323 N Broad Street.
Holographic at FringeArts
Composer Daniel Wohl mixes a psychedelic beat that is borderline trippy and completely mesmerizing. The musician uses pre-recorded sounds to play along with a video by an award-winning visual artist Daniel Schwarz. Together they create a sound and light experience you won’t want to miss. A preview of the show can be seen above. Friday, February 8, 8 p.m., $15, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard.
Sports Spectacles
Photo courtesy of DRWC
Super Bowl 50 at Blue Cross RiverRink
Watch the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos in The Lodge on two big screens while sipping on $4 brews. Ice-skating and arcade games will be available to guests who get sick of commercials. Sunday, February 7, 6:30 p.m., free admission, 121 N. Columbus Boulevard.
Last day of Auto Show
The Convention Center will continue to house some of the world’s most elite vehicles on four wheels for just a few more days. The Auto Show 2016 remains open for one more weekend. While you’re there, be sure to hit up the DUB Show, the Ride and Drive and The Garage. Through Sunday, February 7, 9 a.m., $14, 1101 Arch Street.
Concerts
The Pines at World Café Live
This indie-rock/America group delivers beautiful vocals and skillful keyboard and guitar work. Listen before you go: “Cry Cry Crow.” Friday, February 5, 7 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 at the door, 3025 Walnut street.
The Disco Biscuits at The Fillmore
The Ivy League jam band is coming home for the weekend. Listen before you go: “Home Again.” Friday, February 5, 8 p.m., varying ticket prices, The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 East Allen Street.
Lianne La Havas at Ortlieb’s
Neo-soul chanteuse Lianne La Havas’s voice is pure magic. For those unfamiliar with the 26-year-old from South London, think Adele or Amy Winehouse on her best day. Yeah, she’s that good. Just listen to “What You Don’t Do,” “Gone” or “Unstoppable.” Prince agrees. She peformed on his album and with him in concert. So does Robert Plant who asked her to open for him on tour. Her second album, Blood, dropped last summer full of sophisticated love songs from this fierce heart. Listen before you go: “What Do You Want To Do.” Saturday, December 6, 7:30 p.m., $35-$40, Ortlieb’s 847 N Third Street. —Sarah Jordan
Rozes at Boot & Saddle
Make this up-and-coming star your early Valentine’s Day sweetheart. This talented singer was hand-picked by The Chainsmokers to be featured on the runaway hit “Roses.” Released just last month, “Roses” has gained an impressive 3.3 million plays on SoundCloud alone. The singer is gaining attention with her seductive brand of alternative pop. Saturday, February 6, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10, 1131 S. Broad Street.
Cherub at The Troc
Expect some hilarious banter in between hooky electro-pop songs during this concert. But mostly Jordan Kelley and Jason Huber will hit you will beats so catchy, you won’t be able to resist the dance floor. The duo is still riding the success of their 2014 LP Year of the Caprese, featuring their smash hit “Doses and Mimosas.” Saturday, February 6, 7:30 p.m., $15-$22, 1003 Arch Street.
