11 Things To Do In Philly This Weekend: Franklin Flea Winter Market Opens, Franklin Square Holiday Festival, Dilworth Park Ice Skating Rink Opens and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Franklin Square Holiday Festival
Embrace the holiday spirit in all its jolly glory–lest your heart shrink two sizes too small–at the Franklin Square Holiday Festival, running now through December 31st. The Square has transformed into the ultimate holiday village, with dazzling light shows, a soundtrack of festive classics performed by the Philly POPS, a market to shop handmade items and artisanal goods, and a beer garden with fire pits, seasonal brews, and comfort foods. There's tons of fun for the little ones too, including mini golf, the carousel, and train rides. Admission is free! For more information, click here. Friday, November 14th-Wednesday, December 31st, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth Street.
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
There's no better time to debut Dilworth Park's ice rink than in the wake of the season's first snow. Don your earmuffs, mittens, and skates and give into winter by gliding–or stumbling–around the rink, officially open for business this afternoon. You can get your skate on throughout the holiday season, as the rink will remain open through February. If you fancy yourself the next Tara Lipinski, skating classes will be held in four week sessions throughout the season. For more information, click here. Friday, November 14th-Sunday, February 22nd, various hours, $3 for children and $4 for adults, $8 skate rental, Dilworth Park, Broad & Market Streets.
alt-J at The Tower Theater
Unless your playlists primarily consist of showtunes or Justin Bieber, you've probably heard of the unique brand of music that is alt-J. Their wildly popular sophomore album, This Is All Yours, debuted in September, and the band, which prides itself on transcending labels or genres, has gained worldwide recognition ever since. Their sounds are deliciously distinct and slightly trance-like, a band you must see live. You can still scoop tickets for tonight's performance at Live Nation or StubHub. For other concerts this weekend–including Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder–check out our weekly guide to live music. Friday, November 14th, 9 p.m., The Tower Philly, 69th & Ludlow, Upper Darby, PA.
Franklin Flea Holiday Market
Though we haven't even experienced a proper post-feast tryptophan coma yet, it is never too early to get a jumpstart on that holiday shopping. Luckily, Franklin Flea is back–beginning this Saturday–with a curated vintage holiday market, perfect for scooping quirky gifts for everyone on your list (or just something for yourself). Numerous vendors will fill the historic Strawbridge's building with vintage clothing, collectibles, and antiques, plus delicious food, jewelry, art, and handmade goods by local artisans and designers. If you can't make it this Saturday, don't fret: the market will be open each Saturday through December 20th. Saturday, November 15th-Saturday, December 20th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Strawbridge's, 801 Market Street.
Philly Fall Crawl
Put on your party pants, channel your undergrad days, and leave your morals at home as you drink your way through 12 Center City bars during the Philly Fall Crawl this Saturday. Tickets (which must be purchased in advance) include bar cover, solid drink specials at all participating bars ($3 beers and $4 drinks), food specials, an event t-shirt, giveaways, and hilarious stories to share at Sunday brunch. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here. Happy crawling! Saturday, November 15th, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., $20 or $16 with a six person group, multiple locations.
Pennsylvania Ballet Day
Celebrate Pennsylvania Ballet Day in Chestnut Hill this Saturday afternoon, with tons of free, dance-themed activities for the whole family. Meet and greet with local ballet dancers, get photos taken with the Sugarplum Fairy and Mouse King of The Nutcracker, and participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win four tickets to see the show. Plus, Jordan Matter, acclaimed photographer of Dancers Among Us, will exhibit his photographs of the Pennsylvania Ballet Dancers at a special reception held at the Carol Schwartz Gallery (101 Bethlehem Pike) on Saturday evening. Tickets are available for purchase online. For more information about Ballet Day, click here. Saturday, November 15th, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., Chestnut Hill.
Fire and Spice Weekends at Chaddsford Winery
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this weekend, head to Chaddsford Winery for Fire and Spice Weekends. Indulge in various tastings, take a tour of the winery, and sip hot mulled wine by fire pits, all in a perfectly picturesque setting. Plus, a different food truck will be on site each day serving up a variety of culinary delights. For more information, click here. Saturday, November 14th-Sunday, November 16th, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA.
Peter Blume: Nature and Metamorphosis
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) will debut a new exhibit this weekend. Peter Blume: Nature and Metamorphosis is the first retrospective of the American modernist, with 56 paintings and 103 drawings on display. To learn more about the exhibition, which will be on view through April 5th, click here. Saturday, November 15th-Sunday, April 5th (closed Mondays), 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays, $8-15, PAFA Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street.
Dessie Jackson: Femme-Enfant
Local visual artist Dessie Jackson will launch her newest exhibit, "Femme-Enfant," this Saturday evening. Through a mix of paintings, drawings, collages, and video, Jackson uses the female muse to "explore the Feminine from the perspective of the female creator-conscious." The opening reception will feature live music from DJ YS and Matthew Law, an open bar, and limited edition prints for sale. To check out some of Jackson's work, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Saturday, November 15th, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., $10 preorder or $15 at the door, The Dreaming Building, 618 N. Front Street.
Your Guide to the Weekend's Shopping Events
From Shoppist: We know it’s one of the first chilly bone-chillingly frigid nights of the season, but resist the urge to don a Snuggie and shop from your couch, and pencil in one of these fantastic shopping events happening in Philly. From antiques and British pop music to a cheese expert and cider, this is the fall-worthy fun you’ve been waiting for all season. More here.
New Movies to See This Weekend
Our picks for the three new films you should definitely catch in theaters—and the one you should avoid like the plague–here.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
- Art
- bar crawl
- Chestnut Hill
- Franklin Flea
- Franklin Square
- Live Music
- Pennsylvania Ballet
- things to do
- Tower Theater
