16 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Philadelphia International Auto Show, Repair Fair, Super Bowl Grub and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Black Tie Tailgate Preview Gala
This is an amazing event for all car enthusiasts. The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation will be hosting a black tie event on Friday to preview the Philadelphia Auto Show. The food and dancing will dazzle even the most expert car lover. Plus, proceeds benefit a good cause. January 30th, 7 - 11:30pm, $225, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
Flying Fish Debuts New Beer in “Exit Series”
From Foobooz: Flying Fish Brewery, New Jersey’s largest brewery, began crafting a selection of beers named after each exit on the New Jersey Turnpike in 2012. But when the brewery moved from Cherry Hill to Magnolia, New Jersey, the series was put on hiatus. This Friday, the series is back in a big way. Flying Fish is rolling out the newest installment in their exit series: Exit 3: Blueberry Braggot. More here.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers
Calling all Philly sports fans! The 76ers will kick off the weekend with a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is their only home game of the weekend so make sure not to miss it. Grab your kids and friends and head down to the Wells Fargo Center. January 30th, 7pm, $14-$65, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
Friday: London Grammar ($25-$30)
Since the release of their debut EP Metal & Dust, English trio London Grammar has turned heads with their combination of electronic pop and the staggeringly powerful vocals of lead singer, Hannah Reid. Reminiscent of fellow female powerhouses like Florence Welch, Reid's "voice emerges as an elemental power that can clear entire fields." Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Hey Now." Friday, January 30th, 8:30 p.m., Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th Street.
Erin McKeown
First debuting in 2000 with her album Distillation, Erin Mckeown has joined forces with many other musicians since, including Josh Ritter, Jason Isbell, and Amos Lee. Come hear this bass, piano, guitar, banjo and mandolin pro as she graces the Tin Angel stage in Old City. January 30th, 8pm, $20, Tin Angel at the Serrano, 20 South 2nd Street.
The Body of An American
The Body of an American is inspired by the real-life friendship between Canadian photojournalist Paul Watson and playwright Dan O’Brien. Their bond developed after O'Brien saw Watson's Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of a dead American soldier being pulled through the streets of Mogadishu. The two eventually came together for a meeting inside the Arctic Circle, and it all plays out—in an intensely moving way—on the Wilma stage. January 30th - February 1st, 8pm, $35, The Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.
Philadelphia International Auto Show
If can't make it to Friday's black-tie event, the Auto Show will open for all through February 8th. There will be over 700 cars from more than 40 manufactures at this event, showcasing leading vehicles in concept, luxury, and innovation. January 31 - February 8th, 9am - 10pm, $13 for adults, and free for children under 7, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
Repair Fair #3
Need to get something fixed but you're not sure where to take it? Take that sucker to the repair fair, hosted by the Philly Fixers Guild. The Fixers will fix-up your gadgets, trinkets and doodads—and even feed you snacks while you wait. And it’s free! January 31st, 12pm - 4pm, Memphis Street Academy, 2950 Memphis Street.
Saturday: JR Wolf with Among Criminals, Skannotto and Smooth Antics ($7-$10)
Head to Bourbon and Branch and spend Saturday the right way: with an all-night lineup of live music. JR Wolf–a four-man group from Hershey, PA–will headline, bringing their self-described "alternafolk jamrock" genre to the stage. Their funky guitar riffs and feel-good rhythms are reminiscent of the early 60s/late 70s–and are sure to pair nicely with the venue's extensive whiskey list. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Rewind." Saturday, January 31st, 8 p.m., 21+, Bourbon and Branch, 705 N. 2nd Street.
Kaki King
Rolling Stone named Kaki King one of "The New Guitar Gods" in 2006. (She was the only woman and youngest person to get the distinction.) The Atlanta native was recognized as a true innovator of her genre, using her guitar to create music that sounds like there are multiple instruments being played. See for yourself this weekend when she plays World Cafe Live. January 31st, 8pm, $22, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
"Dawn with Spirit: Pennsylvania German Fraktur"
The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a new exhibit featuring American fraktur, a form of folk art deriving from Germany in the 1700s that is recognizable by its "fractured" style of lettering. Borrowed from the Joan and Victor Johnson Collection, these unique works of art depict the lives of German Pennsylvanians. February 1st - April 26th, 10am - 5pm, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
"I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly"
Depicting lines from each stanza of "I Know an Old Lady That Swallowed a Fly," these illustrations are sure to provoke imaginations in the kid in all of us. The exhibition is complemented by an illustrated drawing guide for the little ones. January 31st- March 1st, 10am - 5pm, Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
Where to Get Super Bowl Sunday Takeout That Will Score Big
From Foobooz: We have assembled a short list of places offering fancier-than-usual grub for game day—a little something for everyone, even if you're the sort who thinks sushi is the perfect half-time break between the tacos and the chicken wings. Full list here.
Roundup: Super Bowl Specials
From Foobooz: What you eat during the game is often as important as the teams themselves. So whether you’re rooting for the Seahawks or the Patriots this Sunday (or cheering for neither because you’re busy bitterly sulking that the Eagles aren’t in playing), we’ve got you covered with deals from around the city to make your day a culinary success no matter how your team does. See the list here.
The Divorcees Club
This comedy concerns three women, Bethany ("the Main Line socialite"), Bridget ('the country girl"), and Mary ("the not-so-exotic bimbo from New Jersey") who all get divorced and have to share an apartment together. They make a pact to help each other find their perfect man and, as the saying goes, hilarious ensues—especially when you find out one of the girls is in drag. February 1st - March 22nd, $25-65, Independence Seaport Museum - Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
Sunday: Spain ($12)
Founded in Los Angeles in 1993, Spain is led by Josh Haden, son of bass-playing jazz great Charlie Haden. Since the release of their first album in 1995, the band's sleepy rock sound has garnered a cult following. Expect the intimate performance to include songs from their latest record–Sargent Place–which was produced by Gus Seyffert, former touring musician of The Black Keys. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Spiritual." Sunday, February 1st, 7 p.m., Tin Angel at Serrano, 20 S. 2nd Street.
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.
