18 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
"Creating Camelot" Opens at National Constitution Center
If you're a JFK groupie, then it is imperative that you head over to the National Constitution Center: The new exhibit "Creating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe" opens this Friday and runs through September. The interactive showcase features over 70 portraits of JFK, Jackie, and their children, and visitors can play with a touchscreen monitor that includes dozens of Lowe's contact sheets with never before seen images. Friday, February 13, 9:30am, $10, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus XTREME
The Greatest Show on Earth has become even greater in this newest edition of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey circus, playing the Wells Fargo Center all weekend. The performance features extraordinary acts, animals, and fun that are exclusive to the Circus XTREME show, including dancing dogs, high-flying aerial artists, and lots and lots of camels and elephants. Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, Various Times, $15-130, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
Franky Bradley’s Upstairs Lounge Opens
From Foobooz: The weekend of Valentine’s Day will be the official grand opening of the upstairs lounge and cabaret space at Mark Bee’s Franky Bradley’s. The upstairs will kick off with a cabaret hosted by Foxy Tann, the the Boss of Burlesque, on Friday, February 13th. On Saturday, February 14th, the upstairs will host the official after-party of the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention. Admission is free with a convention wristband or handstamp. Sailor Jerry’s drinks will be on special for $5 all night. More here.
Tweetheart Social Benefitting PAWS
Attention four-legged furry friend lovers: Celebrate your love for humans (and animals) at Nest's Fourth Annual Tweetheart Social, benefitting PAWS. Guests will enjoy a photo booth, beer, wine, a candy bar, heart-shaped Rice Crispy treats, and a silent auction. There will also be plenty of adorable dogs visiting from PAWS, and you can help by bringing cleaning supplies or canned dog/cat food as a donation. Friday, February 13, 4:00pm, $35, Nest, 1301 Locust Street.
Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention
I'm pretty sure you won't find your typical "I Love Mom" tattoos at this extremely popular show that runs throughout Valentine's Day weekend. The Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention features dozens of famous tattoo artists (many from TV's Ink Master series), plus vendors, contests, and seminars. If you're still down over your ex, it's a great way to get something else (permanent) that you'll soon regret. (February 13-15, various times, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia)
Tango Night at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Wear your best dance shoes and head over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art's "Art After 5" this Friday to immerse yourself in the world's sexiest dance: the tango. Watch tango dancers strut their stuff, and be ready to do the same as lessons will be included in this perfect way to kickstart Valentine's weekend. Don't forget all those tasty nibbles and cocktails served up by Stephen Starr. Friday, February 13, 5:00pm, $17.50-23.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Friday: PHOX ($15)
Despite having only one full-length album under their belt, PHOX has already made impressive musical strides: the group has opened for bands such as The Lumineers, and played big-name gigs like Lollapalooza. The six-piece outfit plays alternative folk-meets-indie pop, with tracks worthy of getting caught in your head. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Slow Motion/Blue and White." Friday, February 13th, 8 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.
50 Cent at The Electric Factory
Five-time World Music award winner 50 Cent is playing a one-night only concert at Philly's Electric Factory on Friday. The rapper, who rose to public fame after one of his singles was featured in the film 8 Mile, has sold over 6.4 million copies of his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. He'll be joined on stage by Quilly, Kidd Kidd, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck. Friday, February 13, 8:30pm, $49.50-55, Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street.
Pop Up Garden at The Shops at Liberty Place
The PHS Pop Up Garden returns to The Shops at Liberty Place this Saturday, but this year, there's a twist: The floral extravaganza will also serve as a beer garden for happy hours through Saturday from 4 to 7pm. Guests at Liberty Place will be able to get a sneak peek at this year's Flower Show movie theme, and, for your convenience, you can purchase Flower Show tickets right there at the mall. Saturday, February 14, 9:30am, Free, The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street.
Open House at The Union League
It is a landmark on Broad Street, and now you can experience it for free. The Abraham Lincoln Foundation is sponsoring their annual Union League Open House on Saturday, and art and history lovers alike will enjoy the program. Guests can take a guided tour to experience the over 300 paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art housed in the building, while actors playing historical figures offer storytelling. Saturday, February 15, 11:00am, Free, The Union League, 140 South Broad Street.
"Titanoboa: Monster Snake" Opens at Academy of Natural Sciences
Clearly not for the squeamish, the Academy of Natural Sciences opens their new exhibit on giant snakes titled "Titanoboa" on Saturday. It's any Ophidiophobe's worst nightmare: See live snakes, learn about venom, and witness a life-sized model of an actual titanoboa, a prehistoric snake that weighed 2,500 pounds and was 48 feet long. What a romantic way to spend Valentine's Day! Saturday, February 14, 10am, $16.95-18.95, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Your PJs at Moko
From Shoppist: On February 14, stop by Old City’s Moko for Valentine’s Day beauty packages, a champagne elixir and rose facial and all-around girly fun. The best part? If you wear your pajamas, you’ll receive 10 percent off your services that day. That’s right, it’s totally appropriate—nay, encouraged—to wear cozy loungewear and get pampered tomorrow. Who needs dinner and a movie? Details here.
"Wild at Heart" at the Philadelphia Zoo
Ever wonder how lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) fall in love? The Philadelphia Zoo has the answer at their "Wild at Heart" weekend. Visitors can take a self-guided "wildlife couples" tour of famous animal pairs at the zoo while local ice artists create giant animal sculptures throughout the facilities. This is family-friendly heartwarming fun for all ages. Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 10am, $16, Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.
Shakespearian Valentine's Day Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra
The words of the Bard will be transformed by The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre this Valentine's Day as they present a one-of-a-kind evening of music from four composers who were inspired by Shakespeare. Selections will include Walton's As You Like It, Berlioz's Beatrice and Benedict, Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet, and Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The large-scale musical forces will be led by guest conductor Stéphane Denève. Saturday, February 14, 8pm, $58-160, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Saturday: Cereus Bright and Elenowen ($10-$12)
Set the mood on Saturday with an intimate performance by Knoxville folk band Cereus Bright (pictured), along with husband and wife duo, Elenowen. Both acts are known for emotionally driven lyrics and impassioned harmonies–a set sure to woo any valentine. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: Bright's "Some Strange Hold." Saturday, February 14th, 8:30 p.m., 21+, MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut Street.
Sunday: Joshua Thomas ($10)
Local singer-songwriter Joshua Thomas–whose album The Harboring was released in September–is recognized for his exceptionally strong vocals. When coupled with his masterful piano playing, Thomas's tunes carry passion "you can feel shooting straight through your headphones." Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Beast." Sunday, February 15th, 7 p.m., 21+, Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd Street.
Our Valentine's Day Weekend Guide
We've roundup of nine ways to get your Valentine's Day on in Philly like a pro. See our list here.
Our Anti-Valentine's Day Weekend Guide
Sick to death of all this Valentine's hoopla? We've rounded up a bunch of ways to stick it to the Hallmark holiday 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.
- Academy of Natural Sciences
- Labor Unions
- National Constitution Center
- PAWS
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Philadelphia Orchestra
- Philadelphia Zoo
- PHS Pop Up Garden
- Shops at Liberty Place
- things to do
