The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Theater) Philly GRIT showcases experimental performances by local artists through a mix of storytelling styles. This year’s showcase includes three different performances, all exploring a range of topics, themes and styles.

⌚️Mar. 18-29, 🌐 theatreexile.org/, 💵 $25-35

(Community) Get ready for a full day of fun, entertainment and delicious whiskey. This trip to the zoo is served with a twist. Your ticket includes tastings at 8 different stops, with proceeds benefiting the Philadelphia Zoo.

⌚️Mar. 21, 11a.m. - 6p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 whiskeywalk.com/, 💵 $68-75

(Community) Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu celebration with roots in Indian mythology that honors the arrival of spring. The festival is marked by throwing vibrantly colored powders, dancing to festive music and enjoying traditional foods. Come welcome spring and celebrate Holi with the whole family at the Penn Museum.

⌚️Mar. 21, 10a.m. - 4p.m., 📍2260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 penn.museum, 💵 Free with museum admission

(Community) Spring is finally in the air. Come celebrate warmer weather with a day of high-energy live music on the Delaware River. The day includes performances by Batala Philly’s sambra reggae drummers and the West Philadelphia Orchestra.

⌚️Mar. 22, 2-5p.m., 📍125 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) Catch Williams Shakespeare’s famous play on stage, right at the Arden Theater. The play follows the story of two star crossed lovers who fall in love while navigating coming from families sworn to hate each other. The show is a bold reimagining directed by Barrymore Award winner Amina Robinson.

⌚️Mar. 5 - Apr. 5, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $37-70

(Art) This art exhibition will transport you to a world of color, connection and creativity. Works from more than 40 artists will be on display all month long at Cherry Street Pier. The showcase celebrates the strength of artists supporting artists.

⌚️Mar. 6-31, 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) At the Venice Island Performing Arts Center, youth performers bring a silly monster story to life — including a vegetarian vampire — alongside the not-so-scary human kids who learn to understand them. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ March 20, 7 p.m.; March 21, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 📍7 Lock St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 🌐 veniceisland.org, 💵 $11.20

(Culture) The Penn Museum celebrates the Indian and Nepali festival of spring with a day of dance, storytelling, music, and the tradition’s signature color throw, scheduled outside at the end of the day — so wear light clothes you don’t mind getting stained. All ages.

⌚ March 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍3260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 penn.museum, 💵 $14–$23

(Outdoors / free) At Pennypack on the Delaware, volunteers help restore the park after winter with litter and invasive plant removal, plus “trash games” and a celebratory wrap-up party with prizes. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ March 21, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 📍7801 State Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19136, 🌐 riverfrontnorth.org, 💵 Free

(Art) At the Woodmere Art Museum, the newly expanded children’s studio hosts 90-minute weekend classes where kids experiment with different projects each session. Registration closes 24 hours before class. Ages 4–12.

⌚ March 21, 10:30 a.m.–noon and 12:30–2 p.m.; March 22, noon–1:30 p.m. and 2–3:30 p.m., 📍9001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 woodmereartmuseum.org, 💵 $15

(Community) At the Park Avenue Community Center, kids and their favorite stuffed companions enjoy a classic tea party with cocoa, tiny sandwiches, fruit, and treats — plus a craft and photo booth designed especially for grandparents and grandchildren (though other family members are welcome too). Ages 3–8.

⌚ March 21, 1–2:30 p.m., 📍129 Park Ave., Swarthmore, Pa. 19081, 🌐 delcoarts.org, 💵 $25–$35

(Movie-making) The Franklin Institute hosts a world premiere exhibit that turns movie magic into hands-on discovery, with behind-the-scenes looks at Universal’s biggest franchises — from Minions and Jurassic World to dragons, monsters, Mario, and Luigi — via immersive sets and interactive displays. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. plus extended hours, 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $25–$65

(Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholder