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.

(Community) If you love dining out and getting a great deal, mark your calendars, because Center City Restaurant Week is back. Make your way to the dozens of participating restaurants offering pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus priced at $20, $45 and $60.

⌚️Jan. 18-31, 📍Various locations, 🌐 centercityphila.org/, 💵 $20-60

(Theater) Whodunit? There’s only one way to find out. Murder, mystery and blackmail are all on the menu at this show based on the 1985 film by the same name. You’ll spend the night laughing out loud and keeping the twists straight until the end.

⌚️Jan. 20-25, 📍1114 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $79-216

(Community) The top of the year is a great time to establish balanced, healthy habits. This restorative yoga session focuses on rest and relaxation and helps remove tension from the body. Come tap in and add some soft balance into your wellness routines.

⌚️Jan. 23, 7-8:30p.m., 📍4522 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19143, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $35

(Community) Is there anything better than a great book and a good drink? Bring up to ten of your most loved books and head to this swap and potentially discover your next new read. You’ll take home up to four new-to-you books and all leftover books will be donated.

⌚️Jan. 24, 1-4p.m., 📍1023 Hamilton St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 allevents.in, 💵 $10

(Music) Philadelphia’s very own Miles Orion Butler is returning back to his Germantown roots. This show will be filled with inspiring vocals and acoustic guitar. Feel free to BYO food and beverages.

⌚️Jan. 24, 7-9p.m., 📍601 W. Allens Ln., Philadelphia, Pa, 19119, 🌐 canvas.allenslane.org, 💵 $20 online, $25 at the door

(Community) Get ready for a very decadent day. From gooey melted chocolate fondue to artisanal cupcakes and premium wines, this food festival has it all. Your ticket includes chocolate samples, dozens of wine and whisky tastings, boozey milkshakes, a fondue bar and more.

⌚️ Jan. 24, 11:30a.m. - 9p.m., 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $64-85

(Theater) Poor Judge has returned to Philadelphia bringing a mashup of cabaret and experimental theater. Featuring the music of Aimee Mann, the show follows seven actions navigating love and loss, with the love-music mixtape taking its own role in the story.

⌚️Jan 13-25, 📍265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 wilmatheater.org, 💵 $20-90

Late January is quietly one of the best times to get kids (and teens) out of the house — with creative outlets, low-pressure performances, science-y surprises, and just enough sparkle to keep winter boredom at bay.

(Science) The Science History Institute in Old City uses its Saturday family programming to spotlight one of the most relatable scientific experiments of all: school lunch. This final-weekend tie-in to a closing exhibit features a food-safety activity table and the results of a bracket-style competition to crown the best cafeteria meal. All ages.

⌚ Jan. 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 sciencehistory.org, 💵 Free

(Dance) Inside a Northern Liberties bowling alley, Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia hosts a pint-size, pop-princess dance party inspired by Chappell Roan’s joyfully dramatic anthem. Kids get an hour of dancing, plus time afterward for snacks and catching their breath. Advance tickets required. Ages 2–10.

⌚ Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 📍1009 Canal St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 brooklynbowl.com, 💵 $12–$15

(Art) At the Rockdale Art Center in Delco, young Harry Potter fans — and anyone who loves snowy owls — can sculpt their own clay Hedwig during a two-hour workshop. The session includes hand-building, painting or underglazing, and kiln firing, with finished pieces ready for pickup a few weeks later. Ages 6–12.

⌚ Jan. 24, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍2551 Mount Rd., Aston, Pa. 19014, 🌐 rockdaleartcenter.com, 💵 $30

(Princesses) At Franklin Square, winter royalty takes over for a one-day, two-part event. Families can opt for a character brunch earlier in the day, then return after dark for free activities and photo ops with a lineup of familiar ice queens and princess friends (Disney lawyers, look away). Ages 2–7.

⌚ Jan. 24, brunch: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; evening activities: 5–7 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free–$30

(Seasonal / outdoors / goats) At Awbury Arboretum and West Laurel Hill Cemetery, the Philly Goat Project puts discarded Christmas trees to good use — by feeding them to goats. Families can linger for cocoa, s’mores, and goat meet-and-greets, or simply drop off a tree with a suggested donation. All ages.

⌚ Jan. 10, 17, 24, noon–3 p.m.; rain dates Jan. 11 and 25, 📍6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19138; and 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, 🌐 phillygoatproject.org, 💵 Free; $20 per tree donation requested

(Theater / multiday) At Old City’s Arden Theatre, Madeleine L’Engle’s sci-fi classic comes to life as Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace journey across time and space on a female-forward, family-friendly adventure. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Through Jan. 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $30–$51

(Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights. All ages.

⌚ Through Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(Seasonal / multiday) Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Through Mar. 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental