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) Get ready to connect, meet some neighbors and move your feet. These dance classes require no prior dance experience and will help introduce you to a variety of ballroom dance styles, including Merengue, Foxtrot, Swing and more. Join one single session or pop in throughout the spring.

⌚️Mar. 14, 1-2p.m., 📍4226 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $10

(Music) Renowned music ensemble Alarm Will Sound is set to perform a collection of bold, contemporary works called American Stories. The showcase uses music to explore the evolving landscape of our country’s identity. The ensemble will also be joined by alternative R&B singer Bora Yoon.

⌚️Mar. 13, 7:30p.m., 📍3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 💵 $60-90

(Community) A 19th Century bank in Old City has been reimagined into an immersive, 6-story work of art, and it’s finally opening its doors. More than 100 artists collaborated to create this massive work of art, complete with murals, soundscapes, performances and more.

⌚️Mar. 14, 📍27 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 moaphilly.org, 💵 $30

(Music) Johnson House is honoring Women’s History Month with an immersive tour that centers the voices of women who fought for freedom. Acapella group Voices of Philadelphia will use song, sound and storytelling to share the stories of women whose contributions help shape Philadelphia’s liberation movement.

⌚️Mar. 14, 12p.m. & 2p.m., 📍6306 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $30

(Community) Philly’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back for another strut down the Parkway. Come celebrate this year’s theme, 250 Years of Irish Contributions to America, in lockstop with America’s own Semiquincennial celebration. The parade includes marching bands, dance troops and more.

⌚️Mar. 15, 11a.m. - 3p.m., 📍JFK Blvd. & N. 16th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 phillyparade.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

(Culture / free) At the Parkway Central Library, the Year of the celebration continues even after Chinatown’s street festivals wrap. Expect Kyo Daiko drumming, live music, dance, fashion, and song filling the library’s historic halls. All ages.

⌚ March 14, 1–3:30 p.m., 📍1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 freelibrary.org, 💵 Free

(Culture / free) In Conshohocken, a family-friendly take on the Irish-American tradition brings marching groups and community spirit along Fayette Street, with that unmistakable small-town Main Street energy. All ages.

⌚ March 14, 2–5 p.m., 📍Fayette St. between Elm St. and 11th Ave., Conshohocken, Pa. 19429, 🌐 facebook.com, 💵 Free

(Science) At the Franklin Institute, the famous mathematical constant becomes a jumping-off point for exploring the brain. Activities during Brain Awareness Week include hands-on demos, experiments, and even dissections focused on neuroscience. Ages 8 and up.

⌚ March 14, 11 a.m.–3:14 p.m., 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $23–$29

(Culture / free) The city’s biggest Irish celebration marches through Center City, with bagpipes, kilts, dancers, and community groups filling the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in one of Philly’s proudest annual traditions. All ages.

⌚ March 15, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 📍JFK Blvd. and N. 16th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 phillyparade.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts hosts a one-performance stop by the legendary Chinese troupe, whose gravity-defying show includes plate spinning, multi-person cycling, ring jumping, juggling, and astonishing balancing feats. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ March 15, 3 p.m., 📍3680 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 $71–$101

(Exercise / free) At FDR Park, members of Temple University’s track and field team lead kids in grades K–8 through a free six-week running program designed to build confidence and fitness. Registration required. Ages 4–15.

⌚ March 15, 22, 29; April 12, 19, 26, 3–4 p.m., 📍1500 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19145, 🌐 runyourcity.org, 💵 Free

(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