Nearly 50 Philly chefs are coming together for one massive food festival| Things to do

Get ready to enjoy some of Philly’s best food, all under one roof.

On Saturday, the 2026 Philadelphia Inquirer Food Festival brings nearly 50 local chefs to the Fillmore for off-menu bites, live demonstrations, and a hotly contested bake-off.

Inquirer food editor Margaret Eby said the all-day affair will take place across two tasting sessions, giving visitors a chance to sample all the festival has to offer.

The first session includes restaurants such as the breezy Italian cafe Fiore, Ellen Yin’s The Bread Room, and the Michelin-starred Friday Saturday Sunday. The second features Saif Manna’s Manna Bakery, Marc Vetri’s Fiorella, South Philly BYOB El Chingón, James Beard-nominated Levantine restaurant Emmett, and others.

“It’s organized so you don’t miss any of the food,” Eby said. “You’re going to get a tray, and go around cafeteria-style to all of the different chefs.”

Among this year’s newest offerings are exclusive collaborations between some of Philly’s most exciting chefs. .

The pairings include Out West’s Muhammad Abdul-Hadi and Càphê Roasters’ Luigi Datu; Doro Bet’s Mebruka Kane and Pine Street Grill’s Alex Kemp; and Gilda’s Brian Mattera with Paffuto’s Jake Loeffler and Daniel Griffiths.

Eby, who served as culinary matchmaker, said piecing together these collaborations was like wielding the power of a cartoon supervillain.

“I think the lineup is very cool and representative of what’s exciting and in Philly food right now,” Eby said. “I’m excited for many things, but I will totally make a beeline to the collaborations for every session.”

But food won’t be the only thing on the menu.

The festival will also feature live entertainment and music curated by Philly’s DJ Na$h, a spice-blending class led by Honeysuckle chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate with Burlap & Barrel, an empanada-making session with chef Jezabel Careaga, and more.

“You can choose your own adventure,” Eby said. “You can hang out and eat, learn how to make food, listen to the music and join a chill dance zone, or hit the bar.”

Click here for tickets to Saturday’s Food Fest.

And if you’re looking for more to do this weekend, there’s plenty happening beyond the Fillmore. Here’s what else is on the calendar:

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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This weekend will be all about Rocky.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the classic film, the Philadelphia Visitor Center is organizing a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as the fictional boxer.

On Friday, thousands of fans are expected to gather on the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps wearing gray hooded sweatshirts and pants, black knit hats, and high-top sneakers.

The next day, runners will take to the museum steps for the Rocky Run 5K, 10-mile race, and 13.1-mile Italian Stallion Challenge.

The planned Rocky statue rededication has been postponed, and the free “Tiny Steps” Rocky concert with the Philly Pops has been canceled because of inclement weather. But the remaining celebrations, which continue through December, are still scheduled to go on.

Click here for more information on all things Rocky this weekend and beyond.

🐶 Pups strutting their stuff: The nation’s oldest dog show is coming to Philadelphia. Around 2,000 of our four-legged friends will strut their stuff and compete for top prizes at the National Dog Show, running from Saturday to Sunday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

🎤 A mashup live performance: Disney’s Worlds Collide Concert Tour arrives at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday, bringing the casts of Descendants, Zombies, and Camp Rock for a collaborative stage performance.

🖼️ An after-hours museum experience for all ages: The Franklin Institute hosts FunFest: A Night at the Museum this weekend. The two-day experience offers mind-blowing exhibitions, delicious bites, drinks, and other interactive activities.

🍷 Sip and savor the moment: Stop by Live! Casino & Hotel for the Philly Wine Fest on Saturday. The event features wine tastings, commemorative glasses, select bottles to take home, and other goodies.

📅 My calendar picks this week: The Big Dill at Stateside Live!, Drink N’Draw, Lucky Girl Market. Here’s our full list for the week.

Winter has arrived at Dilworth Park.

On Friday, the Rothman Orthopaedics Skating Rink will open on the west side of City Hall, giving families a chance to enjoy one of Center City’s best seasonal attractions through Feb. 21, 2027.

Swing by the nearby Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin for food, drinks, and a cozy spot near a fire pit.

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market also opens Friday, bringing local artisans, jewelers, and artists to Dilworth Park. Visitors can shop for gifts and enjoy festive treats through the new year.

And there’s more to explore at the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, an outdoor topiary garden filled with bright lights and seasonal sculptures through March 28.

Here’s what to know about the winter attractions opening near City Hall.

🇺🇸 Watch history unfold: Fort Mifflin will be the site of Siege Weekend, an annual event that commemorates the anniversary of the British Army’s attack at the site during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can view musket and cannon demonstrations, play with centuries-old toys, and watch actors recreate historic battles.

📽️ A celebration of film and media: The 46th Jewish Film and Media Festival brings films from around the world to Philadelphia. The festival also features Q&As, filmmaker discussions, and other events through Nov. 21.

🎄 A winter light experience: The 50th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, who lived in Bucks County for 40 years. The ornate experience includes lights inside each room of her historic stone farmhouse through Jan. 3, 2027.

🎅🏽 A Furry Christmas at Sesame Place: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Abby Cadabby are getting into the holiday spirit at Sesame Place in Langhorne. The Bucks County attraction opens its seasonal celebration Saturday, with lights, holiday decorations, and themed rides through Jan. 3, 2027.

Here are the top concerts this week.

🎵 Thursday: Off the heels of her sophomore album, Frequency of Love, Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét takes over the Met Philly in support of her tour.

🔊 Friday and Saturday: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, known for late 2010 hits and collaborations with high-profile rappers like Kodak Black, Tyga, Roddy Ricch, and others, will headline at the Liacouras Center for back-to-back shows starting Friday.

🎤 Saturday: The Italian operatic pop trio, Il Volo, consisting of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, will perform at the Kimmel Center on Saturday.

🎙️ Sunday: The Bul Bey, a hip-hop artist known for local anthems like “Cheesesteak Special,” will spearhead a performance at Johnny Brenda’s on Sunday, with support from fellow Philly artist Carla Gamble and New York’s Gio Genesis.

When was the first Inquirer Food Festival?

A) 1999

B) 2006

C) 2011

D) 2025

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: Since we’re in the Rocky spirit, how long did it take Sylvester Stallone to write the original script for the 1976 classic? Answer: 3 days

Since Rocky Season is in full swing, tell me what’s the best movie in the Rocky franchise and why?

Email me your answer. I might share your response in a future newsletter.

That’s all, folks! Grab your tickets to Inquirer Food Fest, and let’s connect in person. I’ll be taking the stage to talk about the newsletter and the amazing readers who make it possible.

And if you can’t make it, no worries. There’s still plenty happening around Philly to fill your weekend with fun.

– Earl Hopkins

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