The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

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

(Community) Bring in the Year of the Horse at midnight in Chinatown at this explosive parade. Festivities include traditional lion and dragon dances, music and cultural performances, games and prizes, and delicious authentic dishes. Wear something red and festive and come ready to celebrate.

⌚️Feb. 16, 10p.m. - Midnight, 📍 Arch St. &, N. 10th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19107, 🌐 centercity.events, 💵 Free

(Community) Aquarius are known for being independent, unconventional and ahead of their time, but what does that say about their taste in wines? Come find out at this unruly tasting where guests will enjoy give 3-oz pours, selected for their Aquarian qualities. Light snacks will be provided to complement the wine selection.

⌚️Feb. 18, 6-8p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 $79

(Community) The Museum for Art in Wood is transforming its gallery into the ultimate dance floor. Bring a friend and dance the night away to beats by DJ On Mars, and enjoy delicious bites by Burrito Feliz. All proceeds raised support programming and exhibitions at the museum.

⌚️Feb. 20, 8-11:30p.m., 📍141 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 museumforartinwood.org/, 💵 $50-75

(Community) Looking for inspiration for your next home improvement or renovation project? Hundreds of vendors are heading to this show offering DIY workshops, product demos and pop up shops. If you’ve been waiting to start those New Year home projects, this is a must do.

⌚️ Feb. 20-22, 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 phillyhomeandgarden.com/, $10-12, Children 12 and under FREE

(Community) Breathe in, breathe out. This one-day wellness event at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia invites you to slow down, connect, and learn. Find inspiration through workshops, guided yoga sessions, special guest speakers, and locally sourced foods. A portion of proceeds benefits the Philadelphia Men’s Basketball League Camps.️

⌚️ Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., 📍10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philadelphiayogaconference.com, 💵 $300 (two for $550)

(Community) In honor of Black History Month, Villanova University professor Judith Giesberg is heading to the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for a discussion of an often overlooked aspect of nineteenth-century Black life. In her book Last Seen, Giesberg describes the stories of formerly enslaved Black Americans who spent years searching for their family members who’d been stolen away during slavery. Copies of the book will be available at the event.

⌚️Feb. 21 3p.m., 📍200 W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 tix.com/, 💵 $9.65-27.75

(Community) The Year of the Horse is charging its way into Philadelphia this week. Head to Dilworth park to celebrate with red envelope giveaways, performances, ice skating and more.

⌚️Feb. 21, 5-7p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Ready to create your new favorite jewelry piece? This workshop will guide you through simple techniques to create 2-3 handmade pieces. All materials and tools are provided, and if you have chains or pendants you love, bring them to include in your project.

⌚️ Feb. 21, 12:30-2p.m., 📍 1326 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 https://eventbrite.com, 💵 $72

(Community) While Laurel Hill Cemetery isn’t the final resting place of any U.S. Presidents, there are plenty of presidential connections buried there. From an opera singer who performed for President Roosevelt to a young actor who was due to take the stage for President Lincoln at the Ford Theater, you’ll learn all of the many ties to former leaders that lie in the historic grounds.

⌚️Feb. 21, 1-3p.m, 📍3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19132, 🌐 laurelhillphl.com, 💵 $2-20

(Culture / free) Chinatown activates with firecrackers, red confetti, and lion dancing in the street to usher in the Year of the Horse on the night of February 16 and a daytime celebration on Sunday. All ages.

⌚February 16, 10 p.m.-midnight, February 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍N. 10th and Spring sts., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 🌐chinatown-pcdc.org, 💵 Free

(Theater) A wholly student-powered musical takes audiences from a school cafeteria into time travel, complete with an evil lunch lady and a giant talking bird at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. Ages 5 and up.

⌚February 19-22, times vary, 📍7 Lock St, Philadelphia, Pa., 19127, 🌐yesandcamp.org, 💵 $2-$18

(Theater) The Players Club of Swarthmore puts on a zany, hour-long, pop- and rock-infused musical retelling of the fairytale about a trapped princess, angry queen, brave prince, hairstylist, and dragon. Ages 3-10.

⌚February 21-22, 28, March 1, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., 📍614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, Pa., 19081, 🌐 pcstheater.org, 💵 $13.50-$18.50

(Culture) Pearl S. Buck House in Bucks County hosts live performances, a tea ceremony, paper crafts, games, and tours of the late author’s house. Reservations required. All ages.

⌚February 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie, Pa., 18944, 🌐 pearlsbuck.org, 💵 $9-$15

(Culture / free) This community-centered celebration has quickly become on of the city’s most popular, thanks to live lion dances, tai chi performances, K-pop workshop, a flower market, appearance by the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, and snacks. All ages.

⌚February 21, 1-4 p.m., 📍Broad and Noble sts.., Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, 🌐therailpark.org, 💵 Free

(History / free) Pre-registration has officially filled an evening of Black history-inspired crafts, activities, flashlight tours, arts, and workshops, but there’s still some room for day-of walk-up admission at the National Constitution Center. All ages.

⌚February 21, 5-8 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐constitutioncenter.org, 💵 Free

(Culture / free) This annual Dilworth Park celebration has Chinese opera, dancing by Kun Yan Lin and lion dancing by the Philadelphia Suns, plus lucky red envelopes for the first 100 guests. It’s also the last weekend for City Hall’s ice skating rink. All ages.

⌚February 21, 5-7 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 🌐centercityphila.org, 💵 Free, $7-$10 to skate

(Musical) Back on tour for the first time in 25 years, this lavish Broadway production lands at the Academy of Music, bringing Belle, the Beast, and a château full of singing furniture back to the stage — complete with soaring ballads and storybook spectacle. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Feb. 11–22, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $33–$219

(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

(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