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.

(Movies) This film and media festival brings over a week of Jewish cinema and storytelling to the city. Jewish international films and media from across the globe will head to Philadelphia, alongside community events taking place across the city. Grab a badge to enjoy the full festival or ticket to individual events.

⌚️ Nov. 12-23, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phillyjfm.org

(Community) Everyone knows that Philly is truly a foodie dream, with no shortage of award-winning chefs and restaurants. This festival gives you a chance to take a huge bite out of Philly’s food scene with exclusive chef collabs, food discussions, live entertainment and more.

⌚️Nov. 15, 11a.m. - 6p.m., 📍29 E. Allen St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 foodfest.inquirer.com, 💵 $249

(Community) Fort Mifflin’s flagship event is back for another year of bringing history to life. Commemorate the 249th anniversary of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution at this family-friendly weekend complete with musket and cannon demonstrations, 18th century toys, guided tours and more.

⌚️Nov. 15-16, 📍 6400 Hog Island Rd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19153, 🌐 fortmifflin.us, 💵 $11.25-17

(Community) This two-day camera show is back for another year, and bigger than ever. Creators will love this chance to check out live demos, hands-on workshops, immersive photo opportunities, testing the latest gear and so much more. Plus, enter the Creator Challenge for the chance to have your work featured and walk away with $5,000.

⌚️Nov. 15-16, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍28 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 Free

(Community) This epic burlesque show is going to be the talk of the ton. Local string trio Midnight on the Water will be providing the tunes for an evening filled with performances, great drinks and lots of glitter.

⌚️Nov. 16, 8p.m., 📍1320 Chancellor St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $18-24

(Theater) This play follows a grieving woman on the fiftieth anniversary of her fiance’s death, and is confronted by a stranger who thinks he’s a reincarnation of her dead love. This performance stars Cathy Simpson, Travoye Joyner, Kathryn Wylde and Brian Scott Campbell.

⌚️Nov. 6-15, 📍200 W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, PA 19144, 🌐 ticketleap.events, 💵 $25-32

(Movies) This film festival celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in film, performance art and music. The best of AAPI film making will take center stage, with this year’s fest featuring five world premieres.

⌚️Nov. 6-16, 📍Various locations, 🌐 paaff2025.eventive.org, 💵 $55-350

Winter is inching closer — even if the temps haven’t gotten the memo. This week, skate under City Hall lights, step inside Philly’s first Netflix House, or dive into a fairy-tale world at the Wilma. There’s also history, play, and plenty of family fun to round out the weekend.

(Theater / multiday) Before there was Frozen, there was The Snow Queen. The Wilma Theater stages Evgeny Schwartz’s take on Hans Christian Andersen’s icy tale of courage, magic, and sibling love, set against striking, wintry visuals. Ages 7 and up.

⌚ Nov. 11–23, times vary, 📍265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 wilmatheater.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-will–$89

(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 — proof that Philly doesn’t wait for snow to get festive. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 14–Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

(History) Step back into 1777 at Fort Mifflin, where reenactors recreate the largest bombardment of the Revolutionary War. Expect cannon and musket demos, tours, living-history activities, and even colonial-era toys for kids. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Nov. 15–16, 10 a.m., 📍6400 Hog Island Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19153, 🌐 fortmifflin.us, 💵 Free–$16

(Games / free) Cherry Street Pier transforms into a giant maker’s playground. Kids can design their own board games, build mousetrap machines, craft game pieces, and even create cardboard carnival attractions. Ages 2–10.

⌚ Nov. 15, 2–4 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 popupplay.net, 💵 Free

(Educational / multiday) The Please Touch Museum debuts its latest bilingual (Spanish and English) visiting exhibition, focused on brain development through play. Kids can test a light-up tilt table, dance in a mini studio, or dive into creative storytelling games, while parents learn about early childhood growth. Visit Saturday for a superhero theme. Ages 0–4.

⌚Sept. 20–Jan. 4, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays, 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24, $2 ACCESS cardholder