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.

(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

(Art) If you’ve ever wished you could take home the jewels and art on display in museums, now you can. This show features 195 artists from various categories, and offers tons of museum-quality art, jewelry and mixed media for sale and on display.

⌚️Nov. 7-9, 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 pmacraftshow.org, 💵 $10-20

(Community) Head to the ICA for an evening of art and dancing inspired by the funk sounds of Mavis Pusey and Xenobia Bailey. Dress in your boldest, funkiest look and don’t forget your dancing shoes.

⌚️Nov. 7, 7-10p.m. 📍118 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19143, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Join the city’s annual salute to the service men and women of the armed forces. The parade will wrap with a free festival at Eakins Oval packed with music, food and more celebration.

⌚️Nov. 9, 12p.m.,📍21st St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 phillyveteransparade.org/, 💵 Free

This week mixes a little bit of history, art, and community — from candle-making at the Constitution Center to a pumpkin-smashing block party, a kid-friendly food adventure, and Philly’s annual Veterans Parade.

(History) Step back in time at the National Constitution Center for an 18th-century–style evening of hands-on fun. Kids can make candles, learn calligraphy, operate a printing press, and get their silhouettes drawn — all before exploring the museum by flashlight. Ages 6–12.

⌚ Nov. 7, 5–8 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 constitutioncenter.org, 💵 $15

(Community) Poplar Skate Park hosts a family-friendly bash presented by cleanup nonprofit Block by Block. Expect games, music from Ants on a Log and a DJ, and a post-Halloween pumpkin smash led by Community Learning Farm. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍899 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 blockbyblockphilly.org, 💵 Free

(Books / food / free) Author and storyteller Thembi Palmer celebrates her new book This Book Might Make You Try Things with an afternoon of games, dancing, poetry, and giveaways — plus a global tasting table to inspire adventurous young eaters. Ages 3–8.

⌚ Nov. 8, 2–4 p.m., 📍1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 imaginemore.io, 💵 Free

(Art) At Philly’s Magic Gardens, artist Ashley Hewlett revives the nostalgic art of decorating cigar boxes. Bring your own photos and paper cutouts, or use the studio’s supplies to create a personalized keepsake. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Nov. 9, noon–4 p.m., 📍1020 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 phillymagicgardens.org, 💵 Free–$15

(Parade / free) Marching bands, military units, classic vehicles, and community organizations come together on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to honor those who’ve served. A proud, family-friendly display of patriotism and pageantry. All ages.

⌚ Nov. 9, noon, 📍21st St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 phillyveteransparade.org, 💵 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