The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend
The best things to do in Philadelphia, including popular events, festivals, attractions and tours, free activities and entertainment. See upcoming events and what’s on in Philly today.
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.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Craft Circle
(Community) Valentine’s Day can be hard for some. This event offers a space to grieve among the community, while getting a little crafty. Make your own collage, mini zine or valentine, all art levels welcome, and masks are required.
⌚️Feb. 13, 7-8:30p.m., 📍704 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free, $0-25 donation suggested
Johnny Gandelsman: This is America
(Music) This is America is a collection of works by U.S. composers that reflect the current state of society. In this program, violinist Johnny Gandlesman will perform a moving solo performance featuring the work of composer Tyshawn Sorey.
⌚️Feb. 14-15, 📍Various locations, 🌐 pennlivearts.org/, 💵 $55
Sistah Scents Galentine’s Candle Making
(Community) Love is in the air and it smells amazing. Bring your sisters, besties or favorite girl group and head to this workshop to create your own scented candles. You’ll enjoy bottomless mimosas, great music, dancing and so much more.
⌚️Feb. 15, 2-5p.m., 📍1433 W. Girward Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $72
The best events for kids in Philly
Mid-February brings a mix of Broadway spectacle, movie magic, and hands-on history. Whether you’re leaning into Valentine’s weekend, Presidents Day, or just need a solid winter outing, this lineup covers musicals, museum deep dives, and acrobatics that’ll wow even the hardest-to-impress kids.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
(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
“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”
(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
Presidents Day Weekend
(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, the long weekend layers special programming onto the already-excellent “The Declaration’s Journey.” Expect Junior Ranger badges, sea chest unpacking, Revolution Place playtime — and a closer look at how Abraham Lincoln interpreted the founding document. Ages 4 and up.
⌚ Feb. 14–16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $14–$27; $2 ACCESS cardholder
“First-ival” for the Pennsylvania Abolition Society
(History) As part of a citywide celebration of Philly firsts, the African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts storytellers, art-making, and gallery tours centered on early local efforts to abolish slavery, spotlighting the museum’s “Audacious Freedom” exhibition. Ages 5 and up.
⌚ Feb. 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍701 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 aampmuseum.org, 💵 Free
“Tilt!”
(Theater) Cirque Mechanics brings a gravity-defying Philadelphia premiere to the Annenberg Center, transforming amusement park icons — Ferris wheels, carnival games, rides — into trampolines, tightropes, and acrobatic feats that feel equal parts circus and engineering marvel. Ages 3 and up.
⌚ Feb. 14, 2 p.m., 📍3680 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 $81–$93
Presidents Day
(History) The National Constitution Center goes all in on Monday with free admission and family programming that includes meet-the-presidents sessions, a presidential costume contest, voting booth play, trivia, Black history crafts, and talks on George Washington. Ages 4 and up.
⌚ Feb. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 constitutioncenter.org, 💵 Free
Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way
(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
Winter at Dilworth Park
(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
RiverRink Winterfest
(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