Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

Center City District Restaurant Week, things to do in Philly
Neal Santos

Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered. 

43rd annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year

Penn Museum always goes all out for the Lunar New Year in Philadelphia, and that rings true in 2024. In partnership with the American Center for Asian Students and the National Association for Korean Schools, Penn is officially hosting its 43rd annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year this weekend. On Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly festival will feature live music and dance performances, storytelling, Martial Arts demonstrations and even a Lion Dance. 

Highlights include a performance by the Little Mulan Dance Troupe, an Asian zodiac scavenger hunt throughout the Museum, a vendor-filled marketplace, a Korean Fan Dance and more. As the release notes, all CultureFest! Lunar New Year activities are included with Museum admission. Children ages five and under, teachers, U.S. military veterans with identification, Penn Museum members, PennCard holders, Penn Medicine patients/families, and staff visit for free. 

And as a welcome gift for attendees, each visiting group or family will receive a lucky red envelope containing a special offer from the museum shop upon arrival. 

Lunar New Year in Philadelphia, things to do in Philly
The annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year celebration culminates with a traditional Lion Dance.Eddy Marenco for the Penn Museum

3260 South St., penn.museum

Pea Soup Dinner at the American Swedish Historical Museum 

The American Swedish Historical Museum is hosting another annual Pea Soup Dinner hosted by The Pea Soup Committee. Taking place this Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m., ASHM’s Pea Soup Dinner will be served with sharp Swedish cheese, bread, and Swedish pancakes and coffee for dessert. There will also be a cash bar on-site for those looking to imbibe. 

Tickets are $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are necessary as seating is limited.

1900 Pattison Ave., americanswedish.org

Center City District Restaurant Week 

The culinary-clad activation is in full swing in the city until Feb. 3, and this weekend holds the opportunity to explore some of the best restaurants in Philly. 

Dinner menus for the winter version of this culinary activation start at $45 per person, and for the second time ever, diners will also have the opportunity to enjoy a $60 premium option at select locations, plus, a two-course $20 lunch option at certain spots.

Menus for Center City District Restaurant Week can be found for both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as take-out from select venues. And for those 21+ dining in, there will also be beverage options curated from an activation with some Beam Suntory spirits, including Tres Generaciones Tequila and Maker’s Mark 46.

Center City District Restaurant Week, things to do in Philly
Butcher and Singer is one of many eateries participating in Center City Restaurant Week.Butcher and Singer

centercityphila.org

Mean Girls Drag Brunch at Dock Street South

After being postponed, Dock Street South’s ‘Mean Girls’ Drag Brunch will be in full swing this Saturday, Jan. 27. and queens from Elite Drag Events will be paying tribute to Cady, Karen, Gretchen and Regina starting at noon (doors open at 11 a.m.) 

Tickets run for $20, but for an extra $25, guests will also be able to add a celebration package that gives one guest the opportunity to go head-to-head with one of the queens in a lip-sync battle. While there, Philadelphians can also try some libations and food from Dock Street including mac and cheese balls, a marinated skirt steak salad, tofu burger, an assortment of pizzas, array of cocktails and more. 

things to do in Philly
Mean Girls Brunch.Dock Street South

2118 Washington Ave., dockstreetbeer.com

‘Namaste India!’ at the Please Touch Museum

This Friday, Jan. 26, the Please Touch Museum will open a new exhibit for the public. Titled ‘Namaste India’, the activation features hands-on experiences that “display the vibrant art, food and traditions of Indian culture.” 

According to the release, the exhibit features a variety of immersive experiences, including the Marketplace where children will test their senses at the Spice Market by smelling popular spices like turmeric, cumin and cloves; Bollywood, where families can take part in a red carpet experience; Tuk Tuk where children can take simulated rides with a three-wheeled tuk tuk, a motorized rickshaw truck found throughout India; and more.  

‘Namaste India!’ will remain on display at the Please Touch Museum through May 2024. 

4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org