Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
A Toast to History: Airbnb Experience
At historic Carpenter’s Hall, for the first time ever visitors will be able to get a private, after-hours tour of the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the birthplace of American democracy. As the news release states, while at this event participants will first explore the main hall where the Congress met, where you’ll see original artifacts from the period and a detailed model showing the construction of Carpenter’s Hall. Then it’s up to the second floor, which is off-limits to regular visitors, where you’ll see the 19th-century library and get to explore some of the rare books and other items from the collection. The tour will close with questions and a whisky tasting to toast the continued good health of visitors, the Carpenter’s Company, and the importance of history. Each guest will also receive a copy of “Meeting Place of History,” a fully illustrated booklet about Carpenters’ Hall. Tickets range for $35 per person and tours will take place every Thursday beginning this week from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
320 Chestnut St., airbnb.com
Jurassic Quest
Philadelphians can make this weekend larger than life while exploring the world of dinosaurs with “Jurassic Quest.” Located at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this traveling experience will be in the city from Jan. 15 to 23 and will feature more than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs. While there, families can also check out dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and a walk back in time through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods. It’s all realistic too: Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is “painstakingly replicated” in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about what we understand about how dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved. Timed ticket prices ($19-$36) range depending on what experience you would like to check out and are available online.
1101 Arch St., jurassicquest.com
Jamaican Patty Pop-Up at Huda
Aspiring chef and entrepreneur Tevon Tyrell is giving Philly a taste of what he can create while using Caribbean influences. According to a release, the current line-cook at Rittenhouse hotspot Huda will be hosting his first ever pop-up under the moniker ‘Hummingbird Island,’ featuring Jamaican patties and coco bread — a popular staple bread in Jamaica which contains coconut milk. Tyrell will be offering five different Jamaican patties, including beef, veggie, curry chicken, callaloo and salt fish, and beef and cheese. The patties, which resemble oversized empanadas, cost $5-$6 apiece, and customers can also add coco bread to any patties for $2 apiece. The pop-up at Huda will take place on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
32 S. 18th St., hudaphl.com
Dope Shows’ Local Artist Showcase
When Dope Shows launched in 2017, co-founders and friends Stephen Piner and Jamir Shaw set out to create a new path in the entertainment industry not just for themselves, but for the youth of Philadelphia. Growing up in West Philly, the duo made the realization that in the world of entertainment, there there was a void that needed to be filled — one where there could be captivating performances and events that doubled as compelling messages for their community. Putting on live shows, live broadcasts and organizing events through their partnership with the city is just the tip of the iceberg for this duo, however. This Sunday, Dope Shows will be hosting an artist showcase where contenders can purchase a slot to perform in front of a judge’s panel consisting of notable record label executives. The lucky recipient will be awarded a reserved space at the Dope Shows Birthday Bash to perform alongside some of the hottest names in hip hop. Tickets for slots ($75+) are still available on Ticketmaster, and the showcase will take place at 1 p.m. this Sunday.
29 E. Allen St., concerts.livenation.com
