Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Love Notes 4 Philly
This concert experience comes from the East Passyunk Opera Project, Society Hill Dance Academy and Top Dog Cocktails. Set for Saturday, Jan. 11 (7:30 p.m.) at the Society Hill Dance Academy, Love Notes will feature opera, live performances (like cabaret), visual art, unique cocktails (like a strawberry margarita) and community collaborations.
As a release notes, this concert series started in 2021 as a direct result and pivot out of the pandemic to support all the local artists and businesses involved. The event was so successful it went on to return each winter, with Love Notes 2: Sour Notes and Love Notes 3: Notes to Self in 2023. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $50 for a VIP ticket to the show. General admission includes two complimentary cocktails and general admission seating (first come, first served). VIP tickets include two complimentary cocktails and reserved seating near the front of the stage.
1919 East Passyunk Ave., epopphilly.org
Philly Goat Project’s Tree-Cycle
This Saturday marks the second official date for the Philly Goat Project’s annual event, which turns locals’ Christmas trees into goat snacks and sustainable material for Philly parks. On Jan. 11 (noon to 3 p.m.), the activation will be in full swing at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum with an afternoon packed with activities, all of which benefit the nonprofit.
The Christmas Tree-Cycle festival will feature farm exploration, firepits with s’mores and hot cocoa, a goat petting zoo and games. The fests will also host quiet visiting areas as a calm space for guests with special needs and the Philly Goat Project Swag Tables. The latter will feature Philly Goat Project’s 2025 calendar showcasing the goats at Philadelphia landmarks. A $20 donation per tree is recommended.
6336 Ardleigh St., phillygoatproject.org
Vinter Wonderland
Renault’s holiday activation is staying on site a little longer, and Philadelphians have through Jan. 20 to experience everything this New Jersey-locale has to offer.
New for 2024, the seasonal experience has added the Vinter Express Barrel Train, the “Grinch’s Lair” pop-up bar, a photo-ready space in Santa’s Workshop, a new lounge/wine bar, and a sweet shop serving up different treats like a ginormous hot chocolate. Returning fan-favorites include the ice rink, Vinter Village with a variety of vendors, family-friendly activities (like face painting and crafts), and the Renault’s famous Barrel Tree, which will be housed right out front of the venue.
Philadelphians can also opt to score a Renault Passport (Vinter Edition) to nab some exclusive deals. For $39 plus tax, you will receive parking close to the venue, a way to skip the line, an ice skating pass, a tractor ride, plus a s’mores kit and 10% off the Renault Gift Shoppe. A similar family package is also available for $139 plus tax.
2 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, renaultwinery.com
Lunar New Year with the Philadelphia Orchestra
To usher in the Year of the Snake, the Philadelphia Orchestra will host a concert on Friday, Jan. 10 (8 p.m.), in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. As a release notes, the concert will feature the North American premiere of Mason Bates’ ‘Spring River Flowers by Moonlight,’ a new setting of the Tang dynasty poem of the same name.
The evening’s spring-inspired program will also include ‘The Young Heroic Sisters of the Mongolian Grassland’ by Liu Dehai, Wang Yanqiao, and Wu Zuqiang, with pipa player Zhang Hongyan in her Philadelphia Orchestra debut; Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Overture to ‘Die Fledermaus’ and the ‘Voices of Spring’ Waltz; Lili Boulanger’s ‘Of a Spring Morning’ and much more.
Tickets (various prices) are available online.
300 S Broad St., ensembleartsphilly.org
Alpine Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
This rooftop lounge is a prime spot for cocktails simply for its views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. But while here this winter season, Philadelphians can also check out the venue’s Alpine Heights pop-up, which features aprés ski-inspired decor and menu items, including the Cherry Apple Hot Cider ($17) and the All White Hot Chocolate ($18.)
The former boasts bourbon, apple cider, cherry and winter spices, while the latter is made with Stoli Vanilla, samba, chocolate liqueur and white chocolate. While there, guests can also indulge in sweet or savory fondue, beef bourguignon, yogurt punch and more while cozied up next to a firepit. Reservations are available online.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, assemblyrooftop.com
