Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
44th Annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year
Penn Museum always goes all out for the Lunar New Year in Philadelphia, and that rings true in 2025. In partnership with the American Center for Asian Students and the Center for East Asian Students, this annual occasion will be in full swing on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Highlights include a performance by the Little Mulan Dance Troupe, a Tai Chi class in the Widener Auditorium, Lion Dances in the outdoor Warden Garden, a Korean Fan Dance and much 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.
3260 South St., penn.museum
Art Star CRAP Bazaar
The annual Art Star CRAP Bazaar is back this weekend on Jan. 25 and 26, to offer deeply discounted handmade goods from over 20 local artists. As a release notes, the CRAP Bazaar provides an opportunity for artists to sell items made during the creative process that don’t make it to retail shelves, while also finding a way to make handmade goods accessible to all.
Taking place at the Independence Visitor Center (the North End near Art Star Shop) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all goods will be priced for at least 50% off. On top of the discounts, those who attend will also be doing some good themselves—25% of sales will benefit The Sunday Love Project and World Central Kitchen, plus, a donation drive will collect menstrual hygiene and wellness products for the nonprofit No More Secrets to help support underserved communities.
599 Market St., artstarphilly.com
Live Band Karaoke at Vinyl Philly
This weekly pop-up invites Philly to step into the spotlight to perform any track from any artist backed by a live band every Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. The free experience is designed to bring the excitement of a full concert to every performer and guest in the room. “Expect a real stage, lights, backup vocals, amazing drinks, and the best time of your life,” said Ross Binder, Vinyl’s General Manager.
While there, locals can also find an assortment of food and cocktails ($16-$18) like the Shot of Courage (Hornito’s Blanco, melon, Fresno chili, lim and Tajin), Murder on the Dancefloor (a House Rum Blend, Jagermeister and Banana-Oat Orgea topped with Red Edition Red Bull), Sweet Harmony (rose-infused Grey Goose vodka, lemon spiced cranberry and their “Winter Spiced Tincture”) and much more.
215 S 15th St., vinylphilly.com
‘Driving Miss Daisy’ at the Walnut Street Theatre
‘Driving Miss Daisy’ first hit the scene when it premiered off-Broadway in 1987, and the tale of unlikely friendship also inspired a screen adaptation (starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman) which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1989. It made its Broadway debut about two decades later in 2010.
The official description for ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ describes the production as a transformative power of friendship: “Miss Daisy is an elderly Jewish widow who is struggling to come to terms with her diminishing independence. After a car crash, her son convinces her to take on a chauffeur and hires an African American driver named Hoke. Set in Atlanta from the late 1940s to early 1970s, the relationship between Miss Daisy and Hoke changes from one of employer and employee to a deep friendship, as they encounter issues of growing old, race and class in an America fighting for equal civil rights.”
Shows will run until Feb. 7 at the Center City venue.
825 Walnut St., walnutstreettheatre.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
