Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Center City District Restaurant Week
This two-week culinary showcase is in full swing and runs until Jan. 28. What this annual celebration offers is the chance for Philadelphians to indulge in prix-fixe three-course dinners for $40, plus $25 lunches (depending on the spot) at over 60 Center City restaurants.
Cocktail pairings, made with Knob Creek Rye Whiskey and Suntory Haku Vodka, will also be available to adults 21 and older for an additional cost to pair with the meals being offered. And there will be discounted parking available for $9 or less during Restaurant Week at participating Interpark, BexPark by Brandywine and PPA garages.
Guests are encouraged to plan their transportation arrangements when making dinner reservations, or plan to access a digital parking voucher at ccdrestaurantweek.com. A full list of participating spots can be found online.
Multiple locations, centercityphila.org
42nd annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year
Penn Museum always goes all out for the Lunar New Year in Philadelphia, and that rings true in 2023. In partnership with the American Chinese Museum, Penn is officially hosting its 42nd annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year. On Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly festival will features live music and dance performances, storytelling, art-making for all ages, and a marketplace filled with vendors.
Highlights include a dance performance from the Little Mulan Dance Troupe from the Great Wall Chinese School, storytelling about the Lunar New Year, musical performances with traditional Chinese instruments, live performances from the Philadelphia Chinese Opera Society and more. And for the grand finale, a traditional Lion Dance will be performed by the University of Pennsylvania’s premier lion dance troupe, the Penn Lions.
All CultureFest! Lunar New Year activities are included with museum admission. Children ages five and under, teachers, U.S. military veterans with identification, as well as Penn Museum members can visit for free.
3260 South St., penn.museum
Ice Princess Weekend at Franklin Square
This weekend, those who head to the historic Franklin Square will be able to see some special guests while there. Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” plus Isabella from “Encanto” and Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” among some other characters, will be on site this Friday and Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The evenings will also feature themed ice sculptures created by local artisans from Ice Sculpture Philly and, of course, the Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle presented by PECO, which runs every 30 minutes.
While in this historic part of the city, Philadelphians can also enjoy curling, indulge in a variety of drinks inside the heated tent or in the Winter Beer Garden, or continue the festive winter activities by riding the Parx Liberty Carousel, putting through Philadelphia icons at Philly Mini Golf, or by enjoying the fare served at SquareBurger.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
‘Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins’
This Thursday night, Philadelphians can head to City Winery for a special tribute. “Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins” comes from Travis Mosner, who will perform brand new arrangements of songs from Collin’s career, share stories of the performer, and explain why her music resonates so much with him.
Philadelphians will be able to hear hits such as “Someday Soon,” “Both Sides Now,” “Mountain Girl,” “Mr.Tambourine Man” and many more. Additionally, Mosner will be joined on stage by special guest Ashley Arnold, most recently seen in the acclaimed off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Tickets are on sale now for the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and will take place on The Loft stage.
990 Filbert St., citywinery.com
Alpine Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Alpine Heights is just as it sounds — a ski-lodge-inspired pop-up at the rooftop bar and hangout, Assembly, located in the Logan Hotel. The seasonal activation runs until Feb. 28 and includes fondue, hot cocktails, comfort food, themed décor, and cozy blankets returning for another year.
Alpine Heights has some new additions as well, including an all-new outdoor pizza oven and flatbread happy hour (Thursday to Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.). Assembly has also added additional standing heaters and all-new Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pits for every high-top table to keep the heat going even during the coldest months.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, assemblyrooftop.com
