Be a Better Philadelphia Citizen

All year long

One of the founding tenets of The Philadelphia Citizen is to get people the resources they need to become better, more engaged citizens of their city.

We hope to do that in our Good Citizenship Toolkit, which includes a host of ways to get involved in Philadelphia — whether you want to contact your City Councilmember to voice your support for small businesses, get those experiencing homelessness the goods they need, or simply go out to dinner somewhere where you know your money is going toward a greater good.

Find an issue that’s important to you in the list below, and get started on your journey of A-plus citizenship.

Vote and strengthen democracy

Stand up for marginalized communities

Create a cleaner, greener Philadelphia

Help our local youth and schools succeed

Support local businesses

Connect WITH OUR SOCIAL ACTION TEAM



Want more of The Citizen?

Sign up for our newsletter

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have a Super Bowl Parade, a Portuguese circus, the new Body Worlds exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Presidents' Day celebrations at Franklin Square and the Weitzman, and more

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have a Super Bowl Parade, a Portuguese circus, the new Body Worlds exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Presidents' Day celebrations at Franklin Square and the Weitzman, and more

Good day, Philadelphia, and GO BIRDS! In addition to the upcoming Eagles Super Bowl Championship parade — Friday!!! — you have Valentine’s Day (also Friday), Galentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and many more things to do this week.

The beautiful, acrobatic Do Portugal circus is in town, as are the Awkward Sex. .. and the City comedians. The Half-God of Rainfall, a spectacle not to be missed, opens at the Wilma Theater this week, as does the brand new Body Worlds exhibit at The Franklin Institute.

The Free Library Foundation has two engaging author events lined up, and the Museum of Art in Wood is hosting an event exploring Philly’s global heritage. And if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Presidents’ Day, there’s quizzo at Franklin Square and a family day at The Weitzman.

Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY

Do Portugal Circus, Pink Elephant Valentine’s Day Bar, Author events at the Free Library, The Half-God of Rainfall local premiere, and Awkward Sex. 

Do Portugal Dancers

GO TO THE CIRCUS. Now through February 16, Do Portugal Circus is performing at Franklin Mall with family-friendly acrobatics, stunts, and clowns. Afternoon, evening and night shows available. $20-$50. 1455 Franklin Mills Circle

 

Pink Elephant’s interior

SEE PINK ELEPHANTS BUT IN A HEALTHY, LOVING WAY. The Elephant Restaurant & Bar hosts a Valentine’s Day pop-up bar, Pink Elephant, through February 16. Enjoy the most romantic decor and theme cocktails to celebrate the holiday of love. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from noon to 2am, and Sunday from noon to midnight. Pay as you go. 500 Locust Street

 

SEE THE REGIONAL DEBUT OF A VISIONARY STAGE PRODUCTION. The Wilma Theater presents The Half-God of Rainfall running through March 2. Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Inua Ellams writes a story exploring the intersection of patriarchy, imperialism and American basketball. Afternoon and evening shows are available; check dates for special events and disability accommodations. $20-$88. 265 S. Broad Street

 

Photo by John Carlano

EXPLORE PHILLY’S GLOBAL HERITAGE. On February 13 from 6 to 8pm, the Museum for Art in Wood hosts  City of Immigrants: A Conversation on Philadelphia’s Global Heritage. Panelists Justina Barrett of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Caroline O’Connell of the American Philosophical Society, and artist Mark Sfirri will discuss the history, present, and future of immigration and migration to the City of Brotherly Love. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street

 

ENJOY A HAITIAN HISTORY DISCUSSION AT THE FREE LIBRARY. The Free Library Author Events Series presents Marlene Daut: The First and Last King of Haiti On February 13 from 7 to 8pm at the Parkway Central Library. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street

 

Natalie Wall

CELEBRATE GALENTINE’S IN THE COMPANY OF AWKWARD COMEDIANS. Come to Punch Line Philly February 13 at 7:30pm for Awkward Sex … and the City’s Galentine’s Day Edition, where Natalie Wall and her favorite comedians relive their most awkward sexual experiences for your viewing pleasure. Feel safe, seen and heard. This show is 21+; 18+ with a parent or legal guardian over 30. $27.65-$38.20. 33 E. Laurel Street

 

The City of Philadelphia's parade along S. Broad Street for the Super Bowl winning Eagles in 2018.
The City of Philadelphia’s parade along S. Broad Street for the Super Bowl winning Eagles in 2018. Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia.

GO TO THE PARADE WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. It’s happening — it’s really happening! — February 14, at a time and place that’s TBA (but you can assume Broad Street). The M-A-Y-O-R announces the details February 11 at 11am. (Watch on the City’s livestream via Facebook or the City’s own livestream.)

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Presidents’ Day Quizzo, Family Day at The Weitzman, the Body Worlds opening, Boozy Bengo.

PARTY WITH BEN FRANKLIN FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Boozy Ben’s Bengo happens inside Franklin Square’s “Ben On the Rocks” heated tent February 14 and 21 from 5 to 7pm. Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square. $5 per card. 200 N. 6th Street

 

SEE THE HUMAN BODY LIKE NEVER BEFORE! On February 15 through September 1, The Franklin Institute welcomes BODY WORLDS: Vital, an extraordinary collection of real human specimens preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ revolutionary plastination process. This is the third such exhibit for The Institute since 2005. Museum is open daily 9:30am to 5pm, with special evening hours exclusive to the exhibit Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8pm. $20-$65. 222 N. 20th Street

 

TEST YOUR PRESIDENTS’ DAY KNOWLEDGE. On February 15 and 16 from 5 to 7pm, the Franklin Square Quiz Master will be on hand to test presidential trivia skills at the Presidents’ Day Quizzo. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

 

Weitzman Family day

SPEND PRESIDENTS’ DAY WITH THE FAMILY AT THE WEITZMAN. The Weitzman hosts a free Presidents’ Day Family Day at the Weitzman February 17 from 10 am to 2pm, including music classes, open gym, face painting, sensory-friendly dough play, scavenger hunts, museum tours and a cartoon-making workshop. Free, registration encouraged. 101 S. Independence Mall East

 

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

 

Photo courtesy Carpenters’ Hall

HAVE TEA TIME AT CARPENTERS’ HALL. The home of the First Continental Congress in 1774, in partnership with Historic Philadelphia Inc., offers a series of afternoon tea parties every Tuesday this month from 3:30 to 5pm February 11, 18 and 25. Your host, Dolley Todd Madison, serves Tuesday Tea with … assorted teas, sweets and savory treats by The Hart of Catering. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. $85. 320 Chestnut Street

 

Photo by Jeff Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

SEE THE WINTER SPECTACLE IN FRANKLIN SQUARE. Winter in Franklin Square runs nightly from 5 to 9pm through February 23. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dancing fountains choreographed to holiday tunes strike up every 30 minutes throughout the evening while you ride the carousel, play mini golf, or warm up with some hot cocoa and/or adult beverages at  Ben On the Rocks. Oh and this year, they’ve added street curling. Pay as you go. 200 N. 6th Street

 

PLAY MINI GOLF WITH LOVE. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Franklin Square is transforming its iconic course into Philly Mini Golf with Love through February 23. Play the Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin Bridge with special decor and music to match the season. $12-$15. 200 N. 6th Street

 

Works by Mark Sfirri from his La Famiglia exhibition

THINK ABOUT FAMILY IN A NEW WAY AT A NEW ART EXHIBITION. The Museum for Art in Wood hosts Mark Sfirri: La Famiglia through February 26, 2025. This new solo exhibition of new and never-before-seen work by the artist and woodturner “presents a way of thinking about the definition of family and its meanings through different lenses.” Free. 141 N. 3rd Street

 

Matteo Scammell (Newton “Newt” Stover III) and Kishia Nixon (Gigi Robins)in Arden Theatre Company’s 2025 production of Holy Grail of Memphis . Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios

SEE THE PREMIERE OF A PHILADELPHIA PLAYWRIGHT’S NEW STAGE COMEDY. The Arden Theatre Company presents Holy Grail of Memphis, a new comedy by Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger now open through March 9 with shows at 7pm. $32-$52. 40 N. 2nd Street

 

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

CELEBRATE WINTER AT PENN’S LANDING.  Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opens at Penn’s Landing runs through March 2. Enjoy ice skating, cabin, lounge, and fire pit rentals, and festive food and drink now until practically spring break. Hours vary. Pay as you go. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard

 

CELEBRATE THE WINTER AT DILWORTH PARK. It’s that time of year already! The ice skating rink, Wintergarden and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market open for the season at Dilworth Park. Holiday shopping is Friday and Saturday from noon to 9pm and Sundays through Thursdays from noon to 8pm. The rink is open 7 days a week with special events scheduled throughout the season. Advanced tickets are recommended! Free-$19. 1 S. 15th Street

 

A variety of visual artworks in a pleasing collage, including elegantly and traditionally dressed women with hairdressing gathered in front of an orange wall, a simple wooden bed against a wall of colorful trinkets, hairpieces, ribbons, hats, and other ephemera; a chart labeled "The Blackest things I can think of;" an aged 18th-century looking woodcut print frame through which you can see a blue ocean shore with two ringed feminine hands in the foreground, and a collage of photos portraying Black women
A sample of artworks in the Black History Month Showcase, including artists Shawn Theodore, Emilio Maldonaldo, Shakira Hunt, and Yannick Lowery

SEE THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH SHOWCASE. Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia launches its second annual Black History Month Showcase through mid-March, featuring a mix of artwork by local Black artists. Free. 1620 Chancellor Street

 

By ajay_sureshHistorical Society of Pennsylvania, CC BY 2.0, Link

ATTEND THE OPENING OF AN IMPORTANT BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT. Free, As One: Black Worldmaking in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Papers highlights Black self-determination and leadership from the 1770s onward in the abolition movement of the Mid-Atlantic region. On view through May 23, with an opening reception February 6 from 6pm to 8pm. Library and exhibit hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and Wednesday from 1 to 7pm. Free. 1300 Locust Street

 

A sample of works by Josephine Mette Larson, Liisa Nelson, and Jinsik Yoo.

SEE NEW EXHIBITS AT THE CLAY STUDIO. Through March 30, The Clay Studio premieres three new exhibitions highlighting the work of its Resident Artists, hosting Doesn’t It Feel Warmer Just Knowing the Sun Will Be Out by Danish-American ceramicist Josephine Mette Larson, Dreams by ceramic artist Liisa Nelson, and Palimpsest by South Korean ceramic sculptor Jinsik Yoo. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 11am to 5:30pm and 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Second Thursday hours of each month are 5 to 8pm. Free. 1425 N. American Street

 

Image by Laurie Carrozzino for Longwood Gardens

VISIT LONGWOOD GARDENS. Through March 23, Longwood Gardens presents its Winter Wonder exhibit, showcasing the beauty of its new West Conservatory with lush, colorful gardens and soothing water effects. Timed admission tickets are required starting at 10am, evening times vary. $2-$25. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

 

CONTINUE THE YEAR OF FREE SPEECH WITH A NEW EXHIBIT. On display at the National Liberty Museum from February 7 to September 8, Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art is a juried exhibition of sculptures, paintings, video installations and more exploring censorship, freedom of expression and diverse perspectives. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am to 5pm. $0-$12. 321 Chestnut Street

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY

The Eagles' 2018 Super Bowl parade in Philadelphia. Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia.

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at KL@thephiladelphiacitizen.org or call (609)-602-0145.