We are officially past the holidays, Philadelphia, and you have a list of things to do, so make sure you beat the dead-of-winter blues by getting out there and enjoying your city.
You can celebrate Ben Franklin’s birthday, but you can also celebrate the architect of Carpenters’ Hall, in whose name an inaugural scholarship will be awarded at his birthday party this week. The Auto Show is still in town, and so is the largest non-alcoholic beverage festival in the Northeast — Dry Vibes. Josh Gad is also here for an evening of entertainment.
If you want to start off 2025 with networking in the sustainability sector, Green Philly is hosting its second annual Connect for Change Mixer.
If it’s entertainment you’re after, the Black Power Rangers of Comedy bring their hilarious stand-up tour to The Painted Mug Cafe, and the stage comedy Holy Grail of Memphis, written by Philly’s own Michael Hollinger, premieres at The Arden Theatre.
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
Green Philly’s Connect for Change Mixer, Carpenters’ Hall’s architect’s birthday, Josh Gad, book signing, new art exhibit, The Black Power Rangers of Comedy, Holy Grail of Memphis premiere.
SEE NEW EXHIBITS AT THE CLAY STUDIO. January 15 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
CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF CARPENTERS’ HALL’S ARCHITECT (AND A SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT!) Carpenters’ Hall is throwing a Scottish-themed 303rd birthday party for its architect, Colonial-era master builder Robert Smith, on January 14 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. There will be traditional Scottish entertainment and fine Scotch tastings, and proceeds from the event go towards the new Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship, which will recognize its first recipient, Karen Maggiani, a promising carpenters’ apprentice in Philadelphia, during the festivities. $150. 320 Chestnut Street
.ATTEND A TALK AND BOOK SIGNING. Join author Molly Lester and photographer Michael Bixler at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania January 15 at 6:30pm to discuss their new book, Building Ghosts: Past Lives and Lost Places in a Changing City, which chronicles the “idiosyncratic remnants or imprints of demolished buildings, left behind on the sides of neighboring structures.” The event is offered virtually and onsite. $10 (HSP members free). 1300 Locust Street
SPEND AN EVENING WITH JOSH GAD. The Frozen actor, comedian and author sits down with moderator Alicia Vitarelli of 6abc to share stories of his life and career for An Evening with Josh Gad at the Perelman Theater January 15 at 7pm. Every ticket includes a signed copy of In Gad We Trust. $66-$96. 300 S. Broad Street
CATCH A UNIQUELY HILARIOUS COMEDY SHOW. The Black Power Rangers of Comedy Tour is coming to The Painted Mug Cafe January 15 at 8pm. Stand-up stars of the evening include Wills Maxwell Jr., Brandi Roberts, Jarrod Fortune, Cordero Wilson and hometown favorite TaTa Sherise. $16.88. 1527 Jackson Street
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 opening January 16 through February 23 with shows at 7pm. $32-$52. 40 N. 2nd Street
NETWORK WITH LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGEMAKERS. On January 16 from 6 to 8pm, Green Philly’s second annual Connect for Change: Sustainable Community Mixer is happening at Indy Hall Clubhouse. Do some Eco-Speed Networking to match your passion with volunteer opportunities, get inspired by Flash Talks with Organizers, and learn about Green Philly’s initiatives, upcoming events, and how to stay involved. $15. 709 N. 2nd Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Dry Vibes, Ben Franklin’s birthday, the Auto Show, Longwood Gardens, MLK Service Day in our parks, and Restaurant Week
CELEBRATE BEN FRANKLIN’S 319TH BIRTHDAY. The 2025 Benjamin Franklin Birthday Celebration: Exploring New Worlds happens January 17. Beginning at Benjamin Franklin Hall at 9am with a science seminar moderated by Dr. Derrick Pitts, festivities continue with a closed-street procession to Dr. Franklin’s grave at 11:15am and a luncheon at 12:15pm featuring a presentation by 2025 Franklin Founder Honoree and Nobel Prize winner Dr. John C. Mather, Senior Scientist of Cosmology at NASA (registration required). Seminar and procession are free, luncheon registration is $100 – $1,000. 427 Chestnut Street, 101 S. 3rd Street
VISIT LONGWOOD GARDENS. From January 17 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
HAVE A RESPONSIBLE BLAST. Dry Vibes Philadelphia has teamed up with Self(ish) Philly to host the largest consumer-facing non-alcoholic beverage festival in the Northeast at Location 215 on January 18 from 11am to 5pm. Enjoy an afternoon of good vibes and alcohol-free alchemy. $33.33-$99.99. 990 Spring Garden Street
DONATE CLOTHES; GET FREE RIDES AND HISTORY TOURS. Historic Franklin Square is hosting MLK Service Weekend January 18 through January 20. Bring new scarves, hats and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, housing and supportive services to adults experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia — and earn one free carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Free with donation. Donations can be dropped off at Franklin Square (6th & Race Streets) or Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street).
STUFF YOUR FACE IN CENTER CITY. Center City Restaurant Week returns January 19 through February 1 with dozens of participating eateries. Feast on three-course, prix-fixe dinners for just $40 or $60, and two-course lunches for $20, plus takeout options. Drink and parking specials are available. Try not to mix those. $20-$60+. Various locations
SPEND MLK SERVICE DAY IN FAIRMOUNT PARK. Join Fairmount Park Conservancy on January 20 from 10am to noon for MLK Service Day in Fairmount Park. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to remove invasive plant species, do trail maintenance and trash clean-up, and restore the sidewalk paths along Wynnefield Avenue & North Georges Hill Drive in West Fairmount Park. Registration is required. Free. Wynnefield Avenue & N. Georges Hill Drive
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
START WITH THE MAN IN THE MIRROR. Through January 19, see MJ The Musical at the Academy of Music with matinee and evening shows available. This Tony Award®-winning musical is centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. $69-$199. 240 S. Broad Street
Photo by R Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
PIMP THAT RIDE. Or, just pick out a nice hatchback. The Philadelphia Auto Show rolls into town for its second weekend at the PA Convention Center through January 20. Show opens 10am to 9pm Saturday and until 7pm Sunday. For MLK Day, 10am to 5pm. $15-$20 per day. 1101 Arch Street
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SEE THE PLAY OF THE MOVIE OF THE PLAY. Pulitzer Prize-winning Driving Miss Daisy opens at the Walnut Street Theater through February 2 with matinee and evening shows available. $25-$97. 825 Walnut Street
SPEND A LATE NIGHT WITH JASON KELCE. Through January 31, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce begins taping on Fridays at 3:30pm at Union Transfer, and you can be in the live audience. The show promises to be “an immersive experience” showcasing Kelce’s personality and featuring celebrity guests from football and beyond. Free; tickets by request only. 1026 Spring Garden Street
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
DO IMPROV. JUST DO IT. Kid-centric Philly band Ants on a Log gives musical improv classes for adults Mondays at 6pm, January 6 through February 10 at The Arts League in West Philly. Through improv exercises and games, learn to create songs and scenes on the fly, common song structures, and the art of spontaneity within a supportive community. No previous training in improv or music is required, ages 18+ only. $300 registration. 4226 Spruce Street
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
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.” Museum hours have been extended and are now Sundays to Saturdays, from noon to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street
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
MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY
DryVibes event