18 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Big Philly Beerfest, Little Baby’s Ice Cream Auction, South Philly Rocky Fest and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Art After 5: Northern Arms
Swank up your happy hour this evening by enjoying post-work libations and live music at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Tonight's Art After 5 programming features a performance from Northern Arms–who we dubbed the Best Local Band of 2014. Revel in the group's unique mix of "evocative melodies and epic arrangements" as you sip cocktails, nosh on light bites, and explore the galleries. Museum admission is available for purchase online. Friday, January 9th, 5 p.m.-8:45 p.m., $17.50-$23.50, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. —Marquesa Rotuski
Second Friday on Frankford Avenue
Celebrate Second Friday tonight in the Fishtown 'hood. A plethora of art, food, music, and shopping will ignite Frankford Avenue starting at 6 p.m. Art aficionados should be sure to check out the opening reception of Food Alchemy, the newest exhibit at The Art Dept., while the shopping-addicted peruse sales at a variety of boutiques. Plus, local restaurants will run food and drink specials throughout the evening. For a full list of participating locations and happenings, click here. Friday, January 9th, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., various locations, Frankford Avenue.
Big Philly Beerfest
Just when you thought you had detoxed from all that New Year's Eve drinking, think again: the first ever Big Philly Beerfest is invading the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. Guests will be able to sample over 300 beers, all while raising funds for Animal Rescue Partners. There will also be a ton of food trucks and vendors to help you sober up! Tickets can be purchased here. Friday and Saturday, January 9th and 10th, 7:30 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
The Great Ice Cream Auction
From Foobooz: Because the crew at Little Baby’s seems completely incapable of doing a normal thing when a weird option presents itself, they’re having an ice cream auction. In January. But hey, if you’re a big fan and have just been dying to get your hands on some of their rare, lost, forgotten or out-of-print flavors, this is the night for you. They’re planning on digging through every freezer to find all the odds and ends of the past year, and will be putting every single one of them up for auction on Friday evening. Sean and Andrew Arsenalt from Brewery Arts are going to be this year's auctioneers, and they're also going to be offering up pours of some of their beers throughout the event. Admission is free (as are the drinks), but be sure to bring a cooler and some cash if you're interested in bidding on ice creams that you'll never see anywhere else--and likely never see again. Friday, January 9th, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., Little Baby's Ice Cream World Headquarters, 2311 Frankford Avenue. —Marquesa Rotuski
Jerusalem at The Franklin Institute
Jonesing for a movie night? National Geographic's Jerusalem–an underground journey exploring ancient mysteries of the Holy Land–is now playing at The Franklin Institute's IMAX theater. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, "Jerusalem gives you a first-hand perspective of the land’s iconic sites, from its ancient valleys to its vibrant neighborhoods and beyond." To view the film's trailer, click here. For more cinematic fun around town this weekend: check out a family matinee of Flight of the Navigator on Saturday (International House Philadelphia), or Humphrey Bogart in The Two Mrs. Carolls on Sunday (The Colonial Theatre). Friday, January 9th-Sunday, January 11th, various times, $5 for members or $9 for non-members, The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street. —Marquesa Rotuski
Wale at TLA
Grammy-nominated Wale is kicking off 2015 with his "Simply Nothing" tour at the Theater of the Living Arts, the second stop on his journey across the country. The performer, who is taking his show on the road to over 32 cities, will feature numbers from his upcoming album aptly called The Album About Nothing. You can get tickets here. Friday, January 9th, 8:00 p.m., TLA, 334 South Street.
Midnight Screening of The Room
If you're a fan of quirky, late-night movies, then the Ritz at the Bourse has a treat for you: a Friday midnight showing of the very strange and dark comedy The Room. This low-budget, R-rated flick about deception and lust will surely be even more humorous after you've had a few drinks before the show, and for $10, it's a fine way to close out your evening. Friday, January 9th, midnight, Ritz at the Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street.
Christoph Eschenbach Visits Philly Orchestra
Former Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Christoph Eschenbach, returns to the City of Brotherly Love for a series of concerts with the Fabulous Philadelphians. Good seats are still available for the shows, which feature the works of Strauss and Schumann. Tickets are available here. Friday, January 9th, 2 p.m., and Saturday January 10th, 8 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street.
"Distant Operator" by Marianne Dages
If you missed out on last week's First Friday art festivities because you were detoxing from the holidays, no fear: Napoleon Gallery is hosting the opening reception of "Distant Operator" by artist Marianne Dages this Friday. Dages, who has exhibited across the country and has taught at Temple's Tyler School of Art, presents a series of work on paper and object assemblage. Friday, January 9th, 6 p.m., Napoleon Gallery, 319 N. 11th Street.
Penns Woods Winery: Tastings and Pairings
Avoid impending frostbite this weekend by heading to Penns Wood Winery to get extra toasty. The winery is teaming up with local cheese and honey artisans to bring oenophiles an exclusive tasting and pairing experience every weekend in January. Each sit down pairing features five premium Penns Woods wines, coupled with a variety of cheeses and honey. This Saturday, enjoy live piano from Grace Anne Field as you sip and sample. Advance reservations are required: call (610) 459-0808 to secure your spot. Cheers! Saturday, January 10th, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, January 11th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $28 per person, Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, PA. —Marquesa Rotuski
All-Day Rocky Fest in South Philly
This all-day tribute to the iconic Philly superstar, Rocky Balboa, is in the heart of South Philly. Rocky lovers can indulge in screenings of all six Rocky flicks starting at 11AM (played in reverse chronological order), and at 9PM, the sounds of DJ Perry Angelozzi will rock out the South Philly Bar and Grill. There's no cover, which should make you shout, "YO, ADRIAN!" Saturday January 10th, 11 a.m., South Philly Bar and Grill, 1235 East Passyunk Avenue.)
PECO Family Jams
Round up the little ones and head to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens for PECO Family Jams, a family-friendly monthly event series. This Sunday, get crafty and help adorn the gardens with winter flare by making beaded snowflakes. Afterward, join a tour at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. and explore the glittering mosaics. Sunday, January 11th, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., $3-$7 (free for children 5 and under), Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street. —Marquesa Rotuski
Final Chance for a Longwood Gardens Christmas
You may have put your Christmas decorations away for the year, but the folks at Longwood Gardens still have theirs up and fully illuminated. It is your last chance to catch the iconic holiday displays for the season: they'll be boxing their glittery goods up after this Sunday. Check out our feature on the holiday magic here. January 9th-11th, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.
Second Sunday at Penn Museum
Allow the Penn Museum to enlighten you this Sunday. This weekend's Second Sunday series embraces global cultures with family-friendly activities, including a hands-on workshop where you can craft a "wesekh—an ancient Egyptian collar necklace worn by men, women, and mummies alike—and discover other Egyptian jewelry and fashions through tours of the Egyptian Galleries." Guests can also take in the Second Sunday Film Series, featuring Local Color: Netherlands. All activities and films are free after museum admission, which is available for purchase online. Sunday, January 11th, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., $10-$15, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street. —Marquesa Rotuski
Super Free Sunday with Philly Improv Theater
If all of that holiday shopping is still taking a toll on your wallet, Philly Improv Theater has the perfect Sunday solution: a free mixer that is sure to tickle your funny bone. Join them for Super Free Sunday, where three of their improv students will be randomly picked to star in a created on-the-spot show. It's a great and humorous way to start off your week. Sunday, January 11th, 7 p.m., Philly Improv Theater, 2030 Sansom Street.
Instant Composers Pool Orchestra + Ken Vandermark/Nate Wooley Duo
Two great groups of musical experimenters will take the stage at Fringearts this Sunday evening. The Instant Composers Pool Orchestra, formed in 1967, blends musical styles from bop to jazz to create a unique and memorable sound. Ken Vandermark and Nate Wooley are both highly in-demand jazz artists who are known for their improvisational works. Tickets available here. Sunday, January 11th, 8 p.m., Fringearts, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
