14 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: Ben Franklin Turns 309, Winterfest Live, The Philadelphia Home Show and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre
Direct from Miami (which sounds so nice about now, huh?) comes a dance event that almost defies definition: Is it dance? Theater? Performance art? Drag? Contemporary Ballet? The answer is all of the above. Rosie Herrera Dance has enthralled audiences since 2009; critics have called the troupe's performances "so innovative, searing and disturbing" that they warrant “repeat viewings." The group will be performing their numbers "Various Stages of Drowning" and "Dining Alone." January 15th to January 17th, Zellerback Theatre at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street. —Bryan Buttler
A Bavarian Celebration!
Learn about and experience southern Germany's heritage and—most importantly—its food. This weekend, Chef Wolfgang Vomend will prepare regional dishes at various restaurants in Peddlers Village. The celebration concludes on the 18th with a hearty German Sunday brunch. For those who want to make a weekend out of it, Golden Plough Inn is offering guests complimentary gifts, like a dining card, a bottle of riesling and more grub. January 15th-18th, Peddler's Village, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska.
Tippler's Tour: Celebrating Ben Franklin's Birthday
An evening of drinking and snacking to celebrate Benny Frank’s birthday. A Colonial tippler will lead you on a tour to discover what a tavern was like back in colonial Philadelphia, and visit four historical watering holes. This is perfect for a large group. January 16th-January 24th, 5:30pm, $40, Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th and Chestnut streets.
"Keeping the Dream"
Join the New Jersey Performing Arts Center as they kick off MLK Day weekend with a feature performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a ballet company whose goal is to artistically find hope from the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Jerry M. Carter Jr. from Calvary Baptist Church as the guest speaker for this event, which also includes a student performance. This event is recommended for students, grades 6th through 12th. January 16th, 7:30pm; New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark.
Free Admission to the Ben Franklin Museum
From Property: Your favorite silence-do-everything founding father would have been 309 years old this Saturday and the museum that bears his name is celebrating with free admission from January 17 –19. So, stroll through the memorial frame of his house and print shop–designed by Robert Venturi and John Rauch with Denise Brown, notable Philadelphians in their own right–and go one step further into the museum. There are a few neat special events planned for the weekend, including Armonica demonstrations and interactive displays. More here.
The Dangerous House of Pretty Mbane
InterAct Theatre Company debuts The Dangerous House of Pretty Mbane. This show concerns a young South African soccer player, Noxolo (played by Aimé Kelly), who flees persecution from her country. After Noxolo reaches England, her activist lover, Pretty Mbane, disappears which makes Noxolo reflect on her own life and decisions. Noxolo returns to South Africa during the World Cup, and Noxolo now needs to face her past and the fact that her country turns a blind eye to violence toward women. This play has won an Interact 20/20 new Play Commission and the Kennedy Center's Paula Vogel Award. January 16th, 8pm, $15-22, Interact Theatre Company, 2030 Sansom Street.
Free Pilates Class in Wayne
From Be Well Philly: Saturday morning, our pals at Plank Studio in Wayne our teaming up with Lululemon for a free cardio mat Pilates class. The class will be held at Lululemon Wayne (220 West Lancaster Avenue) at 9 a.m. and will run for 45 minutes. You can bring your own mat or borrow one from the store. More here.
The Philadelphia Home Show
Calling all property owners and home renovations enthusiasts. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is hosting its home show, featuring over 500 exhibits showcasing everything from the latest gadgets and appliances, and celebrity appearances by James Young of DIY’s I Hate My Kitchen and The Fabulous Beekman Boys. If you’re going we have a discount code. Enter “GPhilly” at checkout for a 2-for-1 deal. January 23rd-25th, 10am - 9pm, $10-13, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
XFINITY Live! Philadelphia presents Winterfest Live!
Xfinity Live! hosts Winterfest Live!, a big ol’ drinking and eating fest with over 150 types of beer, whiskey and hard cider to sample, and live music. All attendees will receive a custom beer stein in addition to specials for the "kick and keg” after-party. Designated drivers get a discounted ticket at $20 while admission is $40- $60 for all other attendees. January 17th, 3-7pm, Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, 3601 South Broad Street.
Frozen Takeover at RiverRink
The good folks at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (the same group that puts on the epic Flower Show every year) are taking over the Blue Cross RiverRink this Saturday, January 17th with a Frozen-themed afternoon of fun for the entire family. The event, which runs from noon to 3 p.m., is a preview of the theme for the upcoming 2015 Flower Show, "Celebrate the Movies." Guests at the Frozen party this week will be able to watch the über-popular film in the WinterFest lodge, join a sing along, take pictures with their favorite stars from the film, and create flower crowns to look like a Disney princess. More here.
Winter Classic Charity Hockey Game
Take a trip out to Aston this weekend for Center for Autism's Charity Hockey Game, which will find the Center's Autism Puzzlers facing off against Philadelphia Flyers alumni. The Phillie Phanatic will also make a special appearance when he drops the official puck at the start of the game. Aside from watching the game, there will be a silent auction, "Chuck a Puck" contest, 50/50 raffle, and a meet-and-greet with the players. January 17th, 5:30pm, IceWorks Skating Complex, Rink 3, 3100 West Duttons Mill Road.
Maceo Parker at the Kimmel Center
Legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker has collaborated with everyone from the Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Ray Charles, and Ani Difranco. Make sure to not miss this night of funk and jazz. January 17th, 8pm, $30-$50, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 1500 Walnut Street.
Tribute to Julius Baker, Dolce Suono Ensemble
You've probably heard world-renowned flutist Julius Baker at one point or another and just haven't realized it: The Curtis and Juilliard professor is featured on the soundtracks to Fame, Beauty and the Beast, and West Side Story. Now, the Philadelphia-based Dolce Suono Ensemble, lead by one of Baker's top prodigies, Mimi Stillman, will present the first major tribute to Baker after his 2003 death. The concert at the Trinity Center for Urban Life will feature eight new world premieres with guest artist Jeffrey Khaner, principle flute of The Philadelphia Orchestra, who also studied under Baker. January 18, Trinity Center for Urban Life, South 22nd. and Spruce streets. —Bryan Buttler.
Shoppist's Weekend Sales Guide
From Shoppist: If it seems like sales are popping up left and right this week, then you’re right, and we’re pretty extremely excited about it. Get in on the shopping fun and kick off the weekend properly with a visit to one of these 5 sweet sales happening in Philly and the ‘burbs. Find the list here.
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.
