17 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend: WWE Royal Rumble, Billy Idol and So Many Beer Festivals
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Winterfest Brewfest
We recommend you do your RiverRink ice skating before you guzzle down your share of ale at the Winterfest Brewfest this weekend. There will be a series of free events all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the RiverRink, including tastings, beer Quizzo, live bands, and homebrew demonstrations. Check out the full calendar here. (January 23-25, 2015, Various Times, RiverRink, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia)
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.
Marilyn Manson at Electric Factory
Marilyn Manson's reputation as one of the most vilified rockers in history precedes him. The man has become famous not only for his musical talent but for being a martyr against censorship—and just plain creepy. Come join Manson and listen to his new album, The Pale Emperor, that will be released January 20th. This concert is open for all ages. January 23rd, 8:30pm, $62.50-$68, Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street.
Motorsports 2015 Racecar and Trade Show
Rev up your engines and get to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend for the Motorsports 2015 Racecar and Trade Show. An event for the entire family, the show will feature go-karts, demonstrations, vendors, and appearances from NASCAR's Joey Logano and former Eagle Brian Westbrook. On Sunday, all kids 12 and under are free. (January 23-January 25, 2015, Various Times, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks)
Pig Iron's Annual Benefit Cabaret
Pig Iron Theatre Company is throwing their annual zany fundraising function this Friday, and audience members should expect the unexpected. Titled "Pigonometry: Let Us Take You On A Tangent," the evening at the Trocadero features performances from Brian Sanders’ JUNK and Ms. Martha Graham-Cracker. Tickets are available here. (January 23, 2015, 8:00PM, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., Philadelphia)
John Oliver at Tower Theatre
Comedian John Oliver, best known for his work on Last Week Tonight, The Daily Show, and NBC's Community, will be playing two shows at Upper Darby's Tower Theatre on January 23. The Emmy Award-winning writer will surely tickle your funny bone as he takes a satirical look at current events and politics. (January 23, 2015, 8:00PM and 10:30PM, Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby)
Orchid Extravaganza Grand Opening at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens isn't just for Christmas. The coveted landmark in Kennett Square opens its annual Orchid Extravaganza this Saturday. Escape the cold and snow by checking out over 5,000 orchids on display throughout a 4-acre conservatory. It's a beautiful tropical get away just minutes away from Center City. (Starts January 24, 2015, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square)
Radio 104.5 Winter Jam 2015
Get your warmest clothes on and head over to Xfinity Live this Saturday for an all-day free concert sponsored by Radio 104.5. Winter Jam 2015 will feature The Gaslight Anthem, Cold War Kids, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Walk the Moon, and more. The event is free, but you must download a ticket in order to get in. (January 24, 2015, 10:00AM, Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia)
Belgian Beer Festival at Iron Hill
From Foobooz: If you’re going to lock yourself inside tomorrow to hide from the snow, you might as well lock yourself inside of a brewery. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester is holding their annual Belgium Comes to West Chester festival on Saturday, January 24. The pay-as-you-go event will feature Belgian-style beers starting at 1 pm. Many of the brewers of the over 25 featured beers will be there. Eight-beer samplers will be available to guests as well as a la carte beer, Belgian-inspired snacks and t-shirts. More here.
Al Pacino Academy Ball
We know it sounds a little strange, but Al Pacino and Yannick Nezet-Seguin are on a double bill this Saturday. The unlikely pair will be celebrating the 158th anniversary of the Academy of Music at a white-tie affair that is sure to be swanky and celebrity-filled. The concert and ball is the only means of support to preserve the landmark theatre, and, yes, you can be a part of the extravagance. (January 24, 2015, 7:30PM, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)
Reel Big Fish at Electric Factory
Many people may know Reel Big Fish from when they started to become more mainstream in the mid-90s. They have been able to expand their following through movie appearances and playing tours worldwide. For all you ’90s fans, the lead singer and songwriter is still Aaron Barrett. Twenty-year vets Less Than Jake will be joining them on stage. January 24th, 8pm, $30.85, Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street.
Billy Idol at Tower Theatre
The rebel (still) yells. (Saturday, January 24, 2015, 8PM, Tower Theatre, 19 South 69th Street, Philadelphia)
Jerry Blavat and the Early Days of Rock and Roll
The one and only Jerry Blavat is taking over Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall on Saturday for a show that's sure to leave you dancing in the streets. He'll be joined on stage with Mel Carter, Jimmy Clanton, Gene Chandler, and Lloyd Price, along with a 30-piece orchestra who will play some of the most memorable numbers in the great rock and roll songbook. Tickets can be purchased here. (January 24, 2015, 8:00PM, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)
Celebrate Community Diversity by Creating a Mural
If you ever wanted to help create one of those fabulous murals you see throughout Philly, here's your chance. Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas teamed up with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and artist Cesar Viveros to allow community members a chance to paint their way through a new mural in South Kensington. It's a great way to celebrate diversity while exploring your creativity. (January 25, 2015, 12:00PM, Talentos Studio, 1417 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia)
Sour Bowl at Bru
From Foobooz: On January 25, Bru will be hosting Sour Bowl I, a pay-as-you-go event including 32 unique drafts priced between seven to nine dollars. The event will include rare sours, as well as ciders, ales, imperial IPAs and stouts. The taps will open at noon and are first come, first served. It will include Allagash Brewing Company Currant Affair, Perennial Artisan Ales The Last Word, Russian River Brewing Consecration and much more. Chef Andrew Gaspar will also feature specials like house-made pickles, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. More here.
Power Animal at Bourbon & Branch
Electronic music artist Power Animal (aka Philly's Keith Hampson) will be joined at Bourbon & Branch this week by Pregnant, Idiot Forever and Raymond Chalme. Sunday, January 25th, 7pm, $7-$10, Bourbon & Branch, 705 North Second Street.
WWE Royal Rumble at Wells Fargo Center
Start off the new week by kicking it in the ass: WWE is bringing it's epic Royal Rumble 2015 to the Wells Fargo Center this Sunday. Over 30 professional wrestlers will compete in an elimination battle to see who is the last man standing. Of course, you'll be able to take in all the theatrics and hard-hitting stunts of other matches throughout the evening, too. (Sunday, January 25, 2015, 7:30PM, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)
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.
