12 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Closing weekend festivities at Winterfest, the Flower Show kicks off, Mardi Gras in Manayunk and more things to do in Philly this weekend.
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That's all, folks: The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will be closing shop this weekend, which gives you one final time to take in the ice skating rink, the cozy lounges with fireplaces, and the delicious food. There are special events running all weekend long, including a Friday night happy hour and the Philly Circus on Saturday and Sunday. Friday, February 27-Sunday, March 1, Various Times, Free, Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard
Leading jazz vocalist Joanna Pascale will be lending her soulful style this Friday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's popular Art After 5 program. She will be premiering new songs from her album Wildflower during the event, which features Stephen Starr nibbles and access to the museum's vast collection before, during, and after the show. Friday, February 27, 5:00pm, Free after admission, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The weekend long Philly Video Music Festival at PhilaMOCA begins withStephen Pitalo's "The History of Music Videos: Part One. The multimedia presentation will begin with early jazz films, TV performances and movie musicals before eventually moving into the 1980s and the birth of MTV. It ends with the downfall of hair metal and the beginning of the Seattle grunge and alt-rock scene. The weekend continues with a host of other video-centric parties and activities. For more, including the full itinerary, go here.
It's hard to imagine any musical artists that define the early 80s more than Prince and Michael Jackson. On Friday, you'll be able to jam out to the music of these two artists at Underground Arts during their Prince and Michael Jackson Experience. DJ Dave Paul, who has been hosting the themed party across the country for twelve years, will be on hand to mix sick beats all night long. Friday, February 27, 9pm, $15, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street
It's part boxing match, part dance performance: Fringe Arts presents Rocco, which incorporates a cast of male "dancer-fighters" that are sure to wow audiences with their close combat choreography. The performance is based on the 1960's film Rocco and His Brothers, and explores one family's relationship between love and hate. Friday, February 27-Saturday, February 28, 8:00pm, $29, Fringe Arts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
Dance Iquail celebrates their 5th anniversary and brings their Nina Simone-infused work Black Swan to The Mandell Theatre. The show explores the life and struggles of a black ballerina and incorporates elements of performance art to highlight racial and social tensions throughout the dance performance. Friday, February 27-Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm, $15, Mandell Theatre, 3141 Chestnut Street
It's a Philadelphia tradition: The 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show opens on Saturday to the general public, and this year's theme, "Celebrate the Movies," is sure to have something for everyone. Inspired by Disney films, guests will be wowed by the massive floral displays that have become the hallmark of the show, plus there are a ton of special events throughout the festival's duration. Opens Saturday, February 28, 11:00am, $15-32, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
From Property: After years of sitting in quiet disuse, the St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel at Spruce and 42nd will open its doors to the public for a three-day-only installation by artist Aaron Asis called “Ci-Lines.” Given that the site-specific piece is in conjunction with Art in the Open, an exhibit by the University City Arts League that celebrates artists “and their relationships with the urban environment,” the long-shuttered chapel seems like the perfect spot to have it. More here.
The Penn Museum presents their annual Celebration of African Cultures on Saturday. Guests can enjoy specially-curated tours of the museum's collection, a belly dance workshop, arts and crafts, storytelling, drum seminars, and plenty of traditional music and dance. Saturday, February 28, 11:00am, Free after museum admission, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
SOJA's reggae-infused stylings have won them acclaim the world over. Now, the Grammy-nominated band comes to Philly's Electric Factory for a one-night only show on Saturday featuring the music off their latest album, Admit the Noise and Haste. It's one of those concerts where it will be impossible to not dance in the aisles. Saturday, February 28, 8:30pm, $28.35, The Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street
If your Mummers fix wasn't filled last month, there will be over 10,000 of them strutting down Main Street on Saturday as they celebrate Mardi Gras in Manayunk. A parade starts in the morning, followed by string band performances in stores and restaurants, plus a ton of after parties at the bars and pubs throughout the stretch of Manayunk. It's literally an all-day affair. Saturday, February 28, 10am, Free, Throughout Main Street Manayunk
It's the only time in March that you'll be able to catch Martha Graham Cracker in Philly. The fearless queen takes to the stage of L'Etage on Sunday night with two special guests: Johnny Showcase and Rumi Kitchen. Expect an eclectic mix of just about any musical stylings you can imagine, and, yes, the early show start means you'll get home for a reasonable bedtime. Sunday, March 1, 7pm, $15, L'etage, 642 South 6th Street
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 [email protected].
