20 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Grand Illumination Celebration @ Peddler’s Village
Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking time out of their busy holiday schedule to turn on one million lights at Peddler’s Village. Local musicians and school choirs will be singing holiday songs, Santa will be posing for photos, and there will be free hot apple cider and marshmallows to roast. Friday is also the opening of the Gingerbread Competition, with more than 50 gingerbread houses on display.
Nutcracker Night @ Franklin Square
The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King from the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be hanging out for the Franklin Square Holiday Festival. Bring the kids for a free arts and craft activity, and make sure to catch one of the Electrical Spectacle light shows.
Jim James @ The Fillmore
Twin Limb opens for singer/songwriter/guitarist Jim James of My Morning Jacket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=25&v=U52J1MZbde0
Jean & Terry @ FringeArts
In this experimental new play from choreographers and performing artists Melissa Krodman and Kelly Bond, a housewife and her spirit guide take “a journey across the astral plane.” It runs through Saturday.
An Evening with Douglas Crimp @ International House
Art critic, curator and historian Douglas Crimp will be at I-House talking about his memoir, Before Pictures, followed by a screening of painter Agnes Martin’s film Gabriel. The event is free but you should RSVP.
Straight Outta Philly @ Kimmel Center
Dance companies Philadanco and Rennie Harris Puremovement team up for this hip-hop and ballet fusion. It runs through Sunday.
Smokey Robinson @ Academy of Music
The King of Motown sings hits from the 1960s and ’70s, from both The Miracles albums and his solo work.
Dublin by Lamplight @ Drexel’s Mandell Theater
Theater critic David Fox raved about this Inis Nua Theatre production of Dublin by Lamplight. You have until Sunday to see it.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Christmas Village @ City Hall
The German open-air holiday market is back for the gift-giving season — this year at the City Hall courtyard and northern apron — with 80 vendors, visits from Santa, edible treats and entertainment. It officially opens Thanksgiving, but you can check it out this Saturday and Sunday during a preview.
Circle of Trees @ Woodmere Art Museum
The annual tree-lighting ceremony at Woodmere comes with caroling, a visit from Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies. Bring an unwrapped toy or book to donate to Chestnut Hill Cares.
D.L Hughley @ Helium Comedy Club
There are still tickets left for two of the six shows comedian D.L. Hughley is doing at Helium this weekend. You know him from his sitcom The Hughleys, or from one of several standup specials. Or from Dancing with the Stars.
Five Dollar Comedy Week @ Good Good Comedy Theatre
Catch the last day of this week-long comedy fest at the new Good Good Comedy Theatre. Tickets to the shows are just 5 bucks each.
Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar @ Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Start your holiday shopping browsing goods from 80 vendors at Art Star’s curated bazaar, or go homemade at one of the Make + Take booths. It’s on for Saturday and Sunday and admission is good for both the bazaar and the museum.
Birdman Live @ Annenberg Center
Composer and jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez will be playing his score live during this screening of Best Picture-winner Birdman.
The National Dog Show @ Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
If you’ve watched the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show on TV and thought, “I really want to pet those dogs,” you’re in luck! Over 2,000 pups will be at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks on Saturday and Sunday. The competition airs nationally on Thanksgiving.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Turkey Day Tailgate @ Crabby Cafe and Sports Bar at Schmidt’s Commons
Phan Cave and Philly PR Girl are hosting their annual tailgate, complete with Thanksgiving food, an open bar, and a Turkey Cook-Off with celeb judges. The Eagles vs. Seahawks game will be on at the Phan Cave trailers, inside Crabby Cafe, and on the 400-foot projection screen. They’ll be collecting for Philabundance, so bring along a non-perishable food item to donate.
Stevie Nicks @ Wells Fargo Center
The Pretenders are the special guests at Stevie Nick’s Wells Fargo Center show.
Symphony Sundays @ Dilworth Park
Skate to music recorded by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park, right in front of City Hall.
Mele Murals @ Asian Arts Initiative
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival closes with Mele Murals, a documentary about graffiti artists in Hawaii. Director Tad Nakamura and Hawaiian street artist Prime will be there for a post-film Q&A and live mural painting, followed by a closing night reception.
Dear Fleisher Exhibition and Sale @ Fleisher Art Memorial
Peruse 700 postcard-sized pieces of art donated from more than 400 artists at the annual Dear Fleisher, 4×6 Inches of Art exhibit benefiting the venue’s arts education programs.
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