19 Things To Do In And Around Philly This Weekend

All events subject to cancelation due to snow. Except sledding.

Winter Wonderland

Gonna fly now: Hayden Tomaszewski sleds down the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum in January 2011 | Photograph by Matt Rourke, AP

Gonna fly now: Hayden Tomaszewski sleds down the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum in January 2011 | Photograph by Matt Rourke, AP

Editor’s note: It should go without saying that most events in the city are subject to cancelation due to this weekend’s weather, and many of the events on this list have been canceled or postponed, and we’ve noted where they definitely have been. Philly Mag has a running tally of places and events that are closed, as well as those that are open. Please check with any venue before venturing out. 

Go Sledding!

The city is buzzing with talk of snow. Lots of snow. And sledding’s pretty cheap. There’s a good chance that many of the surrounding Philadelphia hills will be blanketed with several inches of snow by the end of the day tomorrow. If that is the case, you better be prepared. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Sledding in Philadelphia.

Winterfest Brewfest at Penn’s Landing

The Blue Cross RiverRink is celebrating its second annual Winterfest Brewfest at Penn’s Landing. Cozy up in The Lodge where you’ll be greeted by a lineup of local breweries, offering free samples of hops, malt and pedal beer swag. This is not a ticketed event. It’s free to attend and includes free beer samples. Check out the list of attending breweries here. Through Sunday, January 24, 11 a.m., free, The Delaware River Waterfront, 121 North Columbus Boulevard.

Mosaic Medallions at Winterfest

Speaking of Winterfest. Philadelphia Magic Gardens brings the magic to the RiverRink. A mosaic medallion workshop will be included in this weekend’s festivities Penn’s Landing. After skating, thaw out and craft your own sparkling medallion made out of recycled jar lids and decorative beads. Sunday, January 24, 2 p.m., free, The Delaware River Waterfront, 121 North Columbus Boulevard.

See a Show

God Bless Baseball at FringeArts

Baseball is not just America’s favorite pastime anymore. The game is deeply rooted in daily life in Japan and Korea. Join two Korean girls as they come to terms with their cultural identity while standing on a baseball diamond. Japanese actors take the stage to play Korean characters and deliver a performance that traverses the emotional spectrum. Through Saturday, January 23, 8 p.m., $29, FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard. [January 23rd performance canceled.]

Empty the House by Rene Orth at Curtis Institute of Music

A young woman returns to the house she grew up in only to be greeted by painful memories of the past. Stop by the Curtis Opera Studio this weekend to witness the poignant story of a mother and daughter’s journey to find forgiveness in one another. Empty the House is the product of Curtis composer Rene Orth and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell. Sung in English. Friday, January 22 through Sunday, January 24, $35, Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust Street. [January 23rd performance postponed.]

Wait until Dark at University of Delaware

A murderous game of cat and mouse plays out in the dark thriller which inspired the Academy Award nomination for Audrey Hepburn back in 1967. This play will have you gasping and shuddering till the suspenseful climax. Through Sunday, January 24, $15-$29, University of Delaware, 110 Orchard Road, Newark, DE. [January 22nd performance canceled. January 23rd performances rescheduled.]

The End Of Everything Ever at Painted Bride Art Center

Six-year-old, Agata finds herself homeless and alone after climbing aboard a mysterious train filled with many other young faces like her own during World War II. This performance chronicles the true stories and accounts of the Kindertransport. A six-piece band, multiple languages and diverse theatrical styles will be used to tell this story of courage and survival. Through Sunday, January 24, $20, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street. [January 23rd performance canceled.]

 

Mark Normand at Helium Comedy Club

Leave your stresses at the door. Mark Normand’s impressive resume reaches nearly every corner of contemporary comedy. The funnyman has performed in the Comedy Central Half Hour special, he has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer, Last Comic Standing and the list goes on. Through Sunday, January 24, $22, Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom Street.

Concerts

Chris Young at Electric Factory

Consistently in demand, this talented musician did not neglect to grace Philadelphia with his presence. Slip into those cowboy boots for a night out at the Electric Factory. Tonight, the venue will buzz with the country hits of this seasoned star. Young was recently named one of the summer’s top tour openers by Entertainment Weekly and has six number one songs to his name. He hits the road in support of his headlining run. Listen before you go: “I’m Comin’ Over.” Friday, January 22, 8:30 p.m. [January 22nd performance has been rescheduled for January 28th.]

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at Tower Theatre

This pair is so popular they’re in town for two nights. We’re still waiting for their follow-up album to 2012’s Grammy winning debut studio album, The Heist. The Seattle hip-hop duo — rapper Macklemore, real name Ben Haggerty, and producer/DJ Ryan Lewis — have released three tracks in the meantime: “Downtown” (with hip-hop forefather Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz and Foxy Shazam’s high-pitched Eric Nally), “Growing Up (Sloane’s Song),” and “Kevin.” The last one, which they performed in November at the American Music Awards with R&B singer Leon Bridges, deals with the abuse of prescription meds — something Macklemore has dealt with personally. Listen before you go: “Downtown.” Sunday, January 24, 8:30 p.m.. —Sarah Jordan [January 23rd and 24th performances have been postponed.]

Ratatat at Electric Factory 

Promoting last summer’s Magnifique album, this instrumentalist duo — Brooklyn’s Evan Mast on synthesizer and Mike Stroud on guitars — creates an ever unfurling aural kaleidoscope of electronica chill-pop during their shows. There’s Daft Punk and Kraftwerk lurking somewhere in Ratatat’s synth-heavy DNA. Listen before you go: “Abrasive.” Saturday, January 23, 8 p.m. —Sarah Jordan [Show has been moved to January 24th]

The Go! Team at Underground Arts

The Go! Team’s sound is an upbeat, fizzy shambles that has been compared to melting down all your favorite party records into one astounding piece of vinyl. Ian Parton calls it an eclectic mash-up of his favorite things: guitars of Sonic Youth, breaks from old school hip-hop, ’70s TV themes, car chase horns, double dutch jump-roping chants, Charlie Brown piano, and peppy melodies. The jubilant DIY sound — “Ladyflash” and “Huddle Formation” — is matched by an athletic show. Listen before you go: “The Go! Team Documentary.” Saturday, January 23, 8 p.m. —Sarah Jordan  [Show has been canceled.]

Miami Horror at Coda

This Melbourne dance-disco-pop group blends an array of unexpected ’80s influences like New Order, ELO and disco-era Michael Jackson. Listen to “Love Like Mine” and you hear an M.J. — or maybe it’s Quincy Jones — type of syncopation. Tune into “Sometimes” and you can almost hear Peter Hook’s signature high bass line. It’s all good stuff and no doubt this band, fronted by DJ Benjamin Plant, has excellent musical taste. They’re sure to play tracks off last year’s All Possible Futures album. Listen Before you go: “Love Like Mine.” Saturday, January 23, 8:30 p.m. —Sarah Jordan [Show postponed until April 28th]

Philly Flavors

East-Passyunk-Restaurant-Week-937x6241

Restaurant Week Round Two

If you missed out on those unbeatable menu deals last week, have no fear. Restaurant Week continues well into the end of January. Participating establishments offer three course dinners for $35 and some even offer three course lunches for $20. View the complete event guide here. Through Friday, January 29, varying times and locations.

Murder Mystery Nights at Chaddsford Winery

A few glasses of wine oughta warm you right up. The Chaddsford Winery will host an interactive game of Clue this Saturday night. Navigate your way through the wine cellars and throw back some pinot noir all while attempting to solve a murder mystery. Attendees should expect to have a thrilling evening filled with suspense, alcoholic libations and heavy hors d’oeurves. Friday, January 22, 6:15 p.m., Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA.

Museum Events

Demo Day at The Simeone Museum

This weekend, the Convention Center will house some of the hottest vehicles to ever hit the pavement. The Philadelphia Auto Show is just a week away and car crazed enthusiasts can enjoy a preview of the showcase during Demo Day at The Simeone. This week’s featured guest: Vittorio Jano and The Great Alfas. Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m., $12, The Simeone Foundation, 6825 Norwitch Drive.

Tour of China Gallery at Penn Museum

Follow a knowledgeable Penn docent through China’s colorful timeline. This weekend the China Gallery will be open for touring. Interact with original Chinese texts, a crystal ball of Dowager Empress and a collection of Buddist artwork. Saturday, January 23, 1:30 a.m., $15, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street. [Museum will be closed January 23rd.]

Edgar Allan Poe’s 207th Birthday Lecture

Celebrate the English language by attending a free lecture inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Born over two centuries ago, Poe poet left a lasting mark on literature. His influences can still be spotted in many modern works. Join the commemoration of this late poet and author at his former red brick home located on 7th and Spring Garden. [Site will be closed on January 23rd.]