By Molly Given

Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Bark Bowl

This weekend marks the kickoff of Bark Bowl 2026—a game-day–inspired celebration where dogs take the field, humans sip Yappy Hour cocktails, and everyone rallies for a great cause benefiting the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at Craft Hall,  the game begins at 1 p.m. Dogs will take the field in 10-minute play sessions, grouped by size. (Note: Dogs can watch the game-play as spectators as well.) To keep playtime worry-free, Craft Hall asks that all participating dogs are up to date on vaccines and shots and are preferably spayed or neutered. Dogs are also welcome to enter the indoor turf area, but are asked to remain leashed when they move to the sidelines.

For the humans on site, guests can sip on Yappy Hour favorites like the Corgi Apple Mule or Bulldog Barkarita, with $1 from every cocktail benefiting the PSPCA. The puppy patio will be open for dining, featuring smoked BBQ platters and craft-style pizzas as well. Bark Bowl 2026 is free to attend, though guests are encouraged to RSVP online.

901 N Delaware Ave., crafthallphilly.com

February First Friday: A Valentine’s Affair

This weekend, locals can head to Old City for a Valentine’s-themed First Friday at The Gas Lamp Hotel. On Feb. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., local residents, artists, community members, and visitors are invited to an evening where “romance meets sophistication” with handcrafted cocktails featuring Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, and thoughtfully prepared bites. The courtyard will also be open for starlit mingling, and the speakeasy lounge will feature more spirited fun.

The best part?The evening also allows participants to enter into an exclusive raffle for an overnight stay at the hotel. Admission is free, with drinks and bites available for purchase. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot via Eventbrite.

140 North 2nd St., thegaslampphilly.com

34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair

The 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair returns to Philadelphia this Saturday, Feb. 7, and will be transforming the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a celebration of stories, imagination, and Black history in the making. One of the largest and longest-running single-day events dedicated to diverse children’s books in the country, the fair brings an all-star lineup of 40 award-winning authors and illustrators to the city that helped put Black children’s literature on the national map.

This year’s highlights include a first post–Newbery Medal appearance by Renee Watson—one of only a handful of Black Americans to receive the honor—and a special spotlight on illustrators, featuring 16 acclaimed artists, including Caldecott Medal winners and honorees. Running from 1 to 4 p.m., the free, family-friendly event offers a rare chance to meet the creators shaping how young readers first encounter Black history and culture.

1101 Arch St., theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

Ebba Sparre Sauna Collective pop-ups at FDR Park

This health-focused pop-up experience comes from the local space-making design and development practice, Scout. Open now through March 29, three saunas have once again been installed on the terrace of the American Swedish Historical Museum to offer a heated way to unwind this winter. An ode to Nordic sauna culture, Philadelphians can book sessions for up to 4 people in a sauna for 45 minutes ($120) or 30 minutes ($100).

Guests are provided with complimentary towels, compostable swimsuit bags, and storage lockers, but some extra goodies like sauna hats, socks, long-sleeve t-shirts, and sheet masks are also available for purchase. The best part?  Each reservation comes with free admission to the museum.  Scout is donating 10% of all revenue back to the ASHM, and bookings can be made on Ebba Sparre’s official site.

1900 Pattison Ave., ebbasparresauna.com

Netflix House: ‘Bridgerton’s’ Season of Love

This February, Netflix House invites guests to immerse themselves in ‘Bridgerton’s’ Season of Love, where romance, elegance, and Regency glamour is sprinkled into a few different events. For a limited time, locals can enjoy immersive experiences, seasonal treats, exclusive goods, and more all in celebration of the widely popular series. Now through Feb. 14, Philadelphians can book a ‘Bridgerton’ Tea with themed refreshments, or, opt to grab some unique ‘Bridgerton’ merch. Tickets and more information can be found online.

180 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, netflix.com/house