Arden Theatre Company hosts Play-In-A-Day for MLK Day
For students who are off from school on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Arden Theatre Company is holding its Play-In-A-Day program, where participants have the opportunity to write, rehearse, and perform a play in a single day. Taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students will work together on their day off, collaborating with peers to create an original play from start to finish. From brainstorming ideas, writing the script, rehearsing, and more, the day culminates in bringing their work to life in a final performance that evening. Parental registration is required.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second St.
MLK Day of Service
Join Historic Fair Hill for a day of justice and civic engagement. Help volunteers clean up and beautify our neighborhood and historic site/arboretum. This is an all outdoor event, so dress warmly and bring gloves (if you have them). Children are also welcome and can help with raking leaves, moving tree branches, and garden work and enjoy a Read-aloud session. At noon, we will gather by the fire for reflections on and read speech excerpts from Dr. King, sing freedom hymns, and more.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Historic Fair Hill, 5501 Germantown Ave.
MLK Day Teen Health and Resource Fair
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Councilman Jeffery Young Jr., in partnership with Girard College and the Black Nurses Rock Philly Chapter, will host a Teen Health and Resource Fair focused on expanding access to health care, wellness education, and critical community resources for Philadelphia youth. The event is open to the public, with a particular emphasis on teens from all schools across the 5th Councilmanic District. Designed as a day of service and empowerment, the fair will connect young people and families with health practitioners, prevention education, and supportive services that address both immediate and long-term wellness needs. Planned activities include free health screenings, wellness and prevention resources, information focused on gun violence prevention, and connections to community-based supports. Youth ages 12 and under will participate in a mural-painting activity led by Mural Arts Philadelphia. The program will also feature a community conversation on the desegregation of Girard College, examining its historical significance and ongoing impact. This MLK Day initiative reflects a shared commitment to equity, education, and service—extending Girard College’s legacy beyond campus while addressing the health and wellness needs of predominantly low-income and minority communities.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Girard College, 2101 S. College Ave.
MLK Day at AAMP
On Monday, AAMP, in partnership with Citizens, will offer free admission to the Museum, hands-on activities for families, and Gallery Talks led by AAMP’s curatorial team. There will also be a special visit from the Phillie Phanatic.
When: Monday, Jan 19 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
GREAT’s Annual Dr. King Day Beloved Community Event
On Monday, Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together (GREAT) will host its 7th Annual Beloved Community Event in honor of Dr. King Day. We hope you will join us in honoring the legacy of Dr. King by supporting our efforts. Over the past six years, we’ve gathered hundreds of Germantowners around our affordable housing needs. Our agendas advance Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community – where everyone thrives in a welcoming and supportive neighborhood. In short, GREAT works to ensure that Germantown has quality housing that is accessible to all – especially without barriers due to income. On MLK Day 2026, housing advocates, community organizations, and concerned neighbors will gather for three hours at First United Methodist Church of Germantown to discuss topics on housing.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 12-3 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church of Germantown, 6001 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia Orchestra presents 36th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. concert
In partnership with Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, The Philadelphia Orchestra will present its 36th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins. The performance will showcase works by Black composers, including John Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson’s anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise,” and Carlos Simon’s “Ring Shout” and “Holy Dance” from Four Black American Dances. The program will also feature John Rutter’s “The Lord Is My Shepherd” and Roderick Giles’s “Love Is What We Need,” featuring the Choir of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and the Girard College High School Choir. Pianist Clayton Stephenson will join Wilkins and the Orchestra for a performance of the first movement from Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Stephenson is a recipient of the 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization, recognizing extraordinary leaders in classical music who are transforming lives while addressing the systemic obstacles within Black and Latino communities. Continuing a cherished tradition, Imasogie Storyteller, Narrator, and Host Charlotte Blake Alston will deliver a moving recitation of excerpts from Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, accompanied by Barber’s Adagio for Strings. The concert is free to attend.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
LaRoyce Hawkins & The Legendary Black Ice
Taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and accompanied by a live DJ and live musicians, the evening unfolds with purpose — poetry riding the beat, stories landing where they need to. This is an intimate, intentional gathering of spoken word and music shaped by presence, reflection, and the power of voice. Tickets are required.
When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St.
Philadelphia premiere of “Clue”
“Clue,” the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from the fan-favorite film, will make its Philadelphia premiere presented by Ensemble Arts Philly and The Shubert Organization. Led by Broadway Director Casey Hushion (Associate Director of “Mean Girls” and “The Prom,” Associate Resident Director of “Aladdin,” choreography for the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 20-25
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.
”Draw the Circle”
“Draw the Circle” is a true story of love and transformation, drawn from the playwright’s own life. Starring Joseph Ahmed as an ensemble of characters, this critically acclaimed one-person show illuminates the transition journey of a trans-man named Deen. In his search for belonging, one man transcends expectations placed on him by gender, faith, and family. The play explores the love and endurance required to live authentically and asks us what we do when truth and tradition are in conflict. A story full of humor and heart, Draw the Circle affirms that our shared humanity is always larger than the divisions that are meant to define us.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 21-Feb. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, PA 19063
World premiere of “Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective”
Walnut Street Theatre continues their 217th season with the world-premiere of “Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective,” an adaptation of some of the most famous detective stories ever told! Intrigue, adventure, and comedy unfold in SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE GREAT DETECTIVE, a world premiere adapted from the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes and Watson, drawn together once more, face rivalry, disguises, and mishaps galore. From Baker Street, the two embark on a whirlwind chase, complete with antics and absurd conspiracies, all masterminded by the sinister Professor Moriarty. Mayhem and whimsical mystery unfold in this all-new tale with the world’s greatest detective!
When: Wednesday, Jan. 21-Feb. 15
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
Philadelphia premiere of “Good Bones”
Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company proudly presents the Philadelphia premiere of “Good Bones,” the newest play by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright James Ijames (“Fat Ham”), about gentrification and the consequences of change in a neighborhood and in a family. Directed by Philadelphia-based award-winning actor Akeem Davis, “Good Bones” follows Aisha as she returns to her childhood neighborhood with her husband to help developers “revitalize” the place she grew up. As they renovate their new home, her homecoming proves more complicated than expected. Featuring an all-Philadelphia cast and design team, “Good Bones” uses sharp humor and emotional depth to explore the tension between progress and preservation, asking who cities are built for and what gets lost in the name of change.
When: Thursday, Jan. 22-March 8
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”The Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s” at HSP
How has the makeup of who is an American changed since the American Revolution? How have the people in that changing face of America continuously reinvigorated and reasserted the founding ideals of the country? By examining the documents left by our ancestors in the time leading to America’s 200th birthday, this display will ask those questions of their descendants. This exhibit draws on collections at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and will be curated in partnership with ethnic and genealogical societies that seek to connect Americans to their ancestors through research, programs, and networking opportunities.
When: Thursday, Jan. 22-April 24
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
DRUM TAO brings thunderous rhythm to Zoellner Arts Center
Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University is thrilled to welcome directly from Japan, the internationally acclaimed ensemble DRUM TAO with their all-new show – “The Best.” Part of Zoellner’s Presenting Series, this electrifying performance blends the raw power of traditional Japanese drumming with breathtaking choreography and contemporary theatrical flair. DRUM TAO explodes on stage with a captivating performance full of flash and fire! Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, The Best, blends traditional “Wadaiko” (Japanese Drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair.
When: Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18015
”Faces of Resilience” at City Hall
Recognizing November as Restorative Justice Month, Creative Philadelphia’s Art In City Hall program, in partnership with Councilmember Jim Harrity, presents Faces of Resilience, an exhibition organized by the Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia that was first presented at the Barnes Foundation in 2022. This new iteration features artwork by currently and formerly incarcerated artists from SCI Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security for men. This display is complemented by contemporary masks and works of mixed-media printmaking created by emerging artists from Mural Art Philadelphia’s Guild and Rec Crew, paid apprenticeship programs for justice-impacted or formerly incarcerated young adults, which explore themes of identity and place. Overall, this presentation features the work of 46 artists ranging in age from 18 to 80 years old.
When: ends Friday, Jan. 23
Where: Room 116, Creative Philadelphia Art Gallery at City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
”Face to Face: Isaiah Zagar’s Mosaicked Portraits” at PMG
“Face to Face” invites visitors into the world of Isaiah Zagar’s mosaicked portraits. These intimate artworks depict people who have influenced his life, work, and world, as well as strangers and individuals who captured his imagination. Composed from fragments of tile, mirror, folk artwork, and other materials, each portrait serves as a meeting place between artist and subject. These works reflect not only the people who inspired him personally but also anyone who fascinated him. They embody the broader spirit of Folk Art, collaboration, and community that defines Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Through this collection, visitors can experience Zagar’s mosaics up close, connecting with the people and stories that shaped his art.
When: Friday, Jan. 23-April 12
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
”Poor Judge”
Hailed by Broad Street Review as a “social commentary/fairy tale mashup that will warm many hearts,” the Wilma takes Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale and reimagines it through a lens of delightful whimsy and profound truth. A young girl named Gerda embarks on an adventure through icy landscapes and mystical forces to confront the complexities of love, loss, and the human spirit, and ultimately to save her brother. The heart-warming story of an enchanting odyssey will leave you believing in the magic of love and the warmth of friendship. The most dangerous evil is the one that seeks to erase our capacity for connection. Don’t miss this unforgettable, transformative story for the children in your life, and just as importantly, the child inside of you!
When: ends Sunday, Jan. 25
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
Center City District Restaurant Week returns
Philadelphia’s world-class dining scene takes center stage this winter with the return of Center City District (CCD) Restaurant Week. Starting Sunday, dozens of restaurants across Center City will offer exclusive limited-time menus at a discount. Three-course dinners will be available starting at $45 per person, with select locations offering a $60 premium option. For those heading back into the office, some restaurants will also offer two-course lunch menus for $20. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made directly with participating restaurants. Find the full list of participants and their contact information at ccdrestaurantweek.com.
When: through Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Center City District
Philadelphia’s Commonwealth Youth Choir open auditions
The Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles is thrilled to announce auditions for the Commonwealth Youth Choir. The nationally recognized, all-gender youth choir is made up of children and teens aged 6 through 18 from across the Greater Philadelphia region. After combining the Keystone State Boychoir and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir in 2024, the Commonwealth Youth Choir comprises 160 young singers who, through the program, develop musical skills, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression. Auditions will take place throughout January with a final deadline of Jan. 31. Parents and guardians can schedule an audition online. All auditions are held in person at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and last approximately 15–20 minutes.
When: through Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.
”Arleen Olshan: The Tangle I’ve Gotten Into”
The William Way LGBT Community Center is proud to announce its upcoming art exhibition, Arleen Olshan: The Tangle I’ve Gotten Into, a free exhibition featuring deeply personal drawings, paintings, and photographs by artist, activist, and William Way co-founder Arleen Olshan. The exhibition brings together two interconnected bodies of work. Dead Dykes & Some Gay Men features drawings, paintings, and photographs that honor LGBTQ+ activists, colleagues, friends, artists, authors, and lovers whom Olshan knew and has since lost. Rooted in a decades-long commitment to memorializing queer lives, the series draws from Olshan’s personal archives alongside materials preserved in the John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives at the William Way LGBT Community Center.
When: through Saturday, Feb. 21
Where: iMPeRFeCT Gallery, 5539 Germantown Ave.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Visit the city’s premier wintertime destination, open seven days a week. Reservations are encouraged for timed, 90-minute skating sessions. Visit centercityphila.org to view the full schedule and purchase tickets.
When: through Sunday, Feb. 22
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
”Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets” at the Barnes
This fall, the Barnes Foundation will present Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets, a landmark exhibition of paintings by the self-taught artist Henri Rousseau (1844–1910), featuring works from the Barnes collection and museums around the world. With 18 paintings by Rousseau, the Barnes is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the artist, and the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, with 11, is home to the second largest collection. This exhibition brings together these important collections, providing an unprecedented opportunity to see works that the French art dealer Paul Guillaume either owned — now in the Orangerie’s collection — or sold to Dr. Barnes. Some of these paintings will be reunited for the first time in more than 100 years, while others have never been exhibited together.
When: through Sunday, Feb. 22
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin
The Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin has been reimagined to add a full bar, banquet seating, and new décor. In partnership with Centre Square Hospitality, powered by Aramark Sports + Entertainment, an elevated new menu includes winter dishes like tomato soup and grilled cheese, jumbo pretzel charcuterie and chicken & waffle nachos, while the bar will feature craft cocktails made with Basil Hayden® bourbon, as well as beer, wine and ready-to-drink -196 Vodka Seltzer canned cocktails.
When: through Monday, Feb. 23
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Electrical Spectacle Light Show
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. begins 2026 with winter-themed fun at Winter in Franklin Square presented by Fulton Bank, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. The centerpiece of the festivities is the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to winter music throughout the Square every night. Guests can cozy up around fire pits with hot beverages, including spiked options for adults, and enjoy Street Curling and Chilly Philly Mini Golf (themed to LOVE for the month of February), adorned with lights and decorations. Visitors can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats in the pop-up winter bar, Frosty’s Fireside Lodge.
When: through Sunday, Feb. 28
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
“Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade” at Brandywine
“Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade” will survey the first decade of the career of Baltimore artist Jerrell Gibbs (b. 1988). His dynamic, large-scale figurative paintings of family, friends and community focus on everyday scenes of Black life, transforming them into monumental moments that highlight the universal themes of identity, reflection and belonging. Organized by the Brandywine, this project will mark the artist’s first solo museum exhibition and first monographic publication — and is also the Museum’s first solo presentation of an emerging contemporary artist. The exhibition will feature 30 paintings drawn from both museum and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.
When: through Sunday, March 1
Where: Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Wintergarden on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn
An open-air oasis featuring hundreds of twinkling and colored lights, illuminated overhead sculptures and seasonal foliage, with warm mulled wine available from the Chaddsford Winery kiosk for adults 21 and older.
When: through Sunday, March 15
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest invites guests to cozy up on the Delaware River Waterfront with amazing views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The beloved seasonal tradition features an NHL-sized ice rink, outdoor firepits, warming cabins, and festive food and drink for all ages to enjoy. Open seven days a week, including holidays (unless otherwise noted), admission is free with pay-as-you-go amenities that let visitors create their own winter adventure. Classic amusements like the Ferris wheel, indoor arcade, and the giant holiday tree return in December. For the best experience, guests are encouraged to reserve skating tickets, cabins, firepits, or Rinkside Lounge packages in advance at RiverRink.com.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a cultural milestone exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” The acclaimed exhibition, celebrating the power of art, identity, and imagination, marks its Philadelphia debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture — including “Black Panther,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Amistad,” “Dolomite is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and, for the first time ever, “Sinners.” As the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter has transformed costume design into a form of cultural storytelling, honoring the past while envisioning what’s possible for the future. Her journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hollywood’s most celebrated stages resonates deeply with Philadelphians.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
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