Stay Warm with Free Winterwear at Open Wardrobe
With a mission of eliminating clothing insecurity, The Wardrobe opens its doors this month for anyone in need of free winterwear. While most traditional coat drives have ended, many in our community still need help staying warm this winter. Additional resources may be provided. Coat donations are always welcome.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Available at five Wardrobe locations: 413 N 4th St., Philadelphia; 62 W. Marshall Rd. Upper Darby; 345 Scarlett Road, Kennett Square; the Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov’s), and 536 George St., Norristown.
Philadelphia Orchestra ushers in the Year of the Horse with Lunar New Year Celebration
The Philadelphia Orchestra is collaborating with China’s Central Conservatory of Music for two days of people-to-people exchange through music in Philadelphia to celebrate the Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Horse. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual Lunar New Year celebration pays tribute to Philadelphia’s diverse Asian American community and is part of the ensemble’s ongoing relationship with the people of China. In 1973, under the direction of Eugene Ormandy, The Philadelphia Orchestra became the first American orchestra to perform in China. Since that first visit, the full Orchestra has returned 13 times — most recently in 2024 — and small ensembles have returned often for residency activities — most recently in October 2025. The Orchestra has developed deep, impactful connections throughout China that serve as a cultural bridge for people-to-people exchange.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
China Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra
The Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra will perform a one-night-only concert in Perelman Theater under the direction of conductor Liu Sha. The ensemble will perform several Chinese pieces featuring soloists on a diverse array of traditional Chinese instruments, including bamboo flutes, sheng, yangqin, guzheng, banhu, pipa, and erhu. The Spring Festival program includes the world premiere of Zhang Zheng’s Feng·Ya·Song (Ballad, Court Hymn, Eulogy).
When: Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.
Where: Perelman Theater, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Room 112 Tour comes to Philly
On Friday, Live Nation Urban will bring the legendary, Grammy-winning R&B quartet 112 to Philly audiences. Joining the group in the show is acclaimed 90s R&B girl group Total and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and producer Case, serving as the tour’s supporting acts. Grammy Award–winning R&B group 112, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, rose to fame after signing with Bad Boy Records in 1995. Known for their smooth harmonies and unforgettable hits like “Only You,” “Cupid,” “It’s Over Now,” “Anywhere,” “You Already Know,” and the platinum smash “Peaches & Cream,” 112 helped define an era as pioneers of hip-hop and R&B. Legendary 90s R&B group Total, led by Keisha Epps and Kima Dyson, helped define an era with their sultry harmonies, edgy style, and unforgettable stage presence. With chart-topping hits like “Can’t You See” and “Kissin’ You,” Total became pioneers of the fusion of Hip Hop and R&B, leaving a lasting mark on music history.
When: Friday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
45th Annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum
In partnership with the American Center for Asian Students and Penn’s Center for East Asian Studies, the Penn Museum gallops into the Year of the Horse with its 45th annual CultureFest! Lunar New Year. One of the longest-running cultural celebrations in the country, CultureFest! features live traditional and contemporary dance performances, storytelling, art-making, educational workshops, Tai Chi, and a marketplace. The grand finale will be marked by a Lion Dance, which has grown to become a family favorite. As a welcome gift for CultureFest! attendees, each visiting group or family will receive a lucky red envelope—a Lunar New Year tradition—containing a special offer from the Museum Shop. All CultureFest! Lunar New Year activities are included with Museum admission.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
Founders Philly Freeze Out
Bundle up and head on over to Manayunk for a frosty, fun-filled day at the Founders Philly Freeze-Out and MNYK Chowder Crawl. Founders Brewing Company and Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with 22+ ice sculptures and six live carving demonstrations by and Ice Sculpture Philly. Festivities also include Founders beer specials, a winter market, a kid’s moonbounce, a snowy igloo, a mobile gaming truck, food trucks, a chowder crawl, shopping deals and other cool surprises. The day starts with the Freeze Out Run by Philadelphia Runner and New Balance. Founders Philly Freeze Out is an open-street event, with activations located along Main Street, at Canal View Park and at the RichardsApex parking lot. Free to attend, pay as you go.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Main Street Manayunk
IBX RiverRink hosts free Ice-Skating Day
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), the nonprofit steward of the beloved Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, will host Philly Skates Free presented by Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Kicking off America’s 250th Year with a birthday-themed celebration, Philly Skates Free invites the community to enjoy free skating admission and skate rentals, complimentary birthday cake while supplies last, half-off happy hour from 6-10 p.m., and a lineup of fun festive surprises throughout the day. Free face painting will take place during the day from 12–2 p.m., while DJ entertainment will take place in the Lodge from 6–9 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Winterfest vendors. Reservations are required.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Dry Vibes
Dry Vibes, the region’s premier alcohol-free social and wellness celebration, returns to Philadelphia with an expanded lineup, and a renewed focus on community, presence, and purpose. Hosted by Gem Life + Bar, Dry Vibes is designed for full-body wellness, proving that taking care of yourself can be fun and rewarding too. Dry Vibes 2026 will welcome a lineup of high-profile speakers and guests who reflect the powerful shift toward conscious living and intentional social experiences. Dry Vibes is designed to bring together individuals who are sober, sober-curious, or simply seeking more mindful ways to gather.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: BILLY PENN Studios, 1516 N. 5th 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: ends 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: ends Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.
The 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show
The 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show returns with a lineup of immersive, hands-on experiences from Stellantis, including Camp Jeep®, Drive! Stellantis, the Chrysler Stow ’n Go Challenge, and a range of vehicles on display across Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo. The show features Camp Jeep, an immersive indoor off-road ride experience where attendees hop into Jeep® vehicles with professional 4×4 drivers and tackle signature obstacles, including the 18-foot-high Jeep® Mountain, Extreme Breakover, and Articulation Wedges; Drive! Stellantis, where guess can et behind the wheel of the latest models from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo in a relaxed, no-pressure test drive experience inside the show; and Chrysler Stow ‘n Go Challenge, a fast-paced, hands-on challenge that puts packing skills to the test and highlights the versatility of Chrysler’s Stow ’n Go seating. Tickets are required.
When: Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 8
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch 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: ends Sunday, Feb. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, PA 19063
“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: through Sunday, Feb. 15
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
”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
“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: through Sunday, March 8
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
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.
”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: through Sunday, April 12
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South 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: through Friday, April 24
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
“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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