Faizon Love comes to City Winery
Comedian Faizon Love is a Cuban-born American actor and comedian best known for his roles in films such as “Friday,” “Elf” and “Couples Retreat,” as well as voicing the character Sean “Sweet” Johnson in the video game “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.” The comes with food and beverages served directly to the table. Tickets are required.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St.
World-premiere of “Complications in Sue”
One librettist, one actor, four singers, and ten composers join forces to make opera in a brand-new way as Opera Philadelphia presents the World Premiere of Complications in Sue at the Academy of Music. This new opera unfolds in 10 vignettes by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop) in his operatic debut. Each scene takes place in a different decade in the life of the main character, named Sue, performed by MacArthur Genius and cabaret icon Justin Vivian Bond.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 4-8
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
Academy Town Square: Tending the Canopy
Trees line many Philadelphia streets and shade neighborhood parks and green spaces. The trees make our city more breathable and livable, help cool our neighborhoods during the warmest months and, according to studies, support both our mental and physical health. The Philadelphia urban tree canopy sustains life, proliferating biodiversity and mitigating against climate change by sequestering carbon. In our next Academy Town Square, Tending the Canopy, WHYY’s Maiken Scott speaks with three experts who illuminate how and why trees are planted and what it takes to sustain a healthy urban forest.
When: Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6–7:30 p.m.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) encourages everyone to get an HIV test. To spotlight the impact of HIV on the Black community, PPP is hosting a free HIV testing event ahead of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Anyone who takes an HIV test on February 6 will receive a $10 McDonald’s gift card. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is dedicated to raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities. First observed in 1999, NBHAAD highlights the importance of community involvement and improved access to HIV education, prevention, testing, and treatment services.
When: Friday, Feb. 6 at 12 p.m.
Where: Prevention Point Philadelphia’s Main Building, 2319 Kensington Ave.
First Friday: Küf Knotz & Christine Elise
Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and light fare at the monthly First Friday mixer. The night’s performance features the genre-defying sounds of Küf Knotz & Christine Elise, a dynamic duo blending hip-hop, soul, classical, and new age influences. Named best rapper in Philadelphia magazine’s 2022 Best of Philly list, Küf Knotz is known for his spiritually charged lyrics and lo-fi, boombox-era beats. He has opened for Bruce Springsteen, the Roots, and Lauryn Hill, among others. Christine Elise is a classically trained harpist, pianist, and vocalist with a background in music therapy. Her ethereal harp and soulful vocals elevate the duo’s sound into a transcendent experience. Küf Knotz & Christine Elise have toured across North America, with appearances on NPR Music and Sugarshack Sessions.
When: Friday, Feb. 6 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Boozy Ben’s “Bengo” at Franklin Square
Play Ben Franklin-themed bingo inside the Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card). Proceeds from “Bengo” benefit the management and operation of Franklin Square.
When: Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Dancing With the Stars: Live!
This year’s all-new stage show will feature your favorite dancers from the No. 1 hit television show. They’ll be performing brand-new numbers dreamed up by Emmy award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore (Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour) as well as some of the viral routines that launched a million TikToks. Come relive DWTS’ smash-hit, record-breaking 34th season live and in person! Comedian Andy Richter (who will serve double duty as co-host), “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel (who will also join as co-host), “Parent Trap” and “Freakier Friday” actress Elaine Hendrix (co-hosting as well as dancing) will join the tour as special guest co-hosts. DWTS S34 Finalists, content creator and The Traitors winner Dylan Efron, Team USA champion gymnast Jordan Chiles, and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin are all thrilled to be joining the tour for select shows.
When: Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
Love, Chestnut Hill
The Chestnut Hill Business District returns with its popular Love, Chestnut Hill event. Perfect for those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day early, the event invites visitors to spend the day supporting small businesses while enjoying Valentine’s-themed specials, drinks, and unique shopping and dining experiences throughout the neighborhood. Also returning this year is the Love, Chestnut Hill Raffle. On that day only, shoppers will receive one raffle ticket for every $25 spent at participating businesses. After completing their information, ticket stubs will be collected, and shoppers are encouraged to keep their numbered portion for a special drawing. Two winners will be selected on Wednesday, February 11, each receiving a prize basket valued at more than $600.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 8000-8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue
Kids Intro to Ceramics: Pinch Pots
Join us at Utility Works Creative Community, and get hands-on with clay in this fun, kid-focused introduction to ceramics! In this single-session class, young artists will learn the basics of handbuilding with clay using a simple and classic technique called pinch pots. Pinch pots are an easy, approachable way to explore clay. Kids will start by shaping a basic form and, as their confidence grows, can choose to turn it into something more imaginative, like a bowl, cup, animal, or small sculpture. No prior experience needed. The class is open to kids ages 6+. Parents for kids 6-13 are asked to stay; parents are welcome to play along, though will not be given individual guidance. This class encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and hands-on exploration in a supportive and playful environment.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7 from 12-1 p.m.
Where: Utility Works, 32 E. Baltimore Ave.
Step Afrika!: The Evolution Tour
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dancers, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
Northern Liberties Restaurant Week
The two tastiest weeks of the year are back on Northern Liberties restaurant row. There’s an assortment of cuisines, vibes, cocktail features and more making it the perfect time to fall in love with a new restaurant in Philadelphia’s fastest growing neighborhood, or return to support a long-time favorite. From our first-ever new soup dumpling hot spot, to our brand new Indian hot spot, to a hidden speakeasy behind a soda machine, to one of Philly’s most famous breweries, to one of Philadelphia’s most notable Black owned restaurants, to the oldest gastro pub in America, there’s something for every palate, every vibe and every price point.
When: ends Sunday, Feb. 8
Where: Northern Liberties
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: ends Sunday, Feb. 8
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.
“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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