By Molly Given<\/p>\n
Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n
Dry January Bar Crawl<\/p>\n
Some say Dry January<\/a> can be a little boring\u2014but Philly has other plans for the booze-free initiative.<\/p>\n This weekend (Jan. 17 and 18), the first-ever Northern Liberties and Fishtown Dry January Bar Crawl will be in full swing with 26+ restaurants, bars, wineries and breweries offering signature mocktails or zero-proof cocktails, food specials and social events.<\/p>\n According to a release, participating establishments will offer at least one or more mocktails or NA beverages at happy-hour-style pricing, including options at $6, $8, and $10. \u00a0Philadelphians will also find food pairings and discounted apps, games, activities, special events, pop-ups and unique non-alcoholic or wellness-inspired menu items to complete their bar crawl experience. A full list of participating spots can be found online.<\/p>\n explorenorthernliberties.org<\/a><\/p>\n Ben Franklin\u2019s Tippler\u2019s Tour at Carpenter\u2019s Hall<\/p>\n Philadelphia<\/a> knows how to celebrate its own\u2014and this January, Historic Philadelphia is honoring its most famous founding father, Benjamin Franklin.<\/p>\n This weekend specifically, locals can join in on Franklin\u2019s Limited Edition Tippler’s Tour for a unique and spirited commemoration in honor of Silence Dogood’s birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n Produced in partnership with the Carpenters\u2019 Company, the event is returning for three days (Jan. 16, 17 and 18) at Carpenter’s Hall, and will feature savory snacks and seasonal beverages with a side of history. The three evenings (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) offer a perfect way to \u201cdelight in lighthearted toasts and spirited songs, delivered by the famous inventor and statesman himself.” Tickets ($40) are available online.<\/p>\n 320 Chestnut St., historicphiladelphia.org<\/a><\/p>\n Center City District Restaurant Week<\/p>\n This Sunday kicks off the winter iteration of Center City District Restaurant Week, and there is a little something for everyone on the docket in 2026. Taking place Jan 18 to 31, venues around the area will offer three-course, prix-fixe dinners priced at $45 \u00a0or $60, and two-course lunches for $20 (note, some venues will participate in dinner only.) For an additional price, cocktail pairings can be added to complement menus with Hornitos Tequila and Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey as well.<\/p>\n A full list of participating spots and cuisines (which range this year to offer menus packed with Italian<\/a>, Mediterranean, Southern, Cuban and other options) can be found online<\/a>. (Note that gratuity, special dietary choices and hours of operation vary by location.)<\/p>\n In addition to the menus, diners participating in Center City District Restaurant Week can also find discounted parking<\/a> for $10 or less from 4:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. at select LAZ, BexPark by Brandywine, and Philadelphia Parking Authority locations. Locals can find more information on the event’s official website, along with instructions on QR codes or how to reserve your spot ahead of time.<\/p>\n centercityphila.org<\/a><\/p>\n Wellness Walks at Morris Arboretum<\/p>\n Taking place Saturdays and Sundays now until March 2026, Philadelphians can head to the scenic Morris Arboretum to participate in weekly Wellness Walks (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.) Led by an experienced volunteer guide, these brisk walks will stick to paved paths and are free with admission.<\/p>\n While there, Philadelphians can also explore Morris\u2019 fernery, tree canopy walk, fairy gardens, historic structures and perhaps catch the venue’s swans, Flora and Fauna, while at the swan pond (plus keep an eye out for some koi.)<\/p>\n 100 E. Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Steel Magnolias\u2019 at People\u2019s Light<\/p>\n It\u2019s a New Year and that means a fresh batch of shows are incoming from the Malvern-based theater, People\u2019s Light. First up in 2026 is the staging of Robert Harling\u2019s \u2018Steel Magnolias<\/a>\u2019, which is set to run now through Feb. 15 at the award-winning arts venue.<\/p>\n The popular story, which first premiered in 1987 \u2014 and went on to become a film and TV show \u2014 follows a tight-knit group of women while they maneuver the ups and downs of life in a beauty shop in small-town Chinquapin, Louisiana. According to a release, the cast is composed almost entirely of People\u2019s Light<\/a> company artists, many of whom have performed together on stage for years.<\/p>\n Groups of 10 or more can receive 15 to 25% discounts, plus custom benefits by calling 610-647-1900, Ext. 111, or emailing groupsales@peopleslight.org<\/a>. There will also be two $30 access dates for ‘Steel Magnolias’ with the first one up on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n