It’s February, the shortest month of the year. Make the most of it by adding these activities to your calendar.
Learn About Philly’s Black History
The Free Library of Philadelphia will have dedicated Black History Month programming across its branches, including a Black cultural heritage fair & celebration at Parkway Central Library on Feb. 21, a Black History Month quizzo event at Haddington Library on Feb. 24, and a concert with Renaissance Orchestra at Wynnefield Library on Feb. 24.
Take a walking tour with Historic Fairhill on Feb. 7. If you prefer to learn at your own pace, try a self-guided tour in Northern Liberties or on South Street.
Learn about Philly’s connection to the Underground Railroad by visiting these sites.
Visit the Historical Society of Pennsylvania or join virtually on Feb. 22 for a talk on “Black History in Times of Self-Evident Truths, Half-truths, and Untruths.”
Celebrating Every Kind of Love
Buy a gift for your valentine at Love, Chestnut Hill on Feb. 7, the Kismet x Jinxed Valentines Market on Feb. 8, or the Now+Then Marketplace’s Make Love Market on Feb. 14.
Find out your astrological love language at this Galentine’s Salon at Sunday Girl on Feb. 14.
Time & Peace Café and Gallery is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a live figure drawing night, accompanied by live music, themed mocktails and lattes, and charcuterie.
Whether you’re celebrating platonic or romantic love, toast to it at El Techo con Amor on Feb. 14. Make your own bouquet, write love letters, and enjoy a complimentary cocktail and snacks as you party the night away.
Put Your Mardi Gras Beads On
Craftsman Row Saloon is already decked out in purple, green, and gold for its annual Mardi Gras pop-up. Stuff your face with king cake, crawfish mac and cheese, and jambalaya.
It isn’t Mardi Gras without a jazz band. Hoppin’ John’s Soul-Fried Brass Band is coming to Chris’ Jazz Cafe on Feb. 17. There will be a parade heading down Chestnut Street to Broad Street and back up Sansom Street to finish the party inside the venue.
Welcome the Year of the Horse
If you didn’t hit the ground running in January, here’s your chance to start the year fresh. The Lunar New Year is Feb. 17, but Philly’s Asian community has several days of celebrations.
Support local makers by shopping at Asian Americans United’s Lunar New Year Market on Feb. 15.
Ring in the new year on Feb. 18 with a song at Asian Arts Initiative’s Lunar New Year Karaoke Happy Hour.
The Philadelphia Suns will be performing lion dances throughout the month, including during Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Midnight Parade on Feb. 16 or the Day Parade on Feb. 22.
FORTUNE is celebrating both the Lunar New Year and Ramadan at Icebox Project Space on Feb. 21. Guests can enjoy workshops, live performances, spa services, mahjong, and a raffle with proceeds benefitting Juntos and Vietlead.
Grab a Bite
Warm your heart and your stomach at Philadelphia Brewing Co.’s Hearts & Farts Chili Cookoff on Feb. 14.
If one of your goals for this year was to eat somewhere new, two upcoming restaurant weeks are giving you that chance on a budget. Bella Village Restaurant Week runs from Feb. 20 through March 1, and East Passyunk Restaurant Week runs from Feb. 23 through March 6.
