The year is ramping up in February with Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month. Whether you’re looking to commemorate a special day or easing your way out of hibernation, here are some events to look forward to in Philly this month.
🎭 Performances Keeping Eyes Glued to the Stage
The Arden Theatre’s run of Holy Grail of Memphis has been extended until March 2, giving you some extra time to see this bluesy comedy from Philadelphia’s own Michael Hollinger. If you can’t get tickets, August Wilson’s King Hedley II begins its run on Feb. 27.
If you’re a fan of ancient mythologies and basketball, you’re going to love Inua Ellams’ The Half-God of Rainfall. Taking the stage at the Wilma Theater on Feb. 11, the story mixes Yoruba and Greek tales as it follows a young demigod protagonist who chases his dream of joining the NBA just as his mysterious ancestral powers begin to develop.
Night Side Songs is a love letter to Philadelphia that explores themes of caregiving, love, and connection amidst illness and mortality beginning Feb. 21 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Can’t make it? Let the theater come to you! The show will go on tour across the city at hospitals, community centers, and places of worship for free ahead of its stage production.
🛍️ Shop Until You Drop
The Punk Rock Flea Market is back at the 23rd Street Armory on Feb. 1 and 2. Whether you’re looking for clothes, art, or weird little knick-knacks, this indoor market has a range of unique products from different local vendors. Admission is $10 and gets you in both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If the weather outside doesn’t feel too frightful, bundle up and make your way to Manayunk on Feb. 1 for Philly Freeze Out from Founders Brewing. Main Street will be transformed into a winter market with ice sculptures, vendors, and specials from neighborhood restaurants.
And if you want to take a break from streaming and listen to music the old-school way, head to Philly Record Freak Out at PhilaMOCA on Feb. 22. Thousands of vinyl records will be for sale from a multitude of genres including rock, jazz, and more. General admission is $5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early entry at 10 a.m. for $10.
💘 Show Some Love
If Cupid isn’t giving you romantic luck, maybe it’s time to chase him down! The Cupid’s Chase 5K is inviting walkers, runners, and rollers to raise money to support people with disabilities. Race around the Philadelphia Zoo on Feb. 8.
Need help finding love? There’s an event called Cupid’s Stupid on Feb. 14 hosted by Kate Catinella and Sam Stanton of Free Dating Advice, in tandem with Funhouse PHL. Head to Orlieb’s at 8 p.m. to consult the duo as part of a night filled with laughs, dating drama, and maybe the chance to meet someone new.
✊🏿 Celebrate Black History
Celebrate heroes throughout Black History at this family-friendly event. The African American Museum of Philadelphia will host a costume day on Feb. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. where kids can dress as their own favorite heroes, strike a pose, and drop some facts about themselves before listening to a dramatic reading.
Explore Black leadership with Mural Arts’ Civic Heroes Trolley Tour. Attendees will ride around Philly using the city’s vibrant murals as a guide.
Another form of art is music and the National Liberty Museum is honoring the legacy of Black musicians with its 50 Years of Hip-Hop event. On Feb. 17, museumgoers can learn dance, zinemaking, and hip-hop sampling.
🏈 Get Hype for Super Bowl Sunday
You may be trying to find a spot to go and support our Birds as you gear up for the Super Bowl.
City Winery’s hosting a pre-game celebration with Too $Hort, the artist behind this year’s Eagles anthem “Blow the Whistle”, on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.
👟 Explore The City
You’ve heard of a Bar Crawl but what about a Puzzle Crawl? Eric the Puzzler’s Brewer’s Bounty will take you across Philly to eight participating bars and breweries where you can grab a pint and solve a mystery. The first to find John Wagner’s secret stash will win $100 and the treasure.
Philly has some awesome trails and is considered a fairly walkable city, but now you can take touring it to the next level. Walk Around Philadelphia will guide participants in walking the perimeter of the city over the course of the month. You’ll connect to different neighborhoods along the boundaries that shape us on this segmented 100+ mile walk.
🧀 🍷 Grab a Bite
Cantina La Martina’s La Tamalada will celebrate the delicacy of tamales. The event will highlight local small businesses and their own spins on the signature dish. Each tamal will be $5 and specialty drinks from the restaurant will be available. The tradition honors La Candelaria, the closing of the holiday season and will take place on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cheese is a staple in charcuterie, but how about making it vegan? Adam Campos will walk attendees through the art of vegan cheesemaking and how it compares to the real thing. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education’s Vegan Valentine’s event will be on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. for $50.
Pair your vegan cheese with some wine! Philadelphia Magazine is hosting Wine & Dine at the Kimmel Center where guests can taste over 400 premium wines and select dishes from restaurants featured in the publication’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The event will be on Feb. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets range from $60 (if you’re a designated driver) to $175.
