January 7
–
19, 2020
THE BAND’S VISIT.
One of the most Tony-award winning musicals in history makes a stop at the
Academy of Music
as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
January 10 & 11, 2020
DRUMLINE LIVE.
The energy, rhythm and musicality of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands hit center stage at the
Merriam Theater.
(215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
January 14 – 19, 2020
32
nd
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL OF BLACKS IN DANCE.
The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) continues its 50th anniversary celebration by hosting this event at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater and SEI Innovation Studio, the DoubleTree Philadelphia, Cambria Hotel Philadelphia and The University of the Arts. (301) 755-0831,
iabdassociation.org
,
philadanco.org
January 17 – 19, 2020
HAMLISCH: WITH LOVE.
In dedication and tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, The Philly POPS perform renditions of his award-winning songs from Broadway (
A Chorus Line
) and Hollywood,
The Way We Were
, with help from vocalist Ashley Brown. (215) 893-1999,
phillypops.org
January 18 – March 22
, 2020
ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens
creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,
longwoodgardens.org
January 22 & 23, February 26 & 27, March 18 & 19, 2020
DANCE UP CLOSE.
A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival begins with
Junkspace
featuring Tori Lawrence at
Christ Church Neighborhood
House
in January; continues with
Boundaries & Other Works
and
Nest
, at
Christ Church Neighborhood House
in February; and wraps with
Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge
, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at
FringeArts
in March.
philadelphiadance.org
January 20, 2020
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE.
Greater Philadelphia holds the country’s largest day of service every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with tens of thousands of volunteers doing community projects throughout the city and region.
mlkdayofservice.org
January 21–26, 2020
RIVERDANCE – NEW 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW.
This brand-new production reinvents the Irish and international dance and music stylings of the worldwide sensation at the
Merriam Theater.
(215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
January 12–24, 2020
CENTER CITY RESTAURANT WEEK.
Select restaurants in the
Center City District
will offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person, and three-course lunches for $20 per guest.
ccdrestaurantweek.com
January 18, 2020
LUNAR NEW YEAR CULTUREFEST.
Asian Arts Initiative helps host the
Penn Museum’s
annual celebration of the Lunar New Year with dance, martial arts, music, craft-making, calligraphy, storytelling and a grand finale lion dance. (215) 898-4000,
penn.museum
January 23 – February 8, 2020
BEETHOVENNOW.
The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos. January performances take place at the
Academy of Music;
February performances occur at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
(215) 893-1900,
philorch.org
January 24, 2020
WONDERSPACES. Fashion District Philadelphia
debuts its latest in immersive, experiential fun: a 24,000-square-foot art gallery and bar designed for the date-night crowd.
philadelphia.wonderspaces.com
January 25, 2020
JERRY BLAVAT DISCO, ROCK N’ ROLL AND SOUL.
The Boss with the Hot Sauce hosts a show in
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
featuring musical acts Peaches & Herb, The Trammps and Gary U.S. Bonds, among others, and a tribute to the late Johnny Maestro. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
January 25, 2020
LUNAR NEW YEAR.
The celebration of the Year of the Rat includes a parade through
Chinatown,
midnight lion-dance performances and special events at
Reading Terminal Market,
the
Independence Seaport Museum
and
The Rail Park.
FEBRUARY 2020
Philadelphia Auto Show, February 8-17, 2020
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Through February 8, 2020
BEETHOVENNOW.
The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
(215) 893-1900,
philorch.org
Through February 23, 2020
THE ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS ICE RINK AND CABIN AND WINTERGARDEN.
The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Skating Rink, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and Wintergarden finish their seasonal run at
Dilworth Park,
City Hall’s front yard. (215) 440-5500,
centercityphila.org
Through February 29, 2020
BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
Major attractions across the city—including
The African American Museum in Philadelphia,
the
National Constitution Center,
the
Free Library of Philadelphia
and more—celebrate the month throughout February with events and special programming.
visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/black-history-month-in-philadelphia
February 1, 2020
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR.
One of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children’s books in the country, the 28th annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the
Community College of Philadelphia
features nationally known and bestselling authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books, and activities that promote the power and joy of reading.
theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org
February 1–16, 2020
GETAWAY AT THE GREENHOUSE.
Fairmount Park Horticultural Center
celebrates summer in winter, setting up a giant sandbox, live music, food trucks and
Gaia, The Traveling Artwork
, British artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular giant globe of the Earth featuring detailed NASA photography. (215) 685-0096,
myphillypark.org
,
my-earth.org
February 1 – June 7, 2020
VOTES FOR WOMEN: A VISUAL HISTORY.
The
Brandywine Museum of Art
commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote using drawings, illustrations and posters expressing the message of the suffragists, as well as costumes, clothing, sashes and emblems worn by the women activists. (610) 388-2700,
brandywine.org
February 1 – June 14, 2020
WITNESS TO HISTORY: SELMA PHOTOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN SOMERSTEIN.
This exhibit on display at the
Brandywine Museum of Art
documents the historic 54-mile march for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. (610) 388-2700,
brandywine.org
February 6–9, 2020
GREY ROCK.
A fantastical new work from director and playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi bridges American and Palestinian cultures and makes its Philadelphia debut with a five-person cast from Palestine, including acclaimed actor Khalifa Natour, at
SEI Innovation Studio
at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.
kimmelcenter.org
February 6–16, 2020
PHILLY THEATRE WEEK.
A 10-day regional theatrical festival promises 100 events, including panels, concerts, meet-ups and loads of live theater. (267) 761-9950,
theatrephiladelphia.org
February 7–9, 2020
NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC.
Friends from
Bubble Guppies
,
Paw Patrol
,
Dora the Explorer
,
Shimmer and Shine
,
Blue’s Clues and You
,
Blaze and the Monster Machines
, and
Top Wing
lead a singing-and-dancing adventure at the
Academy of Music.
(215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
February 8, 2020
JOURNEYS.
Acting Without Boundaries (AWB), a Philadelphia-based theater workshop for kids, teens and young adults with physical disabilities, takes part in Philly Theatre Week (see above) by performing a songs and scenes from some of Broadway’s greatest hits in the
Rendell Room of the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.
kimmelcenter.org
February 8–17, 2020
PHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW.
The automotive industry’s latest creations are on a 750,000-square-foot display at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center,
the showplace for more than 700 pre-production, classic, luxury and exotic cars.
phillyautoshow.com
February 14–16, 2020
ARETHA: RESPECT.
To honor the Queen of Soul, The Philly POPS features Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and R&B singer Ryan Shaw in a program that includes renditions of
Bridge Over Troubled Water
,
Respect
and
Chain of Fools
. (215) 893-1999,
phillypops.org
February 15, 2020
AFRICAN AND DIASPORIC CULTURES CELEBRATION.
The Penn Museum’s second CultureFest of the year reunites traditional and contemporary African and African Diasporic arts through mask-making, drumming and more live music, storytelling, film screenings and an African marketplace. (215) 898-4000,
penn.museum
February 15 – September 20, 2020
SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST.
Survival strategies of sloths, iguanas and pancake tortoises, among other animals that are slow and small, are explored in this exhibit at the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
(215) 299-1000,
ansp.org
February 16, 2019
MUMMENSCHANZ: YOU & ME
. The mesmerizing Swiss theatrical troupe performs their brand-new show at the
Annenberg Center
creating shapes, forms, sounds and stories that delight audiences of every age. (215) 898-3900,
annenbergcenter.org
February 19 – March 1, 2020
HELLO, DOLLY!
Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the
Academy of Music
as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
February 21 – March 14, 2020
#GLASSFEST.
This three-week festival presented by the
Annenberg Center
celebrates Philip Glass’ career and includes the Philadelphia premiere of the composer’s
Music in Twelve Parts
and the world premiere of
The White Lama
, a theatrical piece by Nikki Appino that features a score by Glass. (215) 898-3900,
annenbergcenter.org
February 23
–
May 10, 2020
MARIE CUTTOLI: THE MODERN THREAD FROM MIRÓ TO MAN RAY.
Cuttoli, a modern art pioneer, commissioned international modernist artists to design pieces that were woven into tapestries, as seen in this
Barnes Foundation
exhibit. (215) 278-7200,
barnesfoundation.org
February 24 – March 6, 2020
EAST PASSYUNK RESTAURANT WEEK.
Three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners are available (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included) at various restaurants in the South Philly neighborhood.
eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com
February 26 & 27, March 18 & 19, 2020
DANCE UP CLOSE.
A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival that began with
Junkspace
with Tori Lawrence at
Christ Church Neighborhood
House
in January continues with
Boundaries & Other Works
and
Nest
, at
Christ Church Neighborhood House
in February, and wraps
Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge
, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at
FringeArts
in March.
philadelphiadance.org
February 26–29, 2020
TURN.
Philadelphia performance artist M’Balia Singley world premieres a work that delves into themes from Shakespeare’s
Othello
through the lens of an African American woman at the
SEI Innovation Studio
at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.
kimmelcenter.org
February 29 – March 8, 2020
PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.
The annual gardening celebration at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center
is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,
theflowershow.com
MARCH 2020
Philly Wine Week, March 30-April 6, 2020
— Photo courtesy Philly Wine Week
March 2020
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.
March marks Women’s History Month, a time when attractions and venues across the city welcome guests for special events, tours and presentations oriented around the month-long celebration.
Through March 1, 2020
HELLO, DOLLY!
Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the
Academy of Music
as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
Through March 1, 2020
IN CONVERSATION: VISUAL MEDITATIONS ON BLACK MASCULINITY.
Fifty-five female and non-binary photographers of African descent present an exhibition at the
African American Museum in Philadelphia
exploring the notions of Black men, masculinity, sexuality and gender identity. (215) 574-0380,
aampmuseum.org
Through March 5, 2020
BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST.
Penn’s Landing’s
wintertime ice-skating rink and Winterfest wonderland, complete with a lodge, arcade and confectionery cabin enjoy their seasonal run. (215) 629-3200,
riverrink.com
Through March 8, 2020
DESIGNS FOR DIFFERENT FUTURES.
The future feeds designers’ inspiration and this exhibit at the
Philadelphia Museum of Art
shares examples of what creators think the years ahead hold. (215) 763-8100,
philamuseum.org
Through March 8, 2020
PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.
The annual gardening celebration at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center
is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,
theflowershow.com
Through March 17, 2020
COST OF REVOLUTION.
This 5,000-square-foot exhibition at the
Museum of the American Revolution
chronicles the untold story of Irish soldier Richard St. George who, after an injury at the Battle of Germantown in 1777, returned to his native country to find it energized by the revolutionary spirit. (215) 253-6731,
amrevmuseum.org
March 22, 2020
ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens
creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,
longwoodgardens.org
March 1, 2020
FRANKLIN SQUARE.
The carousel resumes to turning and Square Burger gets back to making Cake Shakes, as Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Franklin Square fully reopens after a winter break. (215) 629-4026,
historicphiladelphia.org
March 1 – September 20, 2020
SEAT AT THE TABLE
.
A free, seven-day-a-week, interactive art exhibition by Dome Collective at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
invites the public to experience women’s representation in places of power (seats at tables) through 3D infographic furniture, while a wall of interactive screens introduces pioneers in women’s history. (215) 893-1999,
domecollective.com
March 5–7, 2020
PORGY AND BESS.
Conductor Marin Alsop leads The Philadelphia Orchestra and a cast including soprano Angel Blue, baritone Lester Lynch and the Morgan State University Choir in George Gershwin’s American classic that shares a story of heartbreak and hope along Charleston’s Catfish Row. (215) 893-1999,
philorch.org
March 6–8, 2020
POPS ROCKS PHIL COLLINS.
Philadelphia salutes the only performer to play both London and Philly for Live Aid in 1985 in this tribute performance to Phil Collins at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,
featuring hits such as
Easy Lover
,
One More Night
and
Two Hearts
. (215) 893-1999,
phillypops.org
March 7, 2020
PHILLY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL.
Called “one of the top 10 beer festivals in America” by
Forbes Traveler
, the festival features national and international breweries, food trucks and a VIP session with rare brews at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard.
(631) 940-7290,
phillycraftbeerfest.com
March 7–29, 2020
ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL. The Israeli Film Festival,
Philadelphia’s annual showcase of the best in Israeli film, returns with a powerful lineup of documentaries, dramas, films and more. (484) 904-5421,
iffphila.com
March 7 & 8, 2020
PALEOPALOOZA.
Visitors get up-close-and-personal with rare fossils from the collection of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
, talk to paleontologists and participate in a number of activities planned for dinosaur fans of all ages. (215) 299-1000,
ansp.org
March 12, 2020
BALLET FOLCLÒRICO NACIONAL DE MÉXICO DE SILVIA LOZANO.
This nearly 60-year-old institution brings the culture of Mexico to the
Merriam Theater
through folklore, dance, music and costumes. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
March 12 – April 5, 2020
BEETHOVENNOW.
The second of two epic celebrations marking Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday sees the Philadelphia Orchestra at the
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
juxtaposing the composer’s nine genre-transforming symphonies with contemporary works from composer-in-residence Gabriela Lena Frank and her diverse composers from the Creative Academy of Music. (215) 893-1900,
philorch.org
March 14–22, 2020
THE WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL.
It’s year five for this empowering, Philly-grown, women-centric festival that celebrates women’s roles behind and in front of the camera.
thewomensfilmfestival.org
March 15, 2020
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE.
Marching bands, decorated floats, music and dance groups, youth groups and Irish associations march down Broad Street to City Hall and from City Hall to Market Street to Penn’s Landing.
philadelphiastpatsparade.com
March 17
–
29, 2020
LES MISÉRABLES.
The Broadway Philadelphia series brings the Tony-Award winning musical classic with its inspiring tale to the
Academy of Music.
(215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
March 18 & 19, 2020
DANCE UP CLOSE.
A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival that began with
Junkspace
with Tori Lawrence at
Christ Church Neighborhood
House
in January and
Boundaries & Other Works
and
Nest
, at
Christ Church Neighborhood House
in February wraps with
Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge
, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at
FringeArts
in March.
philadelphiadance.org
March 21, 2020
FOUNDERS DAY.
Visitors pay what they wish at the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
to celebrate the founding day in 1812 of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas. (215) 299-1000,
ansp.org
March 21, 2020
SIMPLE GIFTS WITH ORGAN: THE CASHORE MARIONETTES & ORGANIST MARVIN MILLS.
The music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland fills
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,
while the Cashore Marionettes express touching scenes of everyday life. (215) 893-1999,
kimmelcenter.org
March 22–29, 2020
QFLIX PHILADELPHIA.
This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the LGBTQ communities, with screenings based at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
qflixphilly.com
March 28, 2020
NOWRUZ. Penn Museum’s
CultureFest honors Nowruz, an ancient Persian New Year festival celebrated by people in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond, by hosting live performances, art-making, gallery tours, storytelling, workshops and a Persian bazaar. (215) 898-4000,
penn.museum
March 29 – May 3, 2020
SPRING BLOOMS.
Visitors take in the sights and smells of spring’s arrival at
Longwood Gardens
with 240,000 tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and more. (610) 388-1000,
longwoodgardens.org
March 29 – August 23, 2020
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR.
This exhibit at the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
, organized and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, displays 100 stunning images of nature and wildlife. (215) 299-1000,
ansp.org
March 30 – April 6, 2020
PHILLY WINE WEEK.
The annual eight-day festival returns for another year of wine-centric events, tastings, pairings and specials at bars and restaurants throughout Philadelphia.
phillywineweek.org
March 2020 (TBA)
CENTENNIAL INNOVATIONS.
Please Touch Museum
®
unveils a new, 5,000-square-foot permanent gallery that takes a colorful, interactive look back at its building’s roots in the 1876 Centennial Exposition — the fair that introduced the U.S. to the telephone, banana, Corliss engine, popcorn, typewriter, adhesive bandage and more — in order to let kids look into their future.
pleasetouchmuseum.org
