Category: ENTERTAINMENT

Philadelphia Zoo Announces New Valentine’s Events, Date Experiences and Behind Scenes Tours

* Philadelphia Zoo launches new experiences and gifts to make this February at the Zoo unforgettable *

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard) invites couples, families and friends to the Zoo this February to celebrate the season of love and friendship with a brand-new lineup of limited-time experiences and special offers all month long. The Zoo has the perfect way for animal lovers to say “I love you” to those most dear to them.  Bring your sweetheart (or bestie) to the Zoo Valentine’s Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for the new Valentine’s Day Weekend Date Package with two admission tickets, two adult drinks plus a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal and a takeaway gift created by one of them. On Saturday and Sunday of Valentine’s Weekend, enjoy special Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment Around the Zoo. Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Day itself with Cupcake Decorating with one large cupcake with icing, and a variety of toppings to choose from. Every weekend of February, take a romantic ride on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a new 110 feet tall ride with breathtaking scenes of the Zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Art Museum and beyond. Enjoy 20% off all February Behind-the-Scenes Experiences for those wanting a truly once-in-a-lifetime memory together with your favorite animals. Plus, give the gift that makes an impact and will be remembered all year with adopting an animal, with packages that include a Valentine’s Plushy and adoption certificate. All packages, events and tickets are now on the Zoo website at  philadelphiazoo.org/news/valentines-day-deals/
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Winter Fun at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin

Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting | February 7 | 1–5 p.m.

The Big Game Celebration | February 1–8

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Class | February 13 | 6-8 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration Presented by Temple University | February 16-21

Happy Hour | Monday–Thursday | 5–7 p.m.

Trivia Night | Thursdays | 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Learn More

Evening with Former White House Butler

Merchantville Historical Society

The Merchantville Historical Society invites the public to an evening with Alan DeValerio, former White House butler, on Tuesday, February10th, at 6:30 PM at the Merchantville Community Center. DeValerio will share firsthand stories from his service during three presidential administrations, offering a rare look inside White House functions, family quarters, and daily life behind the scenes. A display of White House artifacts from his personal collection will be featured, and his book will be available for purchase and signing following the program. This special event promises an engaging and memorable night of history. To learn more, Click Here.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink

Philadelphia’s premier wintertime destination is open 7 days a week through February 22. Purchase rink tickets online for 90-minute, timed sessions. In-person sales will be offered on-site, based on availability. Admission is $7 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $10 per person, and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. See below for rink programming.

College Nights presented by Temple University | Thursdays | 5:30-9 p.m.  

Free in February presented by Rothman Orthopaedics | February 2-17 | Mondays and Tuesdays

Craftsman Row Saloon Brings a Taste of New Orleans to Philadelphia

* Enjoy vibes, drinks and food inspired by Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday and beyond with more decor this year, new po boys, and extended run *

Philadelphia, PA – Let the good times roll. Craftsman Row Saloon, at 112 S. 8th Street, announces the launch of its 6th annual Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar Experience starting Thursday, January 29th through Fat Tuesday. First to bring this vibe to Philadelphia, Craftsman Row is the spot for the ultimate flavors, sights and sounds of The Big Easy. The award-winning Christmas pop-up decorations from December have been entirely replaced by thousands of glittery beads, feathers, masquerade masks and other decor to transport you to Mardi Gras. Umbrella’s hang from the ceiling and jazz instruments poetically add melody to the space. The floor to ceiling transformation continues both inside the dining room and outside in the Craftsman Row Saloon illuminated with the colors of Mardi Gras on the entire building. The over the top decorations guests love, with a little extra magic for the festive flair of the holiday.  The delicious over-the-top King of Bourbon Street Milkshake is back, with Po Boys, Crawfish Mac N Cheese, Big Easy Burger, new King Cake Burger, Jambalaya and more.  The bar will be pouring the tasty and festive Bourbon Street inspired specialty cocktails they are known for. Cocktails will boast all the NOLA feels and come with masks, beads and other souvenirs and keepsakes. 

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Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Announces 2026 String Band Spectacular

Official Judged Competition Event to Be Held at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association (PMSBA) announces the 2026 String Band Spectacular, the official judged competition event for the String Band Division. The event will take place at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00pm, with a rain date of Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The 2026 String Band Spectacular was created to ensure that Philadelphia’s String Bands receive the full competitive spotlight they deserve. Unpredictable and extreme weather conditions on New Year’s Day caused damage to production props and made it unsafe to proceed with the String Band competition as originally scheduled. While the String Bands proudly marched and performed during the parade, the judged competition portion was postponed in the interest of safety.

“This event allows us to properly showcase the extraordinary work, musicianship, and creativity of the String Bands in a safe and professional environment,” said Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association President Sam Regalbuto. “The String Band Spectacular ensures that this historic competition is presented at the level of excellence our performers, supporters, and the City of Philadelphia expect. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as our fellow major Philadelphia sports organizations: the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Union, whose involvement underscores the citywide pride and collaboration behind this event.”

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🏁 It’s the final stretch for NICAR26 deals

We’re revving our engines and gearing up for NICAR26 in Indianapolis! We’ll see you there, right?Register now to lock in the discounted early-bird rate, available only through Friday, Jan. 30! Already registered? Check out the schedule to start mapping your conference experience. Don’t forget to pitch a Lightning Talk, sign up for the mentorship program and learn about all the other conference fun we have in store!
Register for NICAR26
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Garden State Wineries Host Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekends

Celebrate New Jersey Wines February 13-15

Haddonfield, NJ – Garden State Wine Growers Association – a coalition of 60+ New Jersey wineries and vineyards supporting the Garden State’s wine industry through information, resources, and advocacy – will host a weekend filled with Valentine’s Day-themed events.

The New Jersey Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekends will celebrate Valentine’s Day from February 13 to 15, 2026. This weekend, participating New Jersey wineries will offer wine tastings, artisanal chocolates, live music, and more.

“In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, New Jersey’s wineries are getting ready with wine, chocolate, and romantic experiences,” shared Devon Perry, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association. “Our website, NewJerseyWines, offers the perfect tool to plan your journey and capture your memorable experiences. Follow us across social media and sign up for our weekly newsletter, In the Vines, to get a taste for what Garden State wineries have planned for you, your loved ones, and friends this Valentine’s Day season.”

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Northern Liberties Restaurant Week Returns with More Dates, More Restaurants, More Options

Philadelphia, PA – Northern Liberties Business Improvement District announces the return of Northern Liberties Restaurant Week for two entire weeks this year! Save the date and come hungry to two dozen top restaurants and bars from Monday, January 26, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026. This year look for added dates, more restaurants, the addition of lunch service and a list of exciting new-comers to Restaurant Week. This year, look for deals, signature favorite dishes and off-menu specials for lunch on two course menus for $10, $15 and $20, and for dinner on three (or more) course menus for $25, $35 and $45. 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. New restaurants joining the line-up this year include Amina , Apricot Stone (at their new location), Mamajuana Cafe Philly, Mana Modern Chinese, Newsroom Philly, Scusi, Tikka Mahal Modern Indian Restaurant and Yards Brewing. Returning favorites include the oldest gastro pub in the country – and a perfect spot to kick off America and Philly 250 at Standard Tap, plus neighborhood and city favorites like Bar1010, Bourbon and Branch, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Jerry’s Bar, North 3rd, Nourish, Silk City Diner and Urban Village Brewing. Additionally, look for the largest selection of Asian-owned restaurants, including Baan Thai Thai Cuisine, Circles Thai, Hello Vietnam, Hikari Sushi, Sieko Japanese, Yanaga Kappo Izakaya, plus the neighborhood’s first-ever soup dumpling hot spot Mana. Menus start going live today and continue through the start of Restaurant Week. Visit explorenorthernliberties.org/event/restaurant-week-2026/ for details. For reservations, contact each individual restaurant through their phone, website, Opentable or Resy. Follow for menu and other updates on social at @northliberties

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5 Mistakes You Definitely Don’t Want to Make While Planning a Surprise Party

Are you planning on throwing someone you know a surprise party? It is a fantastic way of showing them some true appreciation. If successful, it will make them feel happy, loved, and excited all at once. However, there is the possibility of getting it wrong, and you naturally want to avoid that. 

If you are planning a surprise party, then here are five common mistakes to keep in mind so that you don’t make them yourself. 

1. Not Taking the Guest of Honor Into Account

You might have a million great ideas buzzing around your head, but what will the guest of honor think? You need to keep them in mind when making each decision. What type of décor do they like? Are they more of a rock band kind of person, or would they prefer a DJ playing the biggest, latest hits? The more you know the guest of honor, the higher the chance you can put on a celebration they genuinely love. 

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