Of course there are the expected staples such as Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and President’s Day, but February in Philly is filled with many more chances for exploration and adventure. Check out some of our favorite things to do in and around the city before March marches in.
1. Bring your ‘lobster’ to Philadelphia’s interactive FRIENDS™ Experience
The FRIENDS™ Experience has charmed cities like New York, San Francisco and Toronto, ranking fourth-best attraction of 2021. And it’s now open in Philly (!), so expect to play hilarious games with your ‘lobster’, grab the coolest merch, and wander through a dozen realistic rooms replicated from the iconic series.
The experience will completely transport you into the world of FRIENDS™, as you’ll get to step in the shoes of the characters you love so dearly. Whether you’re lounging on Chandler and Joey’s recliner or sipping on an imaginary coffee at Central Perk, prepare to be filled with FRIENDS™ frenzy! Save your spot here.
2. Visit Philadelphia’s gripping ‘Banksy Was Here’ exhibit
“Banksy Was Here” is a gripping and mesmerizing experience you don’t want to miss. Anti-authoritarian graffiti art is the source of his notoriety, but Banksy also bridges street art with installation and performance pieces. At ‘Banksy Was Here: The Exhibition’ his most valuable and rare pieces on mixed media will be on display. Prints, graffiti, sculptures…The exhibition will feature some of the artist’s most prized work, including the acclaimed ‘Balloon Girl’ and the ‘Happy Choppers’ series. You can purchase your tickets here!
3. Explore your senses at Dining in the Dark
Studies show that 80 percent of people eat with their eyes. But when you take the sense of sight away, your other senses become even stronger! Interested in testing this theory? Then grab your tickets fast for the ultimate tasting experience happening now in Philly at Dining in the Dark.
4. Attend a calming Candlelight concert
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in beautiful venues in Philadelphia. Concerts are themed-based including magical movie soundtracks at The Adventure Aquarium, or a tribute to the Legends of R&B at World Cafe Live and more. Find your musical muse and purchase tickets here.
5. Relive your childhood at the Franklin Institute’s ‘100 Years of Disney’ exhibit
This is a family friendly event for all ages! Opening this weekend at the Franklin Institute, the world premiere of the Disney 100 Exhibit will allow fans of Disney to step inside its magical world. Hundreds of treasures from the Disney vault will be on display including props and costumes. Learn about the stories behind some of your favorite characters and films. Read more about it here.
6. Head to the movies
The cold of winter is the perfect time to head to the cinema! And there are lots of exciting new releases this month:
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
- Magic Mike’s Last Dance
- Plan for March — John Wick: Chapter 4 advance tickets!
7. Get to know Philly even better with this Italian market and Magic Gardens tour
Take a tour of America’s oldest and largest outdoor market at this hyper-local experience where you’ll get to speak with store owners and longtime market vendors to gain firsthand knowledge about this market’s importance to the South Philly community (with a few sample tastings along the way!). At the end, you’ll also stop by Philly’s Magic Gardens full of glittering art — grab tickets here.
8. Treat yourself and your partner to a glamorous rooftop date
Crowning the top of Center City, The Sky Museum Philly is a new members-only rooftop restaurant that specializes in intimate and private dinner dates. It offers an unparalleled fine dining experience high above the clouds. Embark on an innovative culinary journey curated by Chef Smiley as panoramic city views provide a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable meal. Read more about it here!
9. See the Forrest Theatre Presents “1776”
Enjoy a retelling of the foundation of our nation with 1776, a bold, new stage play opening this month at the Forrest Theatre. Philly is a city draped in historical context, so it is no surprise it would be the first stop of the play on its national tour. Described as “fierce and exuberant,” 1776 centers around the people forced to put aside their differences in order to birth our nation.
No simple feat, the characters will draw you in and the melodies and tunes will have you tapping your feat and humming along well after curtains closed. The cast consists of individuals who identify as trans, non-binary, and female — an ode to diversity and inclusivity and the lack thereof during the time. You can find out more on the Forest Theatre website here.
10. Enjoy Conversations With Birds at the Academy of Natural Sciences
In Philly, it’s no secret we love our birds! Eagles aside, this timely exhibit opening this weekend at The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University allows Philadelphians to take a closer look at our local bird population. Learn about the migrators who also fly through our region.
Visitors are able to view live nest-cam footage, ask questions from bird experts, and learn about the challenges birds face in our urban city. Conversations With Birds is a magical way to learn more about the beauty and inspiration of our winged friends. You can learn more about the exhibit by visiting the Academy of Natural Sciences website here.