Going to college in Philly, we're so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: we’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
—Catherine Sorrentino, Print Editor
Feb. 1–April 1: Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans @ Philadelphia Zoo
Six hulking Trolls are spending this February in Philadelphia on a mission to inspire humankind to be better stewards of Nature. So take a stroll through the nation’s first zoo and get inspired! With admission to the Philadelphia Zoo, you can enjoy Thomas Dambo’s two–story tall trolls made out of repurposed wood. (Yes they’re the same Instagramable trolls you may have seen people snap pictures of on trips to Puerto Rico or Denmark.) $19, Thursday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 3400 W. Girard Avenue.
Feb. 5: Shin Godzilla @ Fisher Bennet
Part of Center of East Asian Studies’ Japan Global Issues on Nuclear Arm, Penn English and Cinema and Media Studies professor Julia Alekseyeva has curated a screening for Hideaki Anno’s newest take on the world’s most famous kaiju. A classical monster story mixed with political drama, Shin Godzilla is a must–have. Free, 6:30 p.m., 3340 Walnut Street.
Select Dates through Feb. 14: 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year Hand Made Dumpling Making Event and Chinese Calligraphy Class @ Dumpling Academy
The Dumpling Academy’s annual dumpling–making course is back for the year of Dragon. You’ll start the class with dim sum snacks, then make savory dumplings and tangyuan (a traditional rice ball to Lunar New Year). Pricing is $85–$125 per adult, depending on the date. For an additional $30, you can even take a Chinese Calligraphy course. Various prices, various times, location Near Fairmount Park.
Feb. 10–June 2: Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe @ ICA
Tomashi Jackson’s solo show, taking its name inspiration from The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” comes to the ICA this month. Like the psychedelic song itself, Jackson’s mixed media exhibition creates a visceral and unique experience for viewers. Free with student ID, 118 S 36 St.
Feb. 16: Boathouse Row—A Yacht Rock Experience @ World Cafe Live
Not quite sure what people are talking about on TikTok when they reminisce about yacht rock? With live music from self-proclaimed yacht rock group Boathouse Row, watch the smooth, soft rock sound whose moniker is meant to evoke images of yuppies of the early ‘80s. Tickets are $25–$35, and be sure to check out the dining and drink options at The Lounge, the full–service bar and restaurant on the upper level of World Cafe Live. Ticket starts at $25, 8:00 p.m., 3025 Walnut Street.
Feb. 17: Lunar New Year Celebration @ Franklin Square
This year, celebrate Lunar New Year at Franklin Square, where you can watch a Lion Dance, make crafts, and enjoy a dumpling workshop with Michael Chow from Sang Kee. After, enjoy a light show, mini golf, and curling at Franklin Square. Free, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., 200 N 6th Street.
Feb. 17th: Philadelphia Sneaker Con @ Philadelphia Convention Center
Sneakerheads rejoice! Buy, sell, trade or just look at a veritable cornucopia of sick kicks this February at Sneaker Con. Expect to meet your favorite sneaker influencers and attend live auctions. May plagues befall you if you arrive in anything but the most spectacular streetwear. My 3–year old Vans and I will not be in attendance. Free Entry, 12:00 to 7:00 p.m., 1101 Arch Street.
Feb. 17, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025: Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent @ the Museum of the American Revolution
If seeing General George Washington’s headquarters tent is on your bucket list, check out the new exhibition at the Museum of the American Revolution. The exhibition will bring together inspiring works of art, rare documents, and significant historical objects from public and private collections across the United States. $19 with Student ID, open daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Feb. 17th & 18th: The Dead Milkmen @ Underground Arts
This February, Philadelphia native musicians The Dead Milkmen return to their home turf for one more show at Underground Arts. But these guys are more than simple punk rockers, boasting a long resume of forays into nerdcore, journalistic pursuits and even visits to rebuild the former nations of Yugoslavia following NATO’s 1999 bombing of the region. Point is: this show is going to be good. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., 1200 Callowhill St.
Every Saturday, Now–Feb. 23, 2024: Legacy Reclaimed @ 7th Ward Tribute
This free tour, which departs from Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, explores the lives and histories of 19th–century Black residents of Philly’s 7th Ward. The 90–minute guided tour takes groups to about a dozen neighborhood sites including art installations and several homes and businesses. The tour spotlights the neighborhood that played a critical role in the Underground Railroad and Great Migration. Free, 11:00 a.m., 419 South 6th Street.
Feb. 24: La Roue @ Lightbox Film Center
Noise levels on the street hit deafening highs. Our AirPods bombard our inner ears with walls of sound every second of the day. What are we to do to protect our eardrums? A 7–hour French silent film would fit the bill. Revel in the drama and bizarre romance of Abel Gance’s masterwork, which has finally been remastered in 4K. 412 minutes, black and white, silent. Multiple intermissions. $12 with Student ID, 1:00 p.m., 401 South Broad Street.
Feb. 26: A Reading By Jamaica Kincaid @ Kelly Writers House
In 1965, Jamaica Kincaid left Antigua for New York to work as an au pair. She told her experiences in her novels, which led her to become one of the most reputed writers, essayists, and professors. This semester she’s at Penn and ready to share her stories, this time as a Kelly Writers House Fellow. The reading is also followed by a conversation with the author on the next day, February 27. Free, 6:30 p.m., 3805 Locust Walk.
Feb. 28: A Reading by Joseph Earl Thomas @ Kelly Writers House
Joseph Earl Thomas, doctoral candidate in English at the University of Pennsylvania, will be doing a reading of an excerpt from his 2020 Chautauqua Janus Prize memoir, Silk. A remarkable debut that chronicles a young man’s growing up in Philadelphia towards awareness, confidence, and discernibility, Silk is an honest and steady exploration of coming–of–age. Free entry, 6:00 p.m., 3805 Locust Walk.
Feb. 29th: BabyTron @ Theater of the Living Arts
Slide over, Shakespeare. Get out, Goethe! We’ve found the Edgar Allan Poe of the postmodern age. Detroit–adjacent dynamo and wily wordsmith BabyTron graces Philadelphia for one night only—don’t miss your chance to hear this world-historic rapper live, while he’s still out on bond. 8:00 p.m., 334 South St.
Feb. 29–March 10: Angel Corella's Giselle @ Philadelphia Ballet
Your situationship not texting you back? Thoughts of death and existential dread? Giselle is a ballet that explores love and heartbreak, and maybe you’ll walk out of the theater feeling less alone. Ticket Starts at $25, various times, 323 North Broad Street.
March 2–27: Varda—Merci, Agnès @ Philadelphia Film Society and PFS East
One of the most iconic filmmakers of French cinema with a career spanning over 60 years, Agnès Varda has created an oeuvre of nearly 50 unforgettable features and shorts. Playful and profound at the same time, her films are both a testament to the innovative spirit of the French New Wave, and also so much beyond that. Join PFS this March in saying Merci! Agnès. $12 with student ID, various times, 1412 Chestnut Street & 125 S. 2nd St.
March 2–10: Philadelphia Flower Show @ Philadelphia Convention Center
Didn’t think plants could be the star of a show? Think again. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Flower Show is the oldest in the nation, and it’s back for 2024. The usually sterile walls of the Philadelphia Convention Center will be adorned with beautiful displays of life for a week, providing a sanctuary in the city. $35 with Student ID, Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 1101 Arch Street.
March 8th and 9th: Sting w/ the Philadelphia Orchestra @ the Kimmel Center
We at Street hear you—classical music is for nerds! For far too long, the orchestra has been the realm of the loser. Until now. Former rock musician and current senior citizen Sting joins the Philadelphia Orchestra in a celebration of his storied career, playing hits from his long career both his time in The Police and as a solo artist. Ticket Starts at $179, 8:00 p.m., 300 S Broad St.
March 10: 11th Annual Oscars Party @ Philadelphia Film Society
Enjoy the 96th Academy Awards on the biggest screen in the heart of Center City! Philadelphia Film Society is holding its annual, one–night–only Oscars Party, with live performance, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Come down to Center City to experience all the red carpet glitz & glam! 21+ only; cocktail attire. Price starts at $80, door opens at 6:30 p.m., 1412 Chestnut Street.
Feb. 26th–March 8th: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
Missed Center City’s restaurant week in January? All is not lost! East Passyunk will run its own restaurant week at the end of February, where restaurants along the street will offer fixed menus at a reduced price. With menus going from $20-$55, this is your chance to sample some of South Philadelphia’s best! Prices will vary.
March 15: Philadelphia Luck of the Irish St Paddys Bar Crawl
Philly is the best place to be on St. Patrick's Day, except for perhaps Ireland herself. Starting at Howl at the Moon, get lucky all around the city’s most iconic bars and pubs. Live DJs, guinnesses, and kisses if you’re Irish! $19.99, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
