From bowling deals to one-night-only happy hours, Philadelphia's nightlife is on fire even in the winter months. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Just because chilly nights are on tap for the next few months doesn’t mean that the city shuts down at sunset.
There are tons (seriously, tons) of evening events to keep the good times going all season long.
From cooking classes and a drag showcase to late-night happy hours and after-hours museum events, there are nighttime happenings every night of the week all across the City of Brotherly Love.
We’ve compiled a diverse list of recurring — weekly and monthly — things to do at night in Philadelphia which we have broken up by day for easy skimming for weeknight, and weekend, planning.
Read on for our top picks for ongoing nightlife.
Monday
• Movie Mondays at The Trocadero: Movie and beer lovers head to the Trocadero, a historic burlesque theater that hosts live music each week for Movie Monday. Guests can enjoy such cult classics as Edward Scissorhands and Die Hard or more recent releases like The Hangover Part II or Man of Steel. The bar stays open before, during and after the show, and the $3 admission fee can be used for drinks and snacks.
• Local 44′s Bottle Shop Happy Hour: West Philly’s Local 44 hosts complimentary tastings and beer specials led by a different brewery representative every Monday night — think Flying Fish Brewing Company, Victory Brewing Company and Brooklyn Brewery. Enjoy the craft brews from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday Jazz Jam at World Cafe Live: Every Monday night Upstairs at the World Cafe Live, Philadelphia’s budding jazz musicians come together for an evening of music. Listen to the house band perform two songs to kick off the festivities and then check out musicians who sign up to perform with the band. Plus, the Monday Jazz Jam is always free.
• Open Mic Night at The Grape Room Pub: A staple on the Philadelphia music scene, The Grape Room Pub hosts an open-mic night every Monday in its upstairs space. Artists sign up at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m., with no cover.
• Student Recital Series at the Curtis Institute of Music: At 8 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October to May, culture vultures can take in one of more than a 100 free solo and chamber music performances during the Curtis Institute of Music Student Recital Series. The concerts provide a first listen to future stars.
• First Person Arts StorySlams at World Cafe Live: On the second Monday of each month, World Cafe Live gives storytellers a chance to share five minutes of their most intriguing life story, or listen to entertaining stories as told by fellow Philadelphians. Take note, this is a 21-plus event. Tickets are $8 for First Person Arts members and $10 for non-members. Tickets are only available at the door.
• TigerBeats at The Barbary: Dance like it’s still the weekend at the recurring TigerBeats party at The Barbary. Every Monday night, beginning at 9 p.m., sip beer (the favorite at The Barbary is PBR) and dance like there’s no tomorrow to a wide array of music that is bound to get hips shaking.
Tuesday
• Tuesdays at Tinto: For a restaurant that doesn’t offer happy hour every day of the week, Tinto makes up for it with its affordable and delicious one-night-only (Tuesday) happy hour. With $4 wine, $2 craft beer, $4.50 sangria and tons of discounted appetizers, we can’t think of a place we’d rather be on the night before hump day.
• Open-Mic Night at Mugshots: Mugshots in the city’s Fairmount neighborhood hosts a free open-mic night that is fun for the whole family. Every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m., singers, poets and storytellers do their thing while patrons enjoy organic coffee and locally made treats.
• Fancy Pants Cinema at North Third: On Tuesday nights at North Third, located in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, local filmmakers — from amateurs to professionals — present short works during Fancypants Cinema. The works are not screened in advance, so there is really no telling what to expect. The shows start around 10 p.m., the kitchen is open until midnight and admittance to the lounge is free.
• Discounted Bowling at Pep Bowl: An antidote to modern bowling alleys that often double as posh lounges, Pep Bowl’s offerings are simple: six lanes, a snack bar and retro décor. While the prices here are affordable all week long, on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to closing, $3 games and $3 shoe rental make bowling accessible to anyone looking to spend the night knocking down some pins.
• Dock Street Movie Night: Every Tuesday night, Dock Street Brewing Company projects a feature film onto its wall and serves up discounted beer ($1 off select draughts) and discounted pizza ($1 off select small pizzas and $2 off select large pizzas).
• Taco Tuesday at Distrito: Tuesday night at Jose Garces’ Distrito means $2 tacos, $5 guacamole and salsa and discounted Latin beer from 5 to 7 p.m. How’s that for a mid week pick-me-up?
• The Erotic Literary Salon at Time: The third Tuesday of every month, Time, a restaurant, taproom and whiskey bar in Midtown Village, presents The Erotic Literary Salon upstairs in the bar’s Parisian-style club. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and readings begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $8 for the general public. This is a 21-plus event.
Even on a weeknight, nightlife doesn't end with happy hour. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)
• Kick the Keg and Table Tennis at Earth Bread and Brewery: Beginning at 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Earth Bread and Brewery breaks out the table tennis along with a to be announced keg for an evening of high-spirited fun. All draughts from the keg ring in at just $2 a pop until the keg is kicked.
• First Person Arts StorySlams at L’Etage: On the fourth Tuesday of each month (with the exception of May and November), L’Etage welcomes storytellers for a chance to share five minutes of their most intriguing life story, or listen to entertaining stories as told by fellow Philadelphians. Take note, this is a 21-plus event. Tickets are $15 per person and are available online.
• Tuesday Night Jazz Jam at Ortlieb’s: For just a $3 ticket, Ortlieb’s turns up the fun with live jazz on Tuesday evenings beginning at 8:30 p.m. Plus, the jazz jam celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
• How-To Tuesday at duross & langel: Learn how to make natural — vegetable face masks, lotions — beauty products at duross & langel’s how-to Tuesday event. Best of all? Reservations are not required and admission is completely free.
Wednesday
• Pub Quiz at National Mechanics: Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., those who aren’t easily offended head to National Mechanics for Pub Quiz, hosted by a foul-mouthed Irishman who tests participant’s trivia knowledge. Filthy team names are strongly encouraged.
• Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday at The Philadelphia Museum of Art: Every Wednesday night, guests are invited to explore the main building of The Philadelphia Museum of Art at whatever price they’d like to pay as part of the museum’s pay-what-you-wish Wednesday event. In addition to taking in the acclaimed collection, Wednesday night also brings things like themed tours, crafts, yoga and films to the spotlight.
• Late-Night Happy Hour at North Bowl: Bowl with the best of them at North Bowl’s weekly late-night happy hour. Every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., take advantage of $2 games, shoe rental, Tecate and original tots.
• Free Hump Day Beer Samples at Hawthornes: Get over the midweek lull with free beer samples at Hawthornes. Indulge in brews from all over the globe, as the good folks behind the taps fill up cups for all (21-plus, of course) to enjoy.
Even more events, below.
• Student Recital Series at the Curtis Institute of Music: At 8 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October to May, culture vultures can take in one of more than a 100 free solo and chamber music performances during the Curtis Institute of Music Student Recital Series. The concerts provide a first listen to future stars.
• Penn Museum Great Voyages Lecture Series: On the first Wednesday of every month, learn about some of the greatest voyages in history at the Penn Museum’s Great Voyage Lecture Series, each month led by a different expert in the field. From Titanic to Gilgamesh, each lecture discusses the feats of each voyage. Admission is $5 for non-members and $2 for museum members in advance. Admission for non-members is $10 at the door.
• Open-Mic Night at The Legendary Dobbs: The Legendary Dobbs on South Street hosts an open-mic night every Wednesday emceed by John Faye of IKE. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there is no cover.
• Sittin’ In at The Kimmel Center: Live and free music take over The Kimmel Center one Wednesday per month for a recurring jam session. A self-proclaimed dance party and concert, the show brings the best of hip hop, jazz, soul and more to the stage. Guests will also be greeted by pre-acts and drinks available for purchase provided by Garces Catering.
• Free-For-All-Comedy at Rembrandt’s: In the Fairmount neighborhood, live comedy takes over Rembrandt’s Restaurant from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Watch some of Philadelphia’s funny men and women entertain a crowd for free.
• Foreign Film Night at L’Etage: Every month, L’Etage screens a foreign film (with subtitles) on a Wednesday evening. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and guests are greeted with Creperie Beau Monde’s (L’Etage’s downstairs neighbor) full dinner menu and a fully stocked bar. Take note, there is no cover charge!
• Karaoke at McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Music flows throughout Midtown Village on Wednesday evenings as McGillin’s invites Philadelphians to take the stage and sing their hearts out at its weekly evening of karaoke. Sip some of McGillin’s exclusive brews and call it a night.
Thursday
• Drag Showcase at Bob & Barbara’s: All sorts of people — from lawyers to students to hipsters and more — pack into the legendary Bob & Barbara’s Lounge for the Thursday night showcase of drag talent. The $7 admission includes a drink ticket.
• Martha Graham Cracker at L’Etage: On the second Thursday of every month (with some exceptions), Martha Graham Cracker entertains at L’Etage with her arsenal of music, comedy and androgynous theater — and all while wearing heels. The $10 tickets are first come, first served, so people should arrive when the doors open at 8 p.m., even though the show doesn’t begin until 10 p.m.
Distrito isn't only a great place for dinner and drinks, it's also home to Taco Tuesday, a killer deal on tacos and beverages every Tuesday night. (Photo by C. Gabello for Visit Philadelphia)
• Themed Dinner Night at Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen: Every Thursday night at Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen brings a different ingredient theme to the food and drink menu — think everything from ginger to bacon to chocolate. Appetizers, entrees, drinks… you name it, they’ve got it.
• Night Skies in The Observatory at The Franklin Institute: On the second Thursday of every month, explore the night sky at The Franklin Institute as it gears up for Night Skies in The Observatory, a public viewing of stars, planets and galaxies from their top-of-the-line telescopes. Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members.
• Spirit of Thursday at The Trestle Inn: Running every other Thursday from January 9 to February 20, The Trestle Inn dishes up complimentary whiskey, bourbon and distillations from 6 to 8 p.m. Each event brings a varying distiller to the dive bar for samplings, swag and drink specials.
• Fishtown Beer Runners: If running’s your thing, top it off with a beer. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., the Fishtown Beer Runners meet at 2346 E. Susquehanna Avenue for a three to five mile run finished with a beer at a local bar.
Friday
• First Friday: First Friday is a well-loved tradition in Philadelphia. Two of the most vibrant First Friday celebrations are in Old City and along Frankford Avenue. Other neighborhoods host their own First Friday events as well — Manayunk, Northern Liberties, Kennett Square and Mt. Airy, to name a few.
• Art After 5 at The Philadelphia Museum of Art: Friday nights at The Philadelphia Museum of Art bring live entertainment, food and drinks from Starr Events and more for its recurring Art After 5 event. The event runs from 5 to 8:45 p.m. each week and all Art After 5 activities are included in museum admission.
• The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest: Weekends through March 2, The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest warms up Penn’s Landing ice skaters with craft beer, spiked hot drinks, fire pits with s’mores and grab-and-go food. The Lodge remains open until 1 a.m. on Friday nights.
• Student Recital Series at The Curtis Institute of Music: At 8 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October to May, culture vultures can take in one of more than a 100 free solo and chamber music performances during the Curtis Institute of Music Student Recital Series. The concerts provide a first listen to future stars.
• Fourth Friday on South Street: One of Philadelphia’s most bustling streets, South Street, celebrates the fourth Friday of the month with shopping discounts, happy hours, art openings and much more at area businesses. Stores keep their doors open until 8 or 9 p.m., and South Street galleries stay open even later.
• Second Friday on Lancaster Avenue: Lancaster Avenue in West Philly jumps on the bandwagon with its Second Friday celebration. Ring in the weekend with live music, sidewalk sales, art, snacks and more.
• Happy Hour at SugarHouse Casino: From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday evenings, SugarHouse Casino ushers in the weekend with a special happy hour. Indulge in $2 beer, $3 wine and $4 cocktails.
Saturday
• The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest: Weekends through March 2, The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest warms up Penn’s Landing ice skaters with craft beer, spiked hot drinks, fire pits with s’mores and grab-and-go food. The Lodge remains open until 1 a.m. on Friday nights.
• Second Saturday on East Passyunk Avenue: Well into the evening, East Passyunk Avenue businesses open their doors to weekend revelers for discounts, specials, art openings and much more for its monthly Second Saturday event. The festivities may start in the afternoon, but run into the night.
• DJ DeeJay Silk City Saturdays: A true dance party takes over Silk City on Saturday nights as DJ DeeJay provides the tunes for all to get down to. Expect everything from the latest Justin Timberlake and Pitbull songs to Motown classics. Cover is $5 for gals and $10 for guys.
• Ghost Tours of Philadelphia: Explore the spooky side of Philadelphia on a weekly ghost tour of our fair city. On Saturday evenings in January and February embark on an eerie tour of Old City led by a seasoned tour guide. Tours leave from Signers Garden at 5th and Chestnut streets. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 12. Tickets are available online.
• DJ Reed Streets at The Raven Lounge: A local producer and provider of fresh beats, DJ Reed Streets packs the house at The Raven Lounge in Center City every Saturday night. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. each week.
• Happy Hour at SugarHouse Casino: From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday evenings, SugarHouse Casino ushers in the weekend with a special happy hour. Indulge in $2 beer, $3 wine and $4 cocktails.
• Happy Hour and Live Entertainment at 10 Arts at The Ritz-Carlton: From 6 to 9 p.m., 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton serves up $5 glasses of wine and $5 select light bites. Munch and sip to accompanying live entertainment at the Broad Street lounge.
Sunday
• Sunday Wine Night at Ocean Prime: Sunday night means half-off wine at Ocean Prime. From 5 to 9 p.m., choose from more than 300 bottles of discounted wine. Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Malbec, check!
• Late-Night Happy Hour at North Bowl: Bowl with the best of them at North Bowl’s weekly late-night happy hour. Every Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., take advantage of $2 games, shoe rental, Tecate and original tots.
• The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest: Weekends through March 2, The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest warms up Penn’s Landing ice skaters with craft beer, spiked hot drinks, fire pits with s’mores and grab-and-go food. The Lodge remains open until 9 p.m. on Sunday nights.
From fire pits with s'mores to a chance to flaunt your talent at open-mic nights across the city, the after work hours have never been more alive. (Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy DRWC)
• Movie Night at Nomad Pizza: Every Sunday night, Nomad Pizza for free. Pair the film with some steamy pizza and craft beer or wine and call it a night. Pizza, beer and a movie, need we say more?
• Jazz Soup Open Jam at Time: Time Restaurant in Midtown Village is known for its swinging tunes nearly every day of the week. End the weekend with some live jazz, and a drink in hand, at its Jazz Soup Open Jam.
• Sunday Tapas at Jamonera: For $40 per person, sample 10 tapas plates at Jamonera, a well-loved Spanish wine bar in the Gayborhood.
• Karaoke at The Barbary: Starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday nights, the voices of passionate singers overtake The Barbary for its weekly evening of karaoke. Sing your heart out until the wee hours when the bar closes at 2 a.m.
• Sugo Sunday at Modo Mio: Modo Mio in Northern Liberties dishes up a family-style Italian meal from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The cash-only and BYOB is the perfect spot to end the weekend. Pay for the Sunday supper on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Monday-Friday
• Games at Garage: Housed in a former auto body shop in South Philly, Garage opened in the summer of 2013. Patrons can grab a cheesesteak from nearby Pat’s or Geno’s before heading inside to enjoy a variety of canned beers, as well as old-school fun like skee ball, pinball and billiards. Bonus: Garage is also open on Saturday and Sunday.
• Happy Hour and Buck-A-Shuck at Oyster House: Home of the original buck-a-shuck, Oyster House opens its doors for the after-work crowd. Indulge in $1 oysters, $3 draughts, $3 shooters and $5 cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Old School Games at Barcade: For fun and games of the 25-cents variety, head to Barcade, a grown-up arcade in Fishtown. Enjoy classic 80s arcade games and a rotating line-up of American craft beer any day of the week. Happy hour takes place each weeknight, Monday through Friday, from opening to 7 p.m. and includes $1 off all beers and well drinks.
• Buffalo Billards: At Old City’s Buffalo Billiards, there’s a game for just about everyone’s taste—from pool to shuffleboard to darts to foosball to skee ball. For those who prefer to watch a game, there are 17 TVs. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. and includes half-priced appetizers, as well as $3 drafts and well drinks.
• Happy Hour at Lucky Strike: Head to Lucky Strike for a couple of frames of bowling (24 lanes) or a couple of games of pool (six tables). Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes drink and food specials.
Less Than Daily
• Author Events at The Free Library of Philadelphia: The Author Events program at the Free Library of Philadelphia offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with some of today’s most celebrated and influential authors. Past guest speakers have included Umberto Eco, Harry Belafonte, Jeffrey Eugenides and Jennifer Egan. The library presents more than 125 authors each year. Ticket prices vary from $15 to free.
• Quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes: Quizzo host Johnny Goodtimes, who was named to Philadelphia magazine’s guest list for the ultimate cocktail party, is also the ultimate Quizzo host. Goodtimes hosts the game at North Star Bar and Sidecar Bar on Mondays, O’Neals Pub and City Tap House every Tuesday, Locust Rendezvous and The Black Sheep Pub & Restaurant every Wednesday and The Industry and The Bards on Thursday. Admission is free, just pay for desired food and drinks on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Late-Night Happy Hour at Alla Spina: Marc Vetri’s Italian gastropub, Alla Spina offers north-of-City-Hall dwellers two opportunities for happy hour from Monday to Thursday. Stop by for discounted drinks and food from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to midnight.
• Workshops at The Barnes Foundation: At The Barnes Foundation, one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated art institutions, weeknights offer an opportunity for students of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels to engage in workshops that further art appreciation. Instructors use the museum’s extensive collection of masterpieces to teach art enthusiasts how to analyze and enjoy these works in a whole new way. Workshops vary in price.
• Magpie Pie Making Classes: On certain days every month, Magpie owner, Holly Ricciardi, shares the secrets of creating the perfect pie. Classes at Graduate Hospital’s resident pie shop range in price and type — themed guys-only classes exist in addition to classes for couples. Call for information regarding upcoming classes.
• Cooking Classes at COOK: Classes at COOK often sell out minutes after registration opens, but students lucky enough to score one of the 16 seats are guaranteed an enjoyable evening that celebrates the culinary arts. Some of Philadelphia’s best-known chefs host classes and demonstrations in this intimate setting, focusing on subjects ranging from gluten-free baking to modern American brunch dishes. Class prices vary.
• Classes at The Clay Studio: Amidst Old City’s many galleries, The Clay Studio offers weeknight ceramics classes like general pottery, sculpture, wheel-throwing and Claymation. Newcomers can opt for the Clay Studio Sampler, which focuses on a different technique each week. Classes vary in price.
• Philadelphia Sport and Social Classes: Philadelphia Sport and Social provides athletes with indoor and outdoor sporting competitions all year round. Dodgeball, kickball and basketball are just the tip of the iceberg. Leagues vary in price.
• La Cucina Classes at Reading Terminal Market: With the help of La Cucina, the Reading Terminal Market continues its tradition of cooking and entertaining classes. Not only do students receive samples of the foods they prepare and take home new and exciting recipes, they’re also exposed to great, local merchants from whom they can purchase their ingredients year round. Prices vary depending on the class you select.
• Classes at the Philadelphia Sketch Club: Open to the public, the Philadelphia Sketch Club has been celebrating contemporary art since 1860. Classes are offered all week long in disciplines like life-drawing (both nude and clothed) and print-making. Each session costs $10 or less per person, and advanced registration is not required.
Stay Over: If you’re coming into town and want to turn it into a quick getaway, book a hotel via Visit Philly’s Overnight Hotel Package which grants you a two night stay in the city and free hotel parking. Rates start as low as $124 per night.
Occurring numerous days each week, learn how to make a restaurant quality meal at cooking classes at COOK. (Photo by Michael Spain-Smith courtesy COOK)