Over the long Presidents’ Day Weekend, a ton of Philadelphia attractions promise extra-special events for all to enjoy.
(Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
On Monday, February 16, Philadelphia celebrates Presidents’ Day — the birthdays of President George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the work of the 44 Presidents who have led our country.
Many observe the holiday with a day off from work, making for a long weekend in Philadelphia. Spend the holiday weekend enjoying free museum admission, themed tours and even a birthday celebration for President George Washington. A number of museum’s also commemorate the holiday with perfectly timed exhibition openings, too.
Presidents’ Day weekend also coincides with Valentine’s Day, which makes for a double holiday weekend and all the more reason to spend it in the City of Brotherly Love. Valentine’s Day promises special dinners, fun events and romance all weekend long.
In addition to special long weekend events, there are a variety of winter happenings on tap for the weekend — like Winterfest, Represent: 200 Years of African American Art at the PMA, Titanoboa: Monster Snake at ANSP, the opening of the PHS pop-up garden at Liberty Place and Opera Philadelphia’s East Coast debut of Oscar.
Read on for our complete day-by-day guide to Presidents’ Day weekend in Philadelphia.
Bonus: Make the most of the long weekend by spending the night in the thick of the fun. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package for two nights of hotel accommodations, free parking and a special welcome gift.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Dance the night away at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which promises tango lessons and education on the art of tango for its Art After 5 programming. Also enjoy after-hours art, and food and drinks from Starr Events. The fun lasts from 5 to 8:45 p.m. MORE INFO
Opening of Creating Camelot at the National Constitution Center
On Friday, February 13, the National Constitution Center opens Creating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography Of Jacques Lowe, an exhibition made up of 70 photographs taken by photojournalist Jacques Lowe who was President John F. Kennedy's personal photographer. The exhibition gives guests a rarely seen look at President Kennedy, his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, Caroline and John Jr. MORE INFO
Valentine's Day Celebration at Adventure Aquarium
From 7 to 10 p.m., Adventure Aquarium celebrates Valentine’s Day one-day early with an adults-only party complete with food, drinks and lots of marine animal education — and the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some animals. MORE INFO
Tweetheart Social at Nest
Folks of all ages are invited out to Nest for its annual Tweetheart Social, a benefit for PAWS. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy themed food and drinks, Valentine’s Day crafts, a photo booth, an adoption station and more. Throughout the event, Nest will be taking donations of items like canned dog and cat food, clay cat litter, bleach and trash bags. Admission is $35 for non-member families and $30 for members families. MORE INFO
The National Constitution Center hosts a full weekend of events in celebration of Presidents’ Day and it opens a new exhibition.
(Photo courtesy National Constitution Center)
Robert Taplin: Punch at PAFA
On the night before Valentine’s Day, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts opens Robert Taplin: Punch. The sculptures of Robert Taplin tear Punch, the iconic Italian trickster, away from his historic battles only to land him squarely in an exhibition as part of its ongoing Sculpture Plinth Exhibition Program. MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Valentine’s Day Dinners
Take your sweetie out for a nice meal on Valentine’s Day. More than 50 restaurants throughout the city are serving up prix-fixe menus and special plates for all dining on February 14. MORE INFO
More, below.
Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages
Make a night of your Valentine’s Day celebrations by sleeping over at one of the great hotels that are offering deals for those planning on spending the night in the city. Hotels with V-Day deals include the Hotel Palomar, Sofitel, Ritz-Carlton and Raddison Blu. MORE INFO
Opening of PHS Pop-Up Garden at Liberty Place
Starting on February 14, for three weeks only, the PHS Pop-Up Garden returns — indoors this time — to fill the rotunda at The Shops at Liberty Place with lovely greenery, flowing brews and toasty visitors. MORE INFO
Love at The Barnes
Love is more than just a moment, it's a movement a movement best captured in dance. Koresh Dance Company translates Valentine vibrations into a performance at The Barnes Foundation, where the art of romance even includes free champagne and chocolate. The party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. MORE INFO
Opening of Titanoboa: Monster Snake at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Lovers of the creepy-crawly, take note. On Valentine’s Day, the Academy of Natural Sciences opens Titanoboa: Monster Snake, an exhibition about the largest snake to ever live. Learn about the giant snake and some of the snakes of modern day, too. MORE INFO
Presidents’ Day Weekend coincides with Valentine’s Day, which promises, specials dinners, cool events and more.
(Photo by E. Mencher for Visit Philadelphia)
First Person Arts' Ex-Files Story Slam
For those looking for a departure from romance on Valentine’s Day, head to Underground Arts for the First Person Arts StorySlam: The Ex-Files. In what promises to be a hilarious night of self-deprecating humor, the annual anti-Valentine's Day storytelling competition asks audience members to step up and share real-life tales of breakups, heartaches and heartbreaks. The show starts at 8 p.m. MORE INFO
Shine A Little Love Happy Hour at The Trestle Inn
Start your Valentine’s Day with happy hour deals. From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy $6 whiskey sours, go go dancing, ’70s love songs and videos of epic kissing scenes. MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
George Washington Invents the Presidency at the Independence Visitors Center
On both February 14 and 15, embark on a free ranger-led gallery tour that focuses on George Washington and the unknown ground that he walked on during his first presidency. MORE INFO
Opera Philadelphia Presents Oscar
Opera Philadelphia presents the East Coast debut of Oscar, a poignant opera about the consequences of Wilde's gayness being revealed in court trials and his ensuing imprisonment. Over the holiday weekend, the performance will take place at the Academy of Music on Friday, February 13 and Sunday, February 15. MORE INFO
In addition to its Friday night after-hours programming, the Art Museum opens on a Monday when it’s regularly closed in celebration of Presidents’ Day. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Valentine’s Day Dinners
A number of restaurants throughout Philadelphia continue the Valentine’s Day dinner celebrations on Sunday, February 15. Belated Valentine’s Day dinner, anyone? MORE INFO
Wild at Heart at The Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo celebrates Valentine’s Day with a weekend full of love-themed programming for the whole family. Enjoy a love tour of the zoo (that features animal couples), love-themed activities and more. MORE INFO
Tours of Yards Brewing Company
Learn about the beer-making process at Yards Brewing Company as the Fishtown brewery offers free tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours run from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Stick around for a craft beer at the bar after. MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Free Admission to the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center and TD Bank are celebrating Presidents’ Day with free museum admission all day long on Monday, February 16. Enjoy a variety of special themed programming in addition to opening weekend of Creating Camelot. MORE INFO
Presidents’ Day Family Day at NMAJH
The National Museum of American Jewish History raises a hat to President George Washington with a special family day that teaches children and adults alike about Washington’s impact on Jewish society and American history. The museum will also offer free admission to all guests. MORE INFO
Long weekends are meant for relaxation: Enjoy a frosty beer and burger at The Lodge at RiverRink Winterfest.
(Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)
Presidents’ Week at City Tavern
Transport back in time through the fare at City Tavern. The historic restaurant is set to serve up a special Presidents' Week menu from February 13 to 16. Stop by for a curated menu by Chef Walter Staib who has cooked inside of the homes of the first five Presidents. MORE INFO
Foodways of Lincoln’s Time
Learn about some of our sixteenth presidents' favorite food at Foodways of Lincoln’s Time, a cooking demonstration at the Mercer Museum. From noon to 4 p.m., sample old time fare and learn a thing or two about Abraham Lincoln’s diet. MORE INFO
Special Hours at The Philadelphia Museum of Art
In celebration of Presidents’ Day, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will swing open its doors on a Monday — when it is normally closed. MORE INFO
Washington’s Birthday Party at Valley Forge
The Visitor Center at Valley Forge hosts a slew of free fun in celebration of George Washington’s 283rd birthday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy cupcakes, crafts, games, a Continental Army activity for kids and more. MORE INFO
Opening of Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano at the PMA
An artistic tradition that lasted through 400 years of Japanese history, Kano painters turned wall scrolls and fans into domains where powerful animals stalked. Homes and buildings once glistened in gold leaf glory, only to reemerge centuries later and an ocean away in an exhibition at the art museum. The Art Museum opens its new exhibition on February 16. MORE INFO
On February 16, Valley Forge hosts a day-long, free party for George Washington’s birthday. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
William Glackens at The Barnes Foundation Closing
After a two-week extension, the Barnes Foundation closes its special exhibition, William Glackens, on Monday, February 16. Take up the opportunity to visit the curated exhibition, which brings together more than 90 works from the Barnes collection, as well as public and private collections throughout the United States. MORE INFO
Presidents’ Day Tour at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Spend your day off taking in the fine mosaic artwork of Isaiah Zagar at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. The South Street attraction provides visitors with a 2 p.m. tour on the presidential holiday. MORE INFO
Philly Cooks Tasting Tours
Before the annual Philly Cooks event returns with more than 40 participating restaurants, a pop-up speakeasy-style lounge, live music, beer and wine, two nights of tasting tours give those interested in a more personal culinary experience. Small groups of diners are guided on tasting tours of three neighborhood restaurants to eat, drink and chat with chefs. MORE INFO
ONGOING
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Penn's Landing's longstanding Blue Cross RiverRink amps up the ice skating experience on the Delaware River waterfront all season long by transforming the annual rink into a bona fide winter wonderland. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest takes the perennial good times of the rink to a whole new level, transforming Penn's Landing into a winterized riverfront park with ice skating, a light show, winter beer garden and more. MORE INFO
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
This winter, the transformation of the west side of City Hall continues with the opening of the Rothman Institute Ice Rink at the brand-new Dilworth Park. The promises a warming tent and an on-site Rosa Black cafe by Jose Garces. MORE INFO
The National Museum of American Jewish History is open for free during Presidents’ Day weekend.
(Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
The President’s House
The interactive site located on Independence Mall is the perfect place to learn about our past leaders. The President's House is free and open to the public all year round. The site tells the story of the slaves that worked at President George Washington and President John Adams presidential home at Sixth and Market streets. MORE INFO
Free Admission to the National Museum of American Jewish History
In honor of the seven-year loan extension of a historic letter, the National Museum of American Jewish History will offer free museum admission to all guests for the entire month of February — including over Presidents’ Day weekend. MORE INFO
The Art of The Brick at The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute recently unveiled the world's largest display of LEGO art for The Art of The Brick, a never-before-seen exhibition made exclusively for the Franklin Institute exhibition. The exhibition is made up of more than 100 works created entirely from LEGOs by contemporary artist, Nathan Sawaya. MORE INFO
Represent: 200 Years of African American Art at The PMA
Bringing together more than 75 works from the museum's extensive collection of art by African Americans, Represent displays works by 50 artists and explores a wide range of mediums and themes. MORE INFO
Over the holiday weekend, embrace the winter at the ice rink at Dilworth Park. (Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
Dinosaurs of the Deep at Adventure Aquarium
Take a look at the prehistoric marine animals that ruled the seas when dinosaurs ruled the earth at Adventure Aquarium’s current special exhibition, Dinosaurs of the Deep. The exhibit showcases five-thousand square feet of fossils, large-scale skeletons, a coral reef with animal replications and more than 20 life-size replicas. MORE INFO
Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out at The Franklin Institute
Through April 12. Housed in the new Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion at The Franklin Institute, Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out features a rare and unprecedented view of the anatomy of nature with more than 100 specimens including sharks, goats, ostriches, a giraffe and even a giant squid. The striking exhibition uses plastination, a special process that replaces bodily fluids with plastics created by the founder of Body Worlds, to display the skeletons, muscles, organs and circulatory systems of a wide variety of animals. MORE INFO
Jamie Wyeth at The Brandywine River Museum of Art
Jamie Wyeth, the current exhibition on view at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, marks the first time the artist's work is being displayed as a retrospective. The exhibit showcases 109 works from six decades of his career, presented in a way that illustrates how his creative process changed and evolved over the years. MORE INFO