Here’s How to Turn Up the Heat on Your January Weekends in Philly
Fun things to do in Philadelphia this weekend (and every weekend throughout the month).
Happy 2024, Philly! You might feel overwhelmed with a fresh calendar ahead of you, but fret not, here are plenty of suggestions to keep you busy over those cold January weekends. Whether you’re biding your time until NFL playoffs begin (Go Birds) or are looking for some icy outdoor activities, what is arguably the dreariest month has some gems of events to look forward to.
If you happen to have a January getaway on the books, don’t miss our guide to eating and drinking at Philadelphia International Airport or the All-Time Greatest Things to Do in Philly if you’re coming in from out of town. Here’s everything fun to do on the weekends in Philly this January. We update this Weekend Guide each month, so be sure to check back often.
Where to Drink in Philly
Ongoing
Brewerytown, Free admission
Have you ever wanted to bring your dog to the bar? Designed as a space for pups to roam off-leash while their humans (responsibly) enjoy a bev or two, the Boozy Mutt has both indoor and outdoor space for four-legged guests, a dog wash room, and treats for both people and pups. Menu standouts are a Smash Mutt Burger, Cheese Curds, local beers from Second District Brewing, Carbon Copy Brewing, and a cocktail called Zoomies (vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, toffee chocolate caramel cane sugar simple syrup). You don’t need a dog to stop in, but expect plenty of wet kisses.
January 12, 6 pm
Callowhill, Free admission
As a part of the annual Philly Loves Bowie Week—a musical series of events honoring the late David Bowie—the Trestle Inn hosts a vinyl happy hour, featuring DJs SoundinBetween and The Slinky Vagabond spinning Bowie on vinyl, just as the audiophiles intended. To further set the mood, Bowie videos will be projected and go-go dancers will be grooving. On special is the $8 Young Americans Sour (rye whiskey, housemade cardamom syrup, and apple butter).
January 13, 12:30 pm
Ardmore, PA $50-89
While most commonly held outdoors in warmer months, this beer fest promises toasty vibes and sips in the confines of Ardmore Music Hall. Over 50 beers will be available for sampling from Founders, Yards, Troegs, Levante, and Love City, plus live music from Grateful Dead tribute act Dad & Co.
January 13, 10 pm
Fishtown, $10–$28
What originally began as a local party in Los Angeles is now one of the largest touring reggaetón bashes in the country. Gasolina, the aforementioned reggaetón and Latin music dance party, makes a stop at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia for a night of El Alfa, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and more.
January 20, 12 pm
Callowhill, $33–$67
Whether you’re partaking in Dry January or looking for a booze-free hangout, this day-long gathering has all the buzz with none of the hangover. Sip on non-alcoholic beverages in the tasting lounge and learn how to make your own with demonstrations. There’ll be speakers and panels discussing the future of the alcohol industry and how to run a small business without alcohol. Shop for zero proof libations to take home and cut a rug on the dance floor at the after party.
Sports Events in Philly
January 5–6, 12
Stadium Complex, Starting at $50
The Sixers look to build upon their strong record—and they’ll need an uproarious home crowd to support them. The New York Knicks come to the Wells Fargo Center on Friday, January 5, followed by the Utah Jazz on Saturday, January 6. The following weekend, the Sacramento Kings round out the home weekend games this month on Friday, January 12.
January 6, 20, 21, 27
Stadium Complex, Starting at $25
The Flyers are building momentum as (currently) the best sports team in the city. You’ll have plenty of chances to see them in action during four weekend home games at the Wells Fargo Center. First up is a faceoff against the Calgary Flames on Saturday, January 6. Later in the month the Colorado Avalanche and Ottowa Senators come to town on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21, respectively. The month rounds out with a game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, January 27.
January 7, 13, 27
Stadium Complex, Starting at $21
Get out your lax pinnies, it’s Wings season. Philly’s pro lacrosse team is hoping for early season wins. This month, they play at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, January 7 (versus the New York Riptide), Saturday, January 13 (against the Saskatchewan Rush), and Saturday, January 27 (facing off against the San Diego Seals). If you’re a lax bro who loves emo, don’t miss the game on the 27th: the Starting Line perform during halftime, in addition to other emo-themed surprises throughout the arena.
January 20, 8 pm
Stadium Complex, Starting at $35
College hoops fans, unite: the UConn Huskies come to Philly to take on the Villanova Wildcats for a men’s basketball game.
January 26, 7 pm
Stadium Complex, Starting at $25
As a part of the 2024 Flyers Hall of Fame Weekend, the Flyers Alumni Game brings together former Flyers forwards Brent Fedyk, Eric Lindros, and Mark Recchi for the first time in nearly three decades. The rest of the alumni game roster includes Mark Howe, Joe Watson, John LeClair, Kimmo Timonen, Patrick Sharp, Scott Hartnell, Dave Brown, Daryl Stanley, Mike Richards, Brian Boucher, and Mike Knuble.
Where to Spend Time Outdoors in Philly
Ongoing
Chinatown, $40
As a part of Winter in Franklin Square, is their spin on curling, the sport where competitors slide stones on ice. Try your hand at the game on synthetic ice at Franklin Square, where teams of up to eight can pretend they’re in the Olympics for half-hour sessions. The rinks are conveniently located next to the heated food and drink tent, Ben On The Rocks, if you need some Warm Winter Cider to thaw out your hands. If you happen to stop by on January 20, Ben On The Rocks is hosting a 5 pm Boozy “Bengo” party in honor of Ben Franklin’s 318th birthday.
January 5–6, 12–13
Lahaska, PA, Free admission
Are you in the mood to heat up or cool down? How about both. Peddler’s Village hosts a festival devoted to fire and ice during the first two weekends of January. Expect fire juggling acts, ice carving, an ice throne for photo opps, fire pits, and outdoor food and drink stations.
January 13, 1 pm
Wildwood, NJ, $120-125
Test your strength by partaking in a New Year tradition: Running into the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter. Wildwood’s Polar Bear Plunge supports the Special Olympics New Jersey and gives brave souls the chance to run into the water for a good cause on a Saturday afternoon. Strip down to your skivvies, take a quick, invigorating dip, then enjoy lunch at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
January 20, 3 pm
Center City, Free admission
The season of ice and lights continues at Dilworth Park where attendees can see a full-size baby grand piano made entirely from ice. Other activities include professional ice skating performances on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, ice sculptures, dueling ice carving demonstrations, and public skating on the rink.