It’s Friday night and you find yourself at the local dive bar… again. If the bar scene is getting a little tired, you’re in luck. Philadelphia may be the birthplace of the citywide, but it’s also a hub for live arts, exciting community events, and seasonal celebrations.
If you’re looking to shake up your normal weekend routine, we have a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Friday nights at the PMA
Every Friday night from 5 to 8:45 pm, unwind with live music and gallery access at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Impress your artsy friends over tapas-style dishes and impressionist paintings or relax on the marble steps to the sounds of smooth jazz. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
2. See a show
Philly has no shortage of music venues to choose from. See local bands play at Kung Fu Necktie on Front Street or get down to some 90’s hits at the Barbary on Frankford Ave.
3. Gallery hop on First-Fridays
If museums are not your style, you can still get your art fix every first Friday of the month. The majority of art galleries in Old City will open their doors and typically serve free wine and finger-food. Get some new pieces for your walls and support local artists while doing it.
4. Experiment with Science After Hours
Franklin Institute is not just for kids. Spend your night off getting lost in hands-on exhibits, enjoying live performances, and sipping cocktails at Philadelphia’s premier science museum.
5. Bowl a strike
Embrace your competitive side at North Bowl, where you can grab a bite, jam out to music, and knock down some pins all at the same time.
6. Roll the dice
While technically a bar, Thirsty Dice diverges from the usual formula. Offering over 800 board games, this Fairmount gem is well worth the $5 admission fee.
7. Learn from the experts
COOK in Rittenhouse offers intimate, in-depth cooking instruction daily to groups of no more than 16 people at a time. Learn how to make macarons with the pastry chef of Parc or whip up delicious vegan dishes with the masterminds behind V Street.
8. Ready, aim, fire
If you’re looking to blow off some steam, Urban Axes is the spot for you. Go by yourself, join a league, or book a group event to see grown adults throw axes at wooden bullseyes. What are you waiting for?
9. Have a laugh
Wander down to Chinatown for free beer and cheap comedy shows at Good Good Comedy Theatre. Keep an eye on their online calendar to see who’s performing this week and don’t forget to BYOB!
10. Go dancing at Cuba Libre
After polishing off a few baskets of yucca fries, stick around Cuba Libre for some late-night Cuban dancing. The food will get you in the door, but the Latin fusion, bottle service, and dancing will keep you there all night.