Philadelphia has plenty of opportunities to share with or without your valentine, from conventional sweetheart skates at City Hall to an unorthodox take on the holiday at the Barnes Foundation, which explores cultural traditions tied together by love and loss.
The Philly POPS will also host a tribute concert to the “Queen of Soul” through Sunday, and Philly’s own Boyz II Men will perform at The Met Philadelphia.
However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day weekend, plan it out with The KYW To-Do List, your guide for all things to do in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs this weekend.
DATE/TIME: Friday, 8 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Center City
DETAILS: Different cultures come together to explore life and loss at this Valentine’s Day celebration. There will be influences from the Japanese Spirit Festival Obon, a Day of the Dead procession, readings from Victorian writers, and much more.
PRICE: $10
EVENT: Sweetheart Skate
DATE/TIME: Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St., Center City
DETAILS: Grab your sweetheart for a special skate session at City Hall. There will be karaoke and specially priced drinks in the cabin.
PRICE: $5; skate rental is $10
EVENT: Butterfly Love Fest
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Ave., Northeast Philadelphia
DETAILS: In its second year, this family-friendly Valentine’s Day festival features games, a butterfly release, face painting, buggy racing, exotic animal encounters, and more.
PRICE: Adult admission is $13.50; child admission is $10.50; family price is available
ATTRACTIONS
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Penn Museum, 3260 South St., University City
DETAILS: Join the museum for a full day of contemporary and traditional cultural practices across the African diaspora. There will be live performances, workshops for all ages, storytelling, and more.
PRICE: Included with museum admission
EVENT: Winter Tree Tour
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Ave., University City
DETAILS: Learn about the more than 700 trees in The Woodlands in the winter landscape with the facilities and landscape manager.
PRICE: $10; advanced registration is preferred
EVENT: Philly’s Chinatown Tour in Chinese New Year
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at 10th and Arch streets in Chinatown
DETAILS: It’s the Year of the Rat! Get the insider’s view of Chinatown and experience the culture, history, sites and many tastes.
PRICE: $39 plus any purchases you make during tour
MUSIC
DATE/TIME: Friday, doors at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
PRICE: Resale tickets are available
EVENT: Aretha: RESPECT
DATE: Through Sunday
WHERE: Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St., Center City
DETAILS: Listen as the Philly POPS welcome conductor Byron Stripling, singers Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, and more for music by the “Queen of Soul.”
PRICE: Tickets start at $35
EVENT: National Jazz Festival
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Center City
DETAILS: More than 12,000 high school and middle school jazz band students from across the country will perform, compete and attend educational workshops.
PRICE: Free to attend