Don’t let the weather get you down! Enjoy the long weekend celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and lunar new year festivities in and around Philly this weekend.
Lunar New Year Festival
Saturday Jan. 19
1-5pm
Penn Museum
3260 South St.
Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy Lunar New Year festival at the Penn Museum with a daytime festival and evening performances. This family-friendly day features traditional dance and music, contemporary Asian film, tangram workshops, martial arts demonstrations, storytelling, calligraphy, and art-making for all ages. And join in the traditional Lion Dance, then grab a cocktail as the festival kicks into high gear with Korean pop music, and performances to ring in the new year. Adults $15, kids $10. Food and drink will also be available for purchase.
Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend
Saturday Jan. 19 – Monday Jan. 21
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Head to Eastern State Penitentiary to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & his 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail” with readings from the landmark text and opportunities for visitors to respond to its relevance today. Professional actors, youth readers, & community leaders read excerpts from King’s letter three times a day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, & 3:30 pm. An informal Q&A moderated by a civil rights scholar follows each reading, giving visitors an opportunity to respond to the letter’s relevance today. On Monday, children ages 7-12 & their families are invited to to create art in response to themes found in the letter, & read stories about Dr. King’s life and legacy.
MLK Weekend Celebration
Friday Jan. 18 – Monday Jan. 21
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate MLK at the African American Museum in Philadelphia with family programming on Saturday, and a Sunday jazz presentation with international vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd. Monday highlights include the Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt, a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, and more.Throughout the weekend, guests can also explore the core exhibit, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876, the special exhibition, Cotton: The Soft, Dangerous Beauty of the Past ( now extended through February 2019), and the newly opened exhibition Photographic Memory. $2 general admission Sat-Mon.
MLK Day Celebration
Monday Jan. 21
9am – 5pm
National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA
The National Liberty Museum hosts an MLK Day Celebration featuring a variety of hands-on activities for all ages like creating your own “I Have a Dream” speech, civil-rights trivia, and a take home Liberty Bell craft. All visitors will receive a “Heroes Who Inspire Heroes” gallery guide for the museum. Pay what you wish admission.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Monday Jan. 21
9am – 5pm
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at the National Constitution Center on Monday Jan. 21. Families sort supplies to be distributed to local schools, watch students perform MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and partake in an interactive show about his legacy. $5.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Lancaster Ave.
Monday Jan. 21
9:00 – 11:30am
North 38th Street and Lancaster Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Head to West Philadelphia to enjoy a multi-block celebration and service project on Martin Luther King Jr. Day along Lancaster Ave. Enjoy live music, spoken-word performances and more while helping to clean the avenue. Free.
Leave a Reply