Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Center City

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to explore all that Center City has to offer. A world-class dining scene, arts & culture, the oldest diamond district in the country… What’s not to love? Check out our top picks for a date night done right for couples, friends, and families! 

Window Shop in Jewelers’ Row | Diamond engagement rings, solid gold necklaces, watches, gemstones, and pearls — luxury pieces are a stone’s throw away in the country’s oldest diamond district. | Walnut to Market streets and 7th to 9th streets

Relax with a Galentine’s Spa Day | Spend Galentine’s Day with your closest friends being pampered with facials and pedicures at Rescue Spa in Rittenhouse Square. This flagship location spans 9,700 square feet, which includes 15 treatment rooms, a nail lounge, hair salon, brow room, and a makeup boutique. | 1811 Walnut St.

Expand Your Palette at The Elephant Restaurant & Bar | Take your loved ones and your taste buds on a flavorful adventure while enjoying a martini or mocktail along with tasty bites at this larger-than-life Valentine’s Day themed pop-up. | Through February 16 | 1500 Locust St.

4-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner at Aqimero | Treat your special someone to an unforgettable dining experience at Aqimero on Valentine’s Day. Chef’s exquisite four-course dinner will sweep you off your feet with fresh oysters and decadent molten lava cake, it’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss! | 10 Avenue of the Arts

New Adult Circus Prom Coming to Philadelphia Circus Campus on Valentine’s Day

* Dance and party in a welcoming and unique atmosphere, while downstairs childcare services are offered for the little ones leaving the upstairs for grown-up 21+ fun only *

Philadelphia, PA – Tuxedos, sequins and just a hint of awkward teenage nostalgia will take center stage when the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) hosts its first-ever Adult Circus Prom on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 7:30pm to 10:00pm, at Circus Campus. Designed for adults who never had a prom – or simply want a redo – Adult Circus Prom brings back the magic, nerves and ridiculous joy of high school prom, this time with confidence, self-assurance, circus performances and a cash bar. Hosted inside PSCA’s atmospheric campus, an old church that once served as a school, the night playfully blurs past and present, with aerial apparatuses hanging overhead, circus artists moving through the space and moments of spectacle unfolding between dances. The result is a familiar setting transformed into a celebration of who we were, who we are and how much more fun it is now. Look for two spaces for Adult Circus Prom – the main event for grown-ups 21+ under the cathedral style ceilings and circus apparatuses upstairs, and a separate supervised babysitting space for parents and caregivers to drop off their children (5 and up) in the downstairs circus space. Tickets for the Adult Circus Prom are $35 per adult or $60 per couple. Childcare services are $30, or save $5 when enrolling siblings. Tickets are on sale now at phillycircus.com/upcoming-shows-events/

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New Black History Month Event Brings Art, Music & Community to Northern Liberties

Philadelphia, PA – Northern Liberties Business Improvement District will honor Black History Month with a new, two-location First Friday celebration on Friday, February 6, 2026 spotlighting Black creativity, culture and community. This special Black History Month First Friday Kick-Off will highlight two Black and female-owned businesses while featuring local artists, live music, lite bites and a benefit supporting youth arts education. The evening begins at Trunc (929 N. 2nd Street) from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with the opening of 3RD WRL GRL VIEW by artist Leanne Mair, with the artist making her work in the window from 5:00pm to 5:45pm, accompanied by a special musical performance from Faith the Violinist (from 6:00pm to 7:00pm), plus lite refreshments. Rap Snacks and AfroPop will also be available for purchase. The evening continues at 1040 Creative (1040 N. 2nd Street) from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with a special exhibition and benefit “Small Works Wonders” to raise funds for Youth Summer Arts Scholarships.

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Philadelphia Zoo Announces New Valentine’s Events, Date Experiences and Behind Scenes Tours

* Philadelphia Zoo launches new experiences and gifts to make this February at the Zoo unforgettable *

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard) invites couples, families and friends to the Zoo this February to celebrate the season of love and friendship with a brand-new lineup of limited-time experiences and special offers all month long. The Zoo has the perfect way for animal lovers to say “I love you” to those most dear to them. Bring your sweetheart (or bestie) to the Zoo Valentine’s Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for the new Valentine’s Day Weekend Date Package with two admission tickets, two adult drinks plus a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal and a takeaway gift created by one of them. On Saturday and Sunday of Valentine’s Weekend, enjoy special Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment Around the Zoo. Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s Day itself with Cupcake Decorating with one large cupcake with icing, and a variety of toppings to choose from. Every weekend of February, take a romantic ride on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a new 110 feet tall ride with breathtaking scenes of the Zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Art Museum and beyond. Enjoy 20% off all February Behind-the-Scenes Experiences for those wanting a truly once-in-a-lifetime memory together with your favorite animals. Plus, give the gift that makes an impact and will be remembered all year with adopting an animal, with packages that include a Valentine’s Plushy and adoption certificate. All packages, events and tickets are now on the Zoo website at philadelphiazoo.org/news/valentines-day-deals/
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Winter Fun at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin

Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting | February 7 | 1–5 p.m.

The Big Game Celebration | February 1–8

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Class | February 13 | 6-8 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration Presented by Temple University | February 16-21

Happy Hour | Monday–Thursday | 5–7 p.m.

Trivia Night | Thursdays | 5:30–6:30 p.m.

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Philadelphia Police Report the Following Shooting

The following information is preliminary and subject to change.
On January 30, 2026, at approximately 6:46 p.m., officers from the 39th District responded to a report of a person shot in the 200 block of West Chelten Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm.
The victim was transported by police to a local hospital, where he was taken into surgery and listed in critical condition. Officers observed and secured a crime scene extending from the 200 block to the 100–200 block of West Chelten Avenue. Later that evening, a female suspect voluntarily reported to Police Headquarters and surrendered a firearm believed to be involved in the incident. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The firearm was secured. This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues with the Shooting Investigation Group. Updates will be provided as they are received.

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink

Philadelphia’s premier wintertime destination is open 7 days a week through February 22. Purchase rink tickets online for 90-minute, timed sessions. In-person sales will be offered on-site, based on availability. Admission is $7 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $10 per person, and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. See below for rink programming.

College Nights presented by Temple University | Thursdays | 5:30-9 p.m.

Free in February presented by Rothman Orthopaedics | February 2-17 | Mondays and Tuesdays

CBP and PHL Airport launch Enhanced Passenger Processing for U.S. travelers returning from overseas

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Philadelphia International Airport announced today the launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing technology at Philadelphia International Airport.

Enhanced Passenger Processing utilizes advanced facial comparison technology and biometric software to provide U.S. citizens with a touchless, seamless, and secure international arrivals experience. U.S. citizens experience the same high level of security assurance with fewer steps and reduced processing times.

The technology allows CBP officers to focus on traveler interaction and higher-risk travelers while automating routine processing for eligible U.S. citizens with no enforcement concerns.

EPP is available at 15 U.S. airports, six CBP Preclearance airports in Aruba, Canada, and Ireland, five seaport ports of entry, and one land border crossing. Since launching EPP nationally in August 2025, CBP officials have observed a 25% reduction in wait times for U.S. citizens.

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Craftsman Row Saloon Brings a Taste of New Orleans to Philadelphia

* Enjoy vibes, drinks and food inspired by Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday and beyond with more decor this year, new po boys, and extended run *

Philadelphia, PA – Let the good times roll. Craftsman Row Saloon, at 112 S. 8th Street, announces the launch of its 6th annual Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar Experience starting Thursday, January 29th through Fat Tuesday. First to bring this vibe to Philadelphia, Craftsman Row is the spot for the ultimate flavors, sights and sounds of The Big Easy. The award-winning Christmas pop-up decorations from December have been entirely replaced by thousands of glittery beads, feathers, masquerade masks and other decor to transport you to Mardi Gras. Umbrella’s hang from the ceiling and jazz instruments poetically add melody to the space. The floor to ceiling transformation continues both inside the dining room and outside in the Craftsman Row Saloon illuminated with the colors of Mardi Gras on the entire building. The over the top decorations guests love, with a little extra magic for the festive flair of the holiday. The delicious over-the-top King of Bourbon Street Milkshake is back, with Po Boys, Crawfish Mac N Cheese, Big Easy Burger, new King Cake Burger, Jambalaya and more. The bar will be pouring the tasty and festive Bourbon Street inspired specialty cocktails they are known for. Cocktails will boast all the NOLA feels and come with masks, beads and other souvenirs and keepsakes.

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Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association Announces 2026 String Band Spectacular

Official Judged Competition Event to Be Held at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association (PMSBA) announces the 2026 String Band Spectacular, the official judged competition event for the String Band Division. The event will take place at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00pm, with a rain date of Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The 2026 String Band Spectacular was created to ensure that Philadelphia’s String Bands receive the full competitive spotlight they deserve. Unpredictable and extreme weather conditions on New Year’s Day caused damage to production props and made it unsafe to proceed with the String Band competition as originally scheduled. While the String Bands proudly marched and performed during the parade, the judged competition portion was postponed in the interest of safety.

“This event allows us to properly showcase the extraordinary work, musicianship, and creativity of the String Bands in a safe and professional environment,” said Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association President Sam Regalbuto. “The String Band Spectacular ensures that this historic competition is presented at the level of excellence our performers, supporters, and the City of Philadelphia expect. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as our fellow major Philadelphia sports organizations: the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Union, whose involvement underscores the citywide pride and collaboration behind this event.”

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