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February is packed with fun activities in Philly. A celebration of city firsts focuses on Black and Chinese history while Lunar New Year celebrations across the metro area feature lion dances, music, and cultural performances. Stay warm indoors with new exhibits at Franklin Institute and the National Constitution Center or brave the chill with a spin around the ice rink at Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite events and activities in Philadelphia in February 2026.
See the latest at the Philadelphia Auto Show
For a week every winter, car enthusiasts converge at the PA Convention Center for the Philadelphia Auto Show. The newest models from major car manufacturers, concept cars, and all the celebs put Philly at the center of the automotive universe for a week. The expo takes place January 31-February 8, 2026.
Attend a Saturday Firstival
Throughout the year, 52 Weeks of Firsts showcase all the cool things that started in our fair city. These Saturday Firstivals happen every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm through the end of the year and include stories, family activities, and entertainment.
- First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Congregation: See the incredible AME mother church and learn the story of Bishop Richard Allen who started it in 1794 (February 7).
- First Abolitionist Society in America: Head to the African American Museum in Philadelphia to learn about the first American abolitionist society that began here in 1775, nearly 90 years before the Emancipation Proclamation (February 14).
- First Authentic Chinese Gate Built in America: Chinatown’s incredible, colorful Friendship Gate was the first authentic Chinese gate in the country and is a source of community pride (February 21).
- First Public Protest Against Slavery in America: Philly’s fight against slavery began in 1688 when Mennonites and German Quakers initiated the first recorded public anti-slavery protest. Get inspired by their foresight and courage at the Historic Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse (February 28).
Enjoy winter in Franklin Square
There’s still lots of winter fun to have at Franklin Square. Chilly Philly Mini Golf (complete with inflatable penguins) or street curling are great for something active. For a slower pace, grab a warm beverage and a seat by the fire pit to watch the Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Multiple times each night, more than 100,000 lights dance across the square in time to music. Activities continue through February 28, 2026.
See the National Constitution Center’s newest gallery
Ever wondered what it was like to camp at Valley Forge or been curious about how Old City looked in the 1780s? The National Constitution Center’s new gallery will show you that and more. Opening on February 13, 2026, America’s Founding covers the origins of the colonies’ issues with England through the adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights all using immersive exhibits that give a glimpse of life around the time of the American Revolution.
Explore the magic of Universal theme parks
Head to Franklin Institute to see the creativity and innovation that have made Universal theme parks some of the most popular in the world. The huge exhibit, Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, includes 8 galleries and 25 interactive experiences like designing monster masks and dreaming up your own roller coaster. It opens February 14, 2026 and runs through September 7, 2026.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Lion dances, music, crafts, and more are all part of the joy that accompanies Lunar New Year. Every year, we make a point to see the Philadelphia Suns perform their lion dances, which begin around the New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year’s Day parades (February 16 and 22, 2026) and continue across the city and suburbs through the month. Check out their social media for the schedule.
More Lunar New Year activities include:
- Lunar New Year in Dilworth Park: The celebration alongside City Hall features traditional Chinese opera, dance performances, and a red envelope giveaway to the first 100 guests (February 21, 2026).
- Lunar New Year at Rail Park: Welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse at Rail Park on February 21, 2026, with a flower market, performances, K-Pop dance classes, and activities for kids.
- K-Pop at Philadelphia Art Museum: Join the K-pop dance party on February 20, 2026, beginning at 5pm. The event includes lots of music and drop-in artmaking related to Korean artworks at the museum. Admission is included with museum entry.
Attend the Home & Garden Show
Have a home project in mind? Get inspired by designs and décor at the Philly Home and Garden Show. The event, which also features hands-on workshops and a wine garden, is on at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks February 20-22, 2026.
Take to the ice at BlueCross RiverRink’s Winterfest
February is a great time to visit Blue Cross RiverRink’s Winterfest. The ice-skating rink is one of the city’s best. Plus, you can enjoy carnival games and plenty of snacks and warm drinks. It runs through March 1, 2026.
See the creative displays at the Philadelphia Flower Show
One of the city’s longest running events, the Philadelphia Flower Show is a personal favorite every year. This year’s theme, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening, includes a design inspired by Romeo and Juliet and a garden featuring plants that are usually considered weeds, among many other cool displays. Juried competitions, art, workshops, a market, and much more are also part of this fabulous event happening at the Convention Center February 28-March 8, 2026.
Enjoy Bierfest at the German Society of Pennsylvania
From altbiers to weizens, Philly Bierfest brings together more than 20 breweries to make your weekend a little brighter. The German-style brews come with a healthy dose of German culture including traditional dancers, oompah-funk music, and a stein-holding contest. A VIP ticket gets you early access. The fun happens on February 28, 2026.