I’m not sure about you, but I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring in Philadelphia. I can’t wait to admire the cherry blossoms along Kelly Drive, grab some Hatfield Franks on BOGO Nights at the Phillies, and relax on the rooftop at Bok Bar.
For the time being, I’m presenting a list of spring-like events taking place in the area, such as the Philadelphia Flower Show (more details below), a new Egyptian exhibition, and the return of our favorite soccer team this weekend.
Get your weekend started, Philadelphia way.
— Earl Hopkins(@earlhopkins_, Email me at[email protected])
If someone sent you this email,Register for free here.
Your handbook for the Philadelphia Flower Show
The annual Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show,which is the oldest and biggest horticultural gathering in the world, comes back to the Convention Center on Saturday and continues until March 8.
The central topic for this year is “Rooted: The Beginnings of American Gardening.”
There will be floral exhibits, flower contests, and over 200 vendors presenting a carefully chosen range of live plants, flowers, gardening equipment, decorative items, and other offerings. We’ve got you taken care of withall the information you must be aware ofinformation on participation, covering timing, admission, parking, dining, displays, and additional details.
Top activities this week
🎭 A scene at-random:InterAct Theatre Company’s newest performance,Plantation Black,Directed by Kimille Howard, this is a thought-provoking story set during the Civil War with an unexpected turn. Every evening, a member of the cast spins a drum that has the names of all the production’s scenes, and the play starts at a different point in the timeline. The performance continues until Sunday.
🇲🇽 New dining options in Market East:In the most recent addition to Center City’s dining scene, Market East is set to openMi VidaThe high-end Mexican restaurant from Washington D.C. opened adjacent to Mon’s Organic Market on 1150 Ludlow Street.
🟦 Blue individuals in motion:The Blue Man GroupReturns to Philadelphia with a brand-new performance that includes new music, engaging visuals, and audience participation. Enjoy the Blue Man experience at Miller Theater until Sunday.
📅My schedule highlights this weekBella Village Restaurant Week, “No Solace in the Shade” at the Brandywine Museum of Art, The Harlem Globetrotters at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The highlight of the week: Our beloved soccer team is returning to the Philadelphia area this week.
The Philadelphia Union comes back to Subaru Park for the team’sfirst two home games of the season.
First, the Union faces off against Trinidad & Tobago’s Defence Force SC on Thursday to conclude the second leg of the team’s first round series in theConcacaf Champions CupThe team that wins the series will face Club América from Liga MX in the Round of 16.
On Sunday, the Union will play against New York City FC in their Major League Soccer season’s home debut. The team aims to get back on track following a 0-1 loss to D.C. United last week.
For news about Philadelphia’s top soccer team,read here.
Winter activities this week and onward
🍺Toast to state brews:The Philly Beer Festwill showcase 30 of the state’s leading breweries, such as Triple Bottom Brewing, Urban Village Brewing Company, and Evil Genius Beer Company, at the 23rd Armory this Saturday.
🎭 Fears, aspirations, and hidden truths:The dark comedy, A Delicate Balance, authored by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee, delves into how lifelong friends confront an unexplained anxiety on an equally unforeseen evening. The show will be presented until March 29 at the Walnut Street Theatre.
🌈 A fresh center for LGBTQ travelers:The Philly Pride Visitor CenterIs officially open in Midtown Village. The facility, situated near Knock Bar & Restaurant, provides souvenirs, attraction tickets, and trip planning with a focus on LGBTQ and ally businesses and locations.
🎨 Colorful Ancient Egypt:The new exhibition, “Watercolors of Ancient Egypt at the Penn Museumopens on Saturday. Guests have the opportunity to view the temporary display, featuring ornate funeral chapels of prominent Egyptian officials and priests, 100-year-old watercolor paintings, 3,500-year-old loaves of bread, and almost 60 additional seldom-seen items.
The take
We dispatched two reporters to R&D to discover if a cocktail menu based on Philadelphia culture, from HitchBOT to the Crum Bum, truly works in a glass. The conclusion: many of these drinks seem unusual on paper,but they are surprisingly well-rounded, reflective, and distinctly Philadelphia.
What causes the menu to stand out isn’t only the inside jokes or the J-A-W-N ingredient challenge. It’s because the bartenders approached the city’s stories as genuine inspirations and created drinks that are delicious first, with gimmicks coming second. Bring friends, share a few, and don’t miss the pretzels.
Staffer picks
Pop music critic Dan DeLuca presents thetop concerts this weekend.
🎤 Thursday:Renowned vocalist and advocate for civil rightsMavis Stapleswill perform at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. The 86-year-old singer, whose most recent releaseSad and Beautiful Worldpresents a set of heartfelt and emotionally powerful recordings, with Massachusetts-based singer-guitarist Kimaya Diggs performing as her opening act.
🎸 Friday:Singer-songwriter Matt Butlerfeatures two nights of spontaneous music performed by a group of top musicians from the jam band scene, including Tim Reynolds, who works with Dave Matthews, Aron Magner from the Disco Biscuits, Rob Mercurio of Galactic, and trumpeter Arnetta Johnson from Camden, at Ardmore Music Hall beginning Friday.
🎸 Saturday:Sheer Mag, the powerful Philly group that recently released 2024’sPlaying Favoritues, will headline a four-band lineup at Johnny Brenda’s.
🎸 Tuesday:A double feature starring Ratboys, the Chicago-based quartet led by Julia Steiner, will be a great match for the Philadelphia-born, free-spirited group, Florry. The two bands will come together at the First Unitarian Church on Tuesday.
Discover the vibrant gardens at the PHS Flower Show, enjoy some locally crafted beers from Pennsylvania, or watch the Union secure a victory at Subaru Park.
No matter what you do, make sure to enjoy the early spring weather and the events taking place this weekend. Be prepared to encounter more spring-themed activities in upcoming newsletters, particularly as the season fully unfolds in the area.
— Earl Hopkins
©2026 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Go to inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
