Weekend Preview: 11/14-11/17

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Block out all of Sunday, obviously. Eagles vs. Packers at 4 p.m. at Lambeau Field.  Plenty of time to pre-game, enjoy the game, grab dinner and crash by like 8 in a state of Eagles victory bliss!

•The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park opens to the public this Friday, November 14 at noon. To celebrate opening day this week, Center City District hosts free admission and skate rentals from noon to 3 p.m. Note that the free skate will only be available while skate supplies last and up to the rink’s capacity of several hundred skaters.

•If you wanna get all cultural on us, I hear that Hedgerow Theater is Media has a great version of Hamlet going on.  The production runs most nights through Nov. 23rd. Let’s face it, if you’re gonna see a Shakespeare play, Hamlet is the one to see.

Franklin Square Lights
Franklin Square Lights

•Franklin Square Holiday Festival kicks off this weekend.  Every day from 4:30-8:00 a light show featuring 50,000 lights and music by the PhillyPops happens every 30 minutes. The Festival has gift shops, bites to eat, mini golf, the Lightning Bolt Holiday Express.  It’s a good time for families between 4:00-8:00.  The Festival also includes a beer garden and Food Truck Fridays.

• The Center for Architecture’s AIA Bookstore and Design Center’s annual holiday pop-up shop is open for the season.  I’ve bought numerous gifts here.  They usually have unique items that you really don’t see anywhere else.  Great stocking stuffers for kids.  The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.  The hours will expand as we get closer to the holidays.

•If you’re in the mood for beer and burlesque, the Trestle Inn has Souled Out happening Friday from 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.  The night features great dancers and classic funk and soul music.

•Saturday Night has Lauryn Hill at the Electric Factory. I’m a fan of Ms. Hill and definitely recommend seeing her.  However, tickets are $72.85. So, if you have $125 to spend and nothing to do on Saturday, check out the show. Talib Kweli is also on the bill.

•The old Strawbridge & Clothier building at 8th & Market hosts the Franklin Flea Market every Saturday beginning this Saturday through December 20th.  The market is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  There should be at least 50 vendors.  It’s free admission so you can wander around for a bit then head to Coco’s for a chill beer or two.  You could also check out the new Century 21 which I think is in the same building at 821 Market Street.

•Heads up Manayunk folks. Kildaire’s is hosting the Manayunk Craft Beer and Whiskey Festival this Saturday from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Main Street.  Enjoy unlimited samples of 40+ incredible craft beers and 10+ Irish Whiskeys along with live music and food!

TEASER TIME: In college football we like Virginia Tech teased to +11.5 vs. Duke with Florida teased to -1 vs. South Carolina.  In the NFL, we like the Chiefs teased to +4 vs. the Seahawks and the Saints teased to -1.5 vs Bengals. Andy Dalton stinks and the Chiefs/Seahwaks should be a tight defensive battle.

SAVE A LIFE: Don’t forget, there are hundreds of adorable cats and dogs in need of homes at the Philadelphia city Shelter ACCT. If you need a companion or are thinking of getting one for the holidays, please stop there first. Adopt, Don’t Shop!