Category: City life

  • The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

    The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

    Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

    You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.


    Gallery Groove

    (Community) The Museum for Art in Wood is transforming its gallery into the ultimate dance floor. Bring a friend and dance the night away to beats by DJ On Mars, and enjoy delicious bites by Burrito Feliz. All proceeds raised support programming and exhibitions at the museum.

    ⌚️Feb. 20, 8-11:30p.m., 📍141 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 museumforartinwood.org/, 💵 $50-75

    Philly Home and Garden Show

    (Community) Looking for inspiration for your next home improvement or renovation project? Hundreds of vendors are heading to this show offering DIY workshops, product demos and pop up shops. If you’ve been waiting to start those New Year home projects, this is a must do.

    ⌚️ Feb. 20-22, 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 phillyhomeandgarden.com/, $10-12, Children 12 and under FREE

    Philadelphia Yoga and Wellness Conference

    (Community) Breathe in, breathe out. This one-day wellness event at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia invites you to slow down, connect, and learn. Find inspiration through workshops, guided yoga sessions, special guest speakers, and locally sourced foods. A portion of proceeds benefits the Philadelphia Men’s Basketball League Camps.️

    ⌚️ Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., 📍10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philadelphiayogaconference.com, 💵 $300 (two for $550)

    Last Seen Book Launch

    (Community) In honor of Black History Month, Villanova University professor Judith Giesberg is heading to the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for a discussion of an often overlooked aspect of nineteenth-century Black life. In her book Last Seen, Giesberg describes the stories of formerly enslaved Black Americans who spent years searching for their family members who’d been stolen away during slavery. Copies of the book will be available at the event.

    ⌚️Feb. 21 3p.m., 📍200 W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 tix.com/, 💵 $9.65-27.75

    Lunar New Year at Dilworth Park

    (Community) The Year of the Horse is charging its way into Philadelphia this week. Head to Dilworth park to celebrate with red envelope giveaways, performances, ice skating and more.

    ⌚️Feb. 21, 5-7p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

    Jewelry Making Workshop

    (Community) Ready to create your new favorite jewelry piece? This workshop will guide you through simple techniques to create 2-3 handmade pieces. All materials and tools are provided, and if you have chains or pendants you love, bring them to include in your project.

    ⌚️ Feb. 21, 12:30-2p.m., 📍 1326 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 https://eventbrite.com, 💵 $72

    Presidential Connections

    (Community) While Laurel Hill Cemetery isn’t the final resting place of any U.S. Presidents, there are plenty of presidential connections buried there. From an opera singer who performed for President Roosevelt to a young actor who was due to take the stage for President Lincoln at the Ford Theater, you’ll learn all of the many ties to former leaders that lie in the historic grounds.

    ⌚️Feb. 21, 1-3p.m, 📍3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19132, 🌐 laurelhillphl.com, 💵 $2-20


    The best events for kids in Philly

    “It’s About Time”

    (Theater) A wholly student-powered musical takes audiences from a school cafeteria into time travel, complete with an evil lunch lady and a giant talking bird at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. Ages 5 and up.

    ⌚February 19-22, times vary, 📍7 Lock St, Philadelphia, Pa., 19127, 🌐yesandcamp.org, 💵 $2-$18

    “Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairytale”

    (Theater) The Players Club of Swarthmore puts on a zany, hour-long, pop- and rock-infused musical retelling of the fairytale about a trapped princess, angry queen, brave prince, hairstylist, and dragon. Ages 3-10.

    ⌚February 21-22, 28, March 1, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., 📍614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, Pa., 19081, 🌐 pcstheater.org, 💵 $13.50-$18.50

    Lunar New Year, Pearl S. Buck House

    (Culture) Pearl S. Buck House in Bucks County hosts live performances, a tea ceremony, paper crafts, games, and tours of the late author’s house. Reservations required. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie, Pa., 18944, 🌐 pearlsbuck.org, 💵 $9-$15

    Lunar New Year at the Rail Park

    (Culture / free) This community-centered celebration has quickly become on of the city’s most popular, thanks to live lion dances, tai chi performances, K-pop workshop, a flower market, appearance by the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, and snacks. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 1-4 p.m., 📍Broad and Noble sts.., Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, 🌐therailpark.org, 💵 Free

    Black History Month Family Fun Night

    (History / free) Pre-registration has officially filled an evening of Black history-inspired crafts, activities, flashlight tours, arts, and workshops, but there’s still some room for day-of walk-up admission at the National Constitution Center. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 5-8 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐constitutioncenter.org, 💵 Free

    Lunar New Year

    (Culture / free) This annual Dilworth Park celebration has Chinese opera, dancing by Kun Yan Lin and lion dancing by the Philadelphia Suns, plus lucky red envelopes for the first 100 guests. It’s also the last weekend for City Hall’s ice skating rink. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 5-7 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 🌐centercityphila.org, 💵 Free, $7-$10 to skate

    “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”

    (Musical) Back on tour for the first time in 25 years, this lavish Broadway production lands at the Academy of Music, bringing Belle, the Beast, and a château full of singing furniture back to the stage — complete with soaring ballads and storybook spectacle. Ages 4 and up.

    ⌚ Feb. 11–22, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $33–$219

    “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”

    (Movie-making) The Franklin Institute hosts a world premiere exhibit that turns movie magic into hands-on discovery, with behind-the-scenes looks at Universal’s biggest franchises — from Minions and Jurassic World to dragons, monsters, Mario, and Luigi — via immersive sets and interactive displays. Ages 5 and up.

    ⌚ Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. plus extended hours, 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $25–$65

    Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way

    (Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

    ⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholder

    Winter at Dilworth Park

    (Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights. All ages.

    ⌚ Through Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

    RiverRink Winterfest

    (Seasonal / multiday) Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.

    ⌚ Through Mar. 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental

  • The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

    The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

    Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

    You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.


    Chinese New Year Midnight Parade

    (Community) Bring in the Year of the Horse at midnight in Chinatown at this explosive parade. Festivities include traditional lion and dragon dances, music and cultural performances, games and prizes, and delicious authentic dishes. Wear something red and festive and come ready to celebrate.

    ⌚️Feb. 16, 10p.m. – Midnight, 📍 Arch St. &, N. 10th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19107, 🌐 centercity.events, 💵 Free

    An Aquarius Wine Tasting

    (Community) Aquarius are known for being independent, unconventional and ahead of their time, but what does that say about their taste in wines? Come find out at this unruly tasting where guests will enjoy give 3-oz pours, selected for their Aquarian qualities. Light snacks will be provided to complement the wine selection.

    ⌚️Feb. 18, 6-8p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 $79

    Gallery Groove

    (Community) The Museum for Art in Wood is transforming its gallery into the ultimate dance floor. Bring a friend and dance the night away to beats by DJ On Mars, and enjoy delicious bites by Burrito Feliz. All proceeds raised support programming and exhibitions at the museum.

    ⌚️Feb. 20, 8-11:30p.m., 📍141 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 museumforartinwood.org/, 💵 $50-75

    Philly Home and Garden Show

    (Community) Looking for inspiration for your next home improvement or renovation project? Hundreds of vendors are heading to this show offering DIY workshops, product demos and pop up shops. If you’ve been waiting to start those New Year home projects, this is a must do.

    ⌚️ Feb. 20-22, 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 phillyhomeandgarden.com/, $10-12, Children 12 and under FREE

    Philadelphia Yoga and Wellness Conference

    (Community) Breathe in, breathe out. This one-day wellness event at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia invites you to slow down, connect, and learn. Find inspiration through workshops, guided yoga sessions, special guest speakers, and locally sourced foods. A portion of proceeds benefits the Philadelphia Men’s Basketball League Camps.️

    ⌚️ Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., 📍10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philadelphiayogaconference.com, 💵 $300 (two for $550)

    Last Seen Book Launch

    (Community) In honor of Black History Month, Villanova University professor Judith Giesberg is heading to the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for a discussion of an often overlooked aspect of nineteenth-century Black life. In her book Last Seen, Giesberg describes the stories of formerly enslaved Black Americans who spent years searching for their family members who’d been stolen away during slavery. Copies of the book will be available at the event.

    ⌚️Feb. 21 3p.m., 📍200 W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 tix.com/, 💵 $9.65-27.75

    Lunar New Year at Dilworth Park

    (Community) The Year of the Horse is charging its way into Philadelphia this week. Head to Dilworth park to celebrate with red envelope giveaways, performances, ice skating and more.

    ⌚️Feb. 21, 5-7p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

    Jewelry Making Workshop

    (Community) Ready to create your new favorite jewelry piece? This workshop will guide you through simple techniques to create 2-3 handmade pieces. All materials and tools are provided, and if you have chains or pendants you love, bring them to include in your project.

    ⌚️ Feb. 21, 12:30-2p.m., 📍 1326 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 https://eventbrite.com, 💵 $72

    Presidential Connections

    (Community) While Laurel Hill Cemetery isn’t the final resting place of any U.S. Presidents, there are plenty of presidential connections buried there. From an opera singer who performed for President Roosevelt to a young actor who was due to take the stage for President Lincoln at the Ford Theater, you’ll learn all of the many ties to former leaders that lie in the historic grounds.

    ⌚️Feb. 21, 1-3p.m, 📍3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19132, 🌐 laurelhillphl.com, 💵 $2-20


    The best events for kids in Philly

    Lunar New Year Parades

    (Culture / free) Chinatown activates with firecrackers, red confetti, and lion dancing in the street to usher in the Year of the Horse on the night of February 16 and a daytime celebration on Sunday. All ages.

    ⌚February 16, 10 p.m.-midnight, February 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍N. 10th and Spring sts., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 🌐chinatown-pcdc.org, 💵 Free

    “It’s About Time”

    (Theater) A wholly student-powered musical takes audiences from a school cafeteria into time travel, complete with an evil lunch lady and a giant talking bird at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. Ages 5 and up.

    ⌚February 19-22, times vary, 📍7 Lock St, Philadelphia, Pa., 19127, 🌐yesandcamp.org, 💵 $2-$18

    “Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairytale”

    (Theater) The Players Club of Swarthmore puts on a zany, hour-long, pop- and rock-infused musical retelling of the fairytale about a trapped princess, angry queen, brave prince, hairstylist, and dragon. Ages 3-10.

    ⌚February 21-22, 28, March 1, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., 📍614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, Pa., 19081, 🌐 pcstheater.org, 💵 $13.50-$18.50

    Lunar New Year, Pearl S. Buck House

    (Culture) Pearl S. Buck House in Bucks County hosts live performances, a tea ceremony, paper crafts, games, and tours of the late author’s house. Reservations required. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 📍520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie, Pa., 18944, 🌐 pearlsbuck.org, 💵 $9-$15

    Lunar New Year at the Rail Park

    (Culture / free) This community-centered celebration has quickly become on of the city’s most popular, thanks to live lion dances, tai chi performances, K-pop workshop, a flower market, appearance by the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, and snacks. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 1-4 p.m., 📍Broad and Noble sts.., Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, 🌐therailpark.org, 💵 Free

    Black History Month Family Fun Night

    (History / free) Pre-registration has officially filled an evening of Black history-inspired crafts, activities, flashlight tours, arts, and workshops, but there’s still some room for day-of walk-up admission at the National Constitution Center. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 5-8 p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐constitutioncenter.org, 💵 Free

    Lunar New Year

    (Culture / free) This annual Dilworth Park celebration has Chinese opera, dancing by Kun Yan Lin and lion dancing by the Philadelphia Suns, plus lucky red envelopes for the first 100 guests. It’s also the last weekend for City Hall’s ice skating rink. All ages.

    ⌚February 21, 5-7 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 🌐centercityphila.org, 💵 Free, $7-$10 to skate

    “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”

    (Musical) Back on tour for the first time in 25 years, this lavish Broadway production lands at the Academy of Music, bringing Belle, the Beast, and a château full of singing furniture back to the stage — complete with soaring ballads and storybook spectacle. Ages 4 and up.

    ⌚ Feb. 11–22, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $33–$219

    “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”

    (Movie-making) The Franklin Institute hosts a world premiere exhibit that turns movie magic into hands-on discovery, with behind-the-scenes looks at Universal’s biggest franchises — from Minions and Jurassic World to dragons, monsters, Mario, and Luigi — via immersive sets and interactive displays. Ages 5 and up.

    ⌚ Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. plus extended hours, 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $25–$65

    Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way

    (Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

    ⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholder

    Winter at Dilworth Park

    (Seasonal / multiday) The season’s early arrival brings the reopening of Dilworth Park’s ice rink, Wintergarden, and holiday market. Sip cocoa in the cozy cabin or skate beneath the lights. All ages.

    ⌚ Through Feb. 22, hours vary, 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free to enter; skating $7–$10, rentals $10

    RiverRink Winterfest

    (Seasonal / multiday) Penn’s Landing becomes a full-on winter playground with its outdoor skating rink, a cozy warming lodge, carnival rides, arcade games, fire pits, and plenty of food and drink. Skating is ticketed; entry to the waterfront space is free. Ages 3 and up.

    ⌚ Through Mar. 1, times vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free entry; $5 to skate, $12 rental

  • What was the first city-sponsored New Year’s Day procession in America? The answer lies in Philly.

    What was the first city-sponsored New Year’s Day procession in America? The answer lies in Philly.

    As the fog lifted on Jan. 1, 1901, four Fancy Dress Clubs and 16 Comic Clubs gathered at the corner of Broad and Reed Streets for the first ever Mummers Parade.

    “Kings, emperors, knights and jesters, clothed in purple royal or tinkling tensel [sic], wended their way up the broad thoroughfare …” reads a front-page story from the Jan. 2, 1901, Philadelphia Inquirer. “In the throng of merry makers, no tribe no nation, scarcely an individual was neglected.”

    That inaugural Mummers Parade was America’s first folk parade. It also marks the first time an American city hosted a New Year’s Day procession.

    It will be remembered Saturday at the Firstival in the Mummers Museum. Firstivals are the Philadelphia Historic District’s weekly day parties celebrating historic events that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America, and often the world. They are part of a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

    Artist Anh Ly’s No. 1 highlights the Mummers Parade’s vibrant costumes, instruments and playful traditions.

    That first Mummers Parade began 125 years ago at 9 a.m. on a chilly overcast morning, said Mark A. Montanaro, the Mummers Museum’s curator. It took participants just two hours to march up Broad Street and around City Hall to Girard Avenue.

    Three hundred dollars — $11,575 in today’s money — was awarded to the parade’s two first-place winners: the Elkton Association, part of the Fancy Dressed Club; and the White Cap Association, belonging to the Comic Club.

    Revelers partied all day and into the night.

    The boisterousness remains to this day. So much so that the Philadelphia Historic District did not want to start the Firstival celebrations with the parade, even though that was the initial plan. Why? Because they assumed the Mummers would still be recovering from their parade.

    The word mummer is derived from Momus, the Greek god of satire and mockery. Mommer is the Old French word for mime.

    Philadelphia’s 17th century English and Swedish immigrants dressed in elaborate regalia during the days between Christmas and New Year’s, knocked on their neighbors’ doors, and demanded treats of sweets and nuts. Over the decades, the door-to-door tradition turned into rambunctious neighborhood parties as Dutch, Irish, and Italian immigrants joined in on the fun.

    In November of 1900, Philadelphia Evening Bulletin reporter and theatrical promoter H. Bart McHugh and City Councilman John H. Baizley asked Mayor Samuel Ashbridge if the city would consolidate the block parties into one big parade.

    Plans were finalized by mid-December.

    The Mummers Parade remains one of Philadelphia’s most enduring traditions. It’s only been canceled three times: during the 1919 Spanish Flu, 1934 during the Great Depression, and 2021 during COVID. (This year, the String Band Division called off its competition due to strong winds.)

    The Jokers perform during the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the 2026 Mummers Parade in Philadelphia on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

    Parade routes have changed; today it starts at City Hall and ends at Washington Avenue. At times its been fraught with racial controversy, as some members have appeared in blackface as recently as 2020.

    That’s all in the past, Montanaro stressed.

    “The Mummers are striving for inclusivity,” Montanaro said. “We are a little bit of Mardi Gras, a little bit of Carnival, and a whole lot of Philly.”

    This week’s Firstival is Saturday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m., at the Mummers Museum, located at 1100 S. 2nd Street. The Inquirer will highlight a “first” from Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week.

  • America’s first balloon ride happened right here in Philly, the birthplace of American aeronautics

    America’s first balloon ride happened right here in Philly, the birthplace of American aeronautics

    It was a cold January morning in colonial Philadelphia. The year was 1793 and Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Adams, and George Washington were among dozens of spectators gathered in the Walnut Street Prison workyard. The Founding Fathers watched in awe as French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard prepared to take flight.

    Blanchard’s hydrogen-powered balloon rose up into the sky. It was the first time someone had ever seen a balloon take off in America.

    Two and a half hours later, Blanchard landed the blue-and-yellow striped silk balloon 15 miles north in a Deptford, N.J., field that today is a Walmart Supercenter parking lot.

    That historic moment — America’s first balloon ride — will be remembered on Saturday at the Athenæum, where the Walnut Street Prison workyard once stood.

    The festivities will kick off the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts, a weekly day party marking events that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America, and often the world. Each Saturday, the Historic District will partner with a local institution to host a free festival — or “Firstival.” This will be part of a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

    Each of those locations will feature a foam sculpture illustrated by a Mural Arts of Philadelphia artist commemorating the historic event.

    Mural Arts artist Allegra Yvonne Gia infused images of the Walnut Street prison yard, The Athenæum of Philadelphia, and hydrogen balloons in this illustration.

    Blanchard’s historic balloon ride proves that even back then, Philadelphia resonated greatly with Parisian culture.

    While in Paris negotiating an end to the Revolutionary War in 1783, America’s A-list forefathers, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay witnessed some of the world’s first balloon rides. Impressed, they came back to Philadelphia raving about the innovation.

    Two years later, Blanchard, and co-aeronaut John Jefferies, became the first people to sail over the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon. (He chose hydrogen because hot air balloons were powered by fire and prone to explosion, thereby making any flight more than three miles risky.)

    The English Channel trip made Blanchard a big deal in aeronautical circles, and he started traveling around the world, flying balloons, and charging spectators, explained Beth Shalom Hessel, executive director of the Athenæum of Philadelphia

    On Jan. 9, 1793, Blanchard made his landmark 45th flight in Philadelphia, turning the Walnut Street Prison workyard into the birthplace of aeronautics in America.

    Onlookers paid $5 — more than $150 in today’s money — to witness Blanchard take off. He carried with him a dog and a letter from Washington. This letter, which demanded that Blanchard be offered safe passage wherever he landed, is considered by many to be the first ever American passport.

    “As a way of making money and drumming up interest in his balloon, Blanchard intentionally chose Philadelphia for his first American flight,” Hessel said. “And that’s fascinating.”

    This week’s Firstival is Saturday, Jan. 3, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., at the Athenæum of Philadelphia, 219 S. Sixth St. The Inquirer will highlight a Philly “first” from the 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week.