The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are facing off at the Super Bowl on Sunday, and sports bars across the city are guaranteed to be full buckets of beer in front of shouting bros.
Since the Eagles haven’t played in the Big Game in over a decade, we don’t blame you if you’re more interested in the ads and snacks than who takes home the trophy. If the only reason you’d watch is to catch Lady Gaga’s halftime performance, we suggest you get out and try something fun Philly has to offer instead.
If you’d rather take in some culture
Hit up Philly’s museums. Super Bowl Sunday is also the first Sunday of the month, meaning the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation offer pay-as-you-wish or free admission. Penn’s Institute of Contemporary Art is always free for the public, and is hosting a “coffee and conversation” at 2 p.m.
If you’d rather celebrate Philadelphia’s Black History
This weekend is also the first to check out the ongoing exhibits at the African American History Museum, open noon- 5 p.m. Sunday. The same hours apply for the National Constitution Center, where Black History Month programming is happening all month. Across Independence Mall at The Liberty Bell, is the 24/7 exhibit, President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, a walk-through that isn’t shy about blacks’ place in American history.
If only half your crew wants to watch the game
Head to the Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. The spot at Penn’s Landing will be showing the game in the The Lodge Restaurant and Bar, but there’s plenty else to do. Play boardgames, eat junk food, hit up the arcade or ice skate the night away until it’s time for the halftime performance. Frankford Hall in Northern Liberties will also be screening the game, but is better known for its giant beers and table games that’ll keep even the biggest strangers to football entertained.
If you’d rather spend the day getting in shape
Philly Dance Fitness offers drop-in classes between $12-17 for Beginner Ballet, BalletEXTREAM and Dance Party Boot Camp at their Rittenhouse location. City Fitness, which has locations in Graduate Hospital, Northern Liberties, Society Hill and South Philly, offers five free classes for new customers and has classes on Sunday for all levels of ability, varying from location to location. Sunday offers populars like Zumba and spinning, to more intense “body combat.”
If you think the best part of the game is the half-time performance
See a show instead. Sunday is your last chance to see the Philly Pops’ Sgt Pepper Celebration, the 50th anniversary show honoring the album’s release at the Kimmel Center. Tickets start around $35 and photography of the event is encouraged. InterAct Theatre Company is showing ‘Marcus/Emma,’ a play about Jewish anarchist Emma Goldman and African American civil rights activist Marcus Garvey on what it means to be an American.
If you really want an anti-Super Bowl Party during the game
Pretend you’re in Miami with Betty White and the gals at the Whetstone Tavern, which is hosting a “Golden Girls Bingo Night,” a self-proclaimed party for those who love drink specials, cheesecake and a chance at cash and prizes but do not care at all about the Super Bowl.
