Fancy Fun: The Philadelphia Mummers performed dressed in sequins and feathers at the 125th Annual Parade on Broad Street in Philadelphia on New Year’s Day. The Mummers’ signature dance and theme song were created by African Americans from African traditions. Photo by Elliott Curson
FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of January 5, 2026.
“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”
— Actress Joey Lauren Adams
We heard about one man who vowed years ago to never make any New Year’s resolutions in January. The outcome: He has proudly stuck with his promise ever since. For those dedicated souls who earnestly set out each year to establish firm goals of improvement, your fate is a mixed bag of results. A Forbes magazine examination revealed that just six percent stick with their resolutions after one year, with most not making it through three months. A PBS radio report is sunnier, noting that 55 percent of us carry them through for at least 365 days. At any rate, hope springs eternal, even in the shank of winter. We salute the resolute and encourage a fun goal for 2026: Have more fun! So, let’s get started: For those of you who did not swear off drinking, cheers to a Happy New Year of event-going!
Wellness Walks Are A Natural
Thursday, January 8, 2026. Free events in January, after the holiday rush, are just what the pocketbook ordered. And although outdoors may not be a first choice, think again. Escape to nature within the city limits. Put your New Year’s exercise resolution into practice. Clear your head, meet people, and commune with nature with a Wellness Walk at Awbury Arboretum’s 56-acre oasis in Germantown in Northwest Philly. Led by Megan Do Nascimento, dive feet first into nature for a mild 2.5-mile early-morning stroll in gardens, woodlands, a farm, meadows, and along ponds. Free. No registration required, 7 a.m. EST to 8 a.m. EST, Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh St. Email: wellness@awbury.org, 215-849-2855 or https://awbury.org/wellness-walks
The Story Of The Original Al
Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Allen Iverson was AI way before AI, as in Artificial Intelligence. In fact, as the original AI, he had natural court-smart intelligence like few ballers before or after him in the NBA. Hoop fans will love The Author Events Series presents Quiara Alegría Hudes and Ray Beauchamp — a conversation about the husband-and-wife authors’ new books, The White Hot and Misunderstood, which is about Iverson, Mr. Practice himself. With the couple Beauchamp and Hudes, we have a page-turning double booking. In Misunderstood, West Philly-raised Beauchamp is back on his home court chronicling Iverson’s rise from a downtrodden kid in the Virginia projects to his NBA Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also tells the story of everything in between including the beloved and oft-controversial star’s time at Georgetown University under big-time coach John Thompson. Iverson is Reebok’s Vice President of Basketball. Hudes’ The White Hot is written in the form of a letter from mother to daughter about abandonment. In the promotional material, Hades’ book is called “a short epic of self-discovery,” adding: “Hudes narrates [the main character] April’s story; spiritual and sexy, fierce and funny with delicate lyricism and tough love.” Writer Hudes is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (Water by the Spoonful,) and a Tony Award winner. Beauchamp is a New York criminal defense attorney and advocate for the rights of indigent people. He grew up as a 76ers fan who could not ignore the ebullient Iverson. Free admission, (donations are encouraged); the authors’ books are available to buy; 7 p.m. EST. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. 215-567-4341 or https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/authorevents?id=160966
The Jeremy Winston Chorale International
America’s Milestone Put To Music
Friday, January 16, 2026. Celebrate this year’s 250th anniversary of the birth of the Declaration of Independence featuring The Jeremy Winston Chorale International in an inspiring evening concert, AmRev Presents: The Declaration’s Journey in Concert. The event will showcase the Museum of the American Revolution’s exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst. The concert will highlight 250 years of leadership and music from the American civil rights movement. Enjoy artistic director Dr. Jeremy Winston’s storytelling, instrumental accompaniment, and choral arrangements. Reflect on music familiar to the lives and legacies of brave historical figures Lemuel Haynes, Richard Allen, Elizabeth Freeman, and James Forten. The program will include the Martin Luther King Jr. King-led March on Washington, D.C. in 1963 featuring Mahalia Jackson and Marian Anderson. Check out the museum’s ongoing The Declaration’s Journey exhibit and join a reception before the concert (at 6:30 p.m. EST), which will begin with an a-capella performance on the grand staircase in the Robert A. M. Stern Rotunda. Individual tickets: $35 (includes access to The Declaration’s Journey exhibit); 5:30 p.m. EST to 8:30 p.m. EST. Museum of the American Revolution, 1011, S. 3rd St.215-253-6731 or https://www.amrevmuseum.org/events/amrev-presents-the-declaration-s-journey-in-concert-featuring-the-jeremy-winston-chorale-international
Move To The Groove
Sunday, January 18, 2026. Vibe to Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much, Otis Redding’s Sittin‘ on the Dock of the Bay, and a whole slew of classic and contemporary soul tunes performed live at A Tribute to Soul hosted by The Jazz Room. Talented local artists will strike at the heartstrings in a night celebrating soul music’s cultural legacy. Individual tickets: $32 to $51; 6 p.m. EST. You must be 18 and older to be admitted. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215-222-1400 or https://feverup.com
A Tribute Fit For A King
Monday, January 19, 2026. For a real treat, go to the Martin Luther King Jr., Tribute Concert featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Choir of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Girard College High School Choir, conductor Thomas Wilkins, directors Lauren Thomas-Moyett and Paul M. Eaton, pianist Clayton Stephenson, and remarks by Charlotte Blake Alston. Enjoy reflective performances “honoring Dr. King’s commitment to equality, unity, hope, and the role of music in advancing social change.” Inspirational selections will include “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Ring Shout,” and “Holy Dance” from Four Black American Dances, and Gershwin’s First movement from Piano Concerto in F. Free but pre-register, 3 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts /Marian Anderson Hall, 330 S. Broad St. 215-893-1999or https://philorch.ensembleartsphilly.org
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (left) volunteers at Martin Luther King Day of Service benefitting families and the community.
Volunteer To Honor King‘s Legacy
Monday, January 19, 2026. If you can help by reading to a child or leading an arts and crafts session, then the 31st annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Hosted by Greater Exodus Baptist Church, it will be a meaningful day of duty, and one of dozens of volunteer community projects citywide. Put into practice what King preached. Volunteers of all ages can honor Dr. King’s legacy through neighborhood beautification projects and family literacy workshops. Meet dedicated neighbors. Philadelphia has a big heart, so hurry and sign up soon, if interested. It’s a volunteer role but pre-register. 9:30 a.m. EST to 12:30 p.m. EST, Greater Exodus Baptist Church, 704 N. Broad St. 215-235-1394 or https://volunteer.globalcitizen365.org
Help Support Gender Equity
The WOMEN’S WAY Advocacy Community has been created for anyone who wants to fight for a region where people of all genders live with dignity and freedom. As a follow-up to its Building on the Gender Wealth Summit recently, the WOMEN’s WAY nonprofit will focus on the Social Safety Net championing existing programs, new initiatives, and policies that provide services and financial support for families. Find out more information and get involved (you will need a Gmail account) by joining the WOMEN’S WAY Advocacy Community Google Group here or send an email to: achennat@womensway.org, or call 215-985-3322.
