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Things to Do on the Main Line in January

By January 10, 2020February 17th, 2020Around Town
things to do on the main line

Welcome back everyone! Are the post-Christmas blues getting you down? Don’t let them! There are still plenty of things to do on the Main Line in January!

I know myself, sometimes after Christmas I’m at a loss for what to do with myself. After a month of hustle and bustle and easy-to-find, themed activities, at first I’m relieved to relax, but after a while I’m wondering what to do with my free time.

Well, just because it’s winter and it’s not Christmas anymore doesn’t mean there’s not still plenty of things to do on the Main Line! We’re lucky to live in such a vibrant cultural hub, so near to such a major city, with plenty to do no matter what your taste. Whether you’re looking for fun things to keep the kids entertained, new restaurants to try, or some nightlife for date night, the Main Line area has you covered.

Below I’ve curated a small selection of things to do on the Main Line this January. If you want to see more things you can do, take a look at my events calendar, or check out the Main Line Today events page!

Museums and Education

things to do on the main line

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience at the Franklin Institute

Do you and your kids (or just you and a freind!) want to learn how to survive all kinds of disasters and problems, both natural and man-made? Join the Franklin Institute at this physically challenging temporary exhibit, up until April 19th!

The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience is a logical series of fun and immersive physical challenges providing the essential instructions for what you need to know when facing unexpected—but possible—real-life scenarios, with countless moments of excitement along the way.

From surviving an avalanche and leaping from a moving train to picking a lock and fending off germs, The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience will have you thinking on your feet and laughing at every turn, as you strive to survive.”

Access to the exhibit is included in the price of admission. See the Franklin Institute’s website for more details.

Dinosaurs Around the World at the Academy of Natural Sciences

If you or your kids love dinos, you’ve gotta be there for the Acadamey of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s new Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit, running until January 30th:

“Embark on a globetrotting expedition where dinosaurs reign throughout the land. Dinosaurs Around the World introduces visitors to more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs on a voyage from the ferocious plains of Africa and the tropical beaches of Antarctica, to the inland seas of North America and the polar darkness of Australia. Find out how continental drift, sea level fluctuations and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to disperse to all corners of the globe. Learn about paleontological research, touch fossil casts, discover and name your own dinosaur, investigate what dinosaurs may have looked like in life, and find modern-day dinosaurs right in your own backyard.”

Tickets are $4 for members and family, $7 for nonmembers, on top of admission prices. See the Academy of Natural Sciences’ website for more.

Science After Hours: The Roaring 20s at the Franklin Institute

This one’s for grown-ups only: Ever want to relive those cool childhood field trips to the science museum, but with alcohol involved this time? Look no further than the special after-hours event at the Franklin Institute, where you can celebrate the NEW roaring 20’s while looking back on the original:

“Revisit the roaring 20s at the throwback soiree of the season. Think cocktails, flappers, hot jazz, and cool speakeasies as you transport back to the decade that brought us great technological leaps and countless legendary gains.

Explore scientifc and cultural highlights of the time, showcased alongside advancements of today. Delve into the science and mastery behind gambling, smuggling, propaganda, and other Prohibition-era mischiefs with interactive activities and performances—and music curated by Philly’s own jazz station WRTI-FM.

Dress in your most dapper 1920s-inspired attire and shimmy over to The Franklin Institute—your first drink is on us! Cheers to Science!

Cash bar. Adults 21+”

Event cost is $25.00. See the Franklin Institute’s website to buy, and for more about the event.

Live Theatre and Performance

things to do on the main line

The Snow Queen at the Arden Theatre

If you’re looking for a play that you can take your young children to, you’re in luck: The Arden Theatre Company is putting on a production of The Snow Queen until January 26th! This is an especially great opportunity for Frozen aficionados who want to learn more about the fairy tale that the Disney smash hit was based on.

“Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen transports audiences on a journey through the four seasons! When Gerda’s best friend is captured by the Snow Queen, it is up to her to rescue him from the icy palace. The Snow Queen celebrates the adventure of growing up and the magical power of friendship.”

Performances take place at at various times daily, excluding Mondays. Tickets run from $18-$40. To purchase, visit the Arden Theatre’s website.

The Children at People’s Light Theatre

If you’re looking for a more adult play with some darker themes that will really make you think, you may enjoy the production being put on by the People’s Light Theatre in Malvern from January 15th to February 9th:

“Hazel and Robin, both retired nuclear physicists, live a quiet life in a cottage by the sea. Outside, the world is plagued by earthquakes, tsunamis, and a nuclear meltdown. When an old colleague turns up after forty years with a shocking request, the three friends must reckon with their shared culpability in this darkly funny disaster drama.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to mature themes and profanity. Approximate run time is 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.”

Tickets run from $35-$40. Shows start at 7:30. See People’s Light website for more details and to purchase seats.

Tab Benoit on Guitar: Whiskey Bayou Revue

If you like blues and guitar, you’ll love what the Aardmore music hall has going on at 7pm on Sunday, January 12:

“Renowned Louisiana guitarist Tab Benoit continues his year-long Whiskey Bayou Revue Tour (named for Benoit’s Louisiana-based record label), with a local performance at Ardmore Music Hall.

Tab Benoit is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues and acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.”

Tickets range from $29 – $49. Doors are at 6:30. For more info and to purchase tickets, go to the Ardmore Music Hall website.

Food and Drink

things to do on the main line

Winter Pop-Up Beer Garden by DiFabio’s and Ship Bottom Brewery

After a successful team-up at Linvilla Orchards this fall, popular Italian eatery DiFabio’s Market & Tap is hosting a Winter Pop-Up Beer Garden at DiFabio’s Spring Valley location on Friday nights, 4-11 PM, from January 11th to February 22nd.

The beer garden will feature a select menu of DiFabio’s Italian-American favorites, from their pistachio chicken tenders to their roast pork sandwich to their delicious carrot cake. There will also, of course, be a fabulous selection of Ship Bottom beers to sample! This is an indoor, snow or shine event.

What Am I Drinking: Gameday Pairings

Get excited about the Superbowl AND find out what wine – that’s right, wine, not beer – will go perfect with your party snacks on the big day! The WAID Studio in Bryn Mawr is hosting the perfect event for you on January 25:

“Beer is a common choice for the upcoming “Big Game,” but what about the guest (or you!) who prefers wine? No worries; we’re here to help, whether you’re a football fan or not. Just in time for gameday, we’ll sip (and snack!) through a complimentary tasting and discuss some rules of thumb when it comes to creating memorable pairings.

Seating is limited, as is wine, so be sure to purchase your ticket in advance. Classes are subject to cancellation or rescheduling in the case of low enrollment.

Take advantage of early-bird pricing through January 20.”

Tickets are $40-$45. See the WAID site for more details.

Kennett Chocolate Lovers’ Festival

Are you a MAJOR chocoholic? There’s a perfect event for you going on this month – the Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival, the largest in the tri-state region, will be held Jan. 26 at Unionville High School. The festival raises funds for United Way of Southern Chester County.

Along with the joy of seeing professional and amateur bakers compete for fabulous prizes, there will also be a “Year of Living Chocolate!” raffle: At $10 per ticket, or $20 for 3, you can be entered in a raffle to win a delicious chocolate dessert monthly from different area bakers and chocolatiers, starting in March of 2020.  The raffle winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day – how fitting! Raffle tickets are available online through their ticketing store, and are also being sold at the Festival.

Tickets to the festival itself are on sale now – VIP ticket holders gain early entrance at noon.  General admission opens at 1PM.  Additional tasting tickets are available.  Parking is free

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