January 31-February 2: PlanningCamp | African American Children’s Book Fair | Wagner Winter Wonderland | Shop on the Square | GLAM Hack | Charles Dickens’ 202nd birthday

Hey Streeters, here’s what’s happening this winter weekend. 

CONVENE: PlanningCamp

Saturday, February 1, 9am-5pm. Impact HUB, 1227 North 4th Street. Planning Camp is an “unconference” where participants will talk about the intersection of planning and technology. The whole idea is to get a diverse group of participants thinking on old and new problems when it comes to technology, information, community, and planning. $15, register online.

READ: 22nd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair

Saturday, February 1. 1pm – 3pm. The Gym at the Community College of Philadelphia, 17th and Spring Garden streets. The 22nd annual African American Children’s Book Fair kicks off on Saturday, the first day of Black History Month. Recognized as the largest single-day events celebrating African American children’s literature. The event showcases both African American authors and book characters. Pay as you go.

EXPLORE: Wagner Free Institute of Science Winter Wonderland

Saturday, February 1. Noon – 4pm. Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue. If you’ve never been to the Wagner Free Institute, it’s a treasure trove of out of this world, worldly objects housed in a Victorian-ear building just waiting for your amazement. Whether you’ve been before or not, head to the Wagner for the Wagner Winter Wonderland this weekend. The afternoon will include scavenger hunting, storytelling, arts and crafts. Free. 

SHOP: Shop on the Square Craft and Design Sale

Saturday, February 1. Noon – 7pm. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th Street. The Philadelphia Art Alliance kicks off its Shop on the Square Craft and Design Sale this Saturday. The weeklong event presents the work of more than 40 craftspeople. The curated content includes handmade items of clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor. Cost: Free for Art Alliance members, $5 for non-members.

BUILD: GLAM Hack Philly

Saturday, February 1 & Sunday, February 2. 10am – 6pm. University of Pennsylvania Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 3420 Walnut Street, 6th Floor. This weekend GLAM Hack, a hackathon for galleries, libraries, archives and museums, comes to University City. Small teams will work with raw data to build apps that aid cultural heritage organizations. All skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. Free. 

CELEBRATE: Charles Dickens’ 202nd Birthday

Sunday, February 2, 2pm. University of the Sciences, Griffith Hall, 43rd and Kingsessing. Friends of Clark Park is hosting the annual birthday bash for Dickens, who has graced the park since 1901. Enjoy scenes from Hard Times, readings from David Copperfield and Nicholas Nickleby, and more readings from Dickens’ works. The Kingsessing Morris Men will show off English morris dancing, and the festivities will end with a walk to the statue for a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday. Free.