#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Dreaming of Spring
(Photo by @philly_jawnings)
Philly’s invention of the American flower show kicks off March — 52 Weeks of Firsts
It’s a warm, sunny June day in 1829. A crowd gathers outside Philadelphia’s Masonic Hall, a grand gothic structure on Chestnut Street, and waits to enter a brand-new kind of horticultural exhibition.
“Finally, the doors swing open and we flood inside. And it is amazing,” recounts Heron Kennedy, a storyteller with Historic Philadelphia. “This one-day-only event marks the first-ever Philadelphia Flower Show.” Continue reading…
Metropolitan Bakery has been sold, but its recipes will live on
Say it ain’t sourdough! After 32 years in business, the beloved baking giant in the Philadelphia community is changing hands — Merzbacher’s of Germantown is taking over operations and will continue selling Metropolitan baked goods at specialty shops. Its iconic Rittenhouse location will close. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. Sens. Fetterman and McCormick voted against an effort to rein in Trump on Iran war. [WHYY]
• Lankenau students, staff and parents continue to fight proposed school closure. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia is poised to expand tenant protection from retaliatory evictions, launch proactive inspections program. [WHYY]
• Overdose deaths hit Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community hard as the city remains divided on how to respond. [Inq$$]
• SEPTA is getting $5.5 million in federal funding to enhance World Cup service with a direct shuttle to the FIFA FanFest at Lemon Hill and more Broad Street Line trips to South Philly. [PhillyVoice]
• About 250 years ago, the nation’s Founding Fathers took on one of the nation’s first invasive species. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🌷 Philly Flower Show guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, March 5: Vegan Seafood Pop-up
Philadelphia Brewing brings nostalgic New England-style seafood dishes, all vegan, back courtesy Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. Enjoy beer-battered banana blossom fish and chips, buffalo shrymp, crabby cakes, lobsta mac and more. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: 52nd Street Commercial Corridor Design Open House
Learn about block-by-block initial design concepts and give your input and suggestions to help shape the 52nd Street Corridor, from Arch Street to Pine Street. At Global Leadership Academy Southwest, 5200 Pine Street. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Happiness Workshop
A look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives. What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from travelling the world? Learn how the study of happiness is a growing, evidence-based field known as positive psychology. $14.77 tickets in advance; $17 at the door. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Erotic Reading Night
Share your writing, 10 minutes per reading. At P.E.G. & Museum at 706 South Street. Doors open at 6 p.m., readings at 7 p.m. Sliding scale $5-$15 pay at door. Limited seating. Standing room after seats are full. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, March 6: Philly Startup Expo
The Pennovation Center in Grays Ferry transforms into a high-energy, science fair-style demo floor — where founders host tables and attendees circulate freely, engaging directly with builders and investors. This is interactive. No long pitches. No hiding behind slides. Just real products, real traction and real conversations. Register for free. (3 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, March 6: Opening Cocktail Reception: A Closer Look: Yassi Deylami
FRIEDAcommunity’s latest exhibition explores how spaces of safety and unity can still be found amid a world of constant change, where identity is often defined through otherness in the pursuit of uniqueness. Free tickets available. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers and diverse cuisines.
Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8: Participatory Design and Playable Theatre, 101
Participation is anti-authoritarian and your art can be too! In this workshop you’ll learn what playable theatre is and how to make it. At Pig Iron Studio A, 1417 N. 2nd Street. $40 tickets. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day)
Saturday, March 7: March First Saturday: The Natural History Road Show
Are you a 21st century naturalist? Do you have natural materials collected on a personal expedition but can’t figure out the scientific classification for your findings? Come have your specimens identified by a panel of experts at the Wagner’s Natural History Road Show! (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 7: Brine & Brews
A one of a kind pairing featuring four house made pickled goods with four of Evil Genius’ beers. $30.75 tickets. (1 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, March 7: It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia
Billy Penn’s own Nick Kariuki and WHYY & Studio 2’s Avi Wolfman-Arent help referee the latest pun-slinging competition at Helium Comedy Club! $13.99+ tickets. (4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 7: Comics for Juntos
Each of us has a part to play in reshaping our world. With that in mind, we at LOOK OVER HERE feel we can best serve our community by using our shows to support organizations that are already doing great work locally. All sales will go to Juntos. $10-30 suggested donation. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 8: “For The Ladies”
Celebrate International Women’s Day with the women who paved the music industry to represent the singers, songwriters, and producers from a variety of genres inside Sound Lounge at Percy. All proceeds support free and confidential services to women and girls ages 14 and older to thrive beyond domestic and substance abuse. $5 minimum donation. (3 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, March 8: Sisterly Love Collective 5th Anniversary Sunday Supper
Enjoy a lively cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a two-course dinner, and a dessert bar featuring sweet creations from talented pastry and baker members. The evening also includes a silent auction with incredible prizes—like a private cellar tasting at Mural City Cellars, chef tastings, and more. All via some of Philly’s favorite female chefs and entrepreneurs. $250 tickets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
