#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Pile o’ plushies in Queen Village
(Photo by @barbhmphilly)
“All of us benefit”: How to start a community garden
It’s been a brutal summer (and today is going to be another uncomfortable day), but what if we told you there was a way to provide nutrition, improve mental health and decrease violence? You’d sign up, right?
Billy Penn spoke to advocates for community gardens, because they do all of that, and more. Learn how you can get started. Continue reading …
Rain couldn’t put damper on fans as FDR Park hosted its 1st concerts in 31 years
A decade ago, Eagles player Connor Barwin was riding his bike past a dilapidated park. You can draw a line straight from that trip to this past weekend’s Make the World Better benefit concert that drew thousands to FDR Park.
Billy Penn’s Nate Harrington reports on the damp weekend, the folks who wouldn’t be deterred, and Barwin’s unlikely path to Philly philanthropist. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Washington’s former home among sites flagged by Trump administration for references to slavery. [Inq$$]
• These train lovers and museums are maintaining Pennsylvania’s railroad legacy. [SpotlightPA]
• Gotta go? There’s an app to help you find public restrooms in Philly (of course there is).
• A bipartisan coalition is working to ensure that civics remains part of Pa.’s education plan. [Chalkbeat]
• In Norris Square, a diversity of ways to be Latino. [Metro]
• The U.S. Women’s National soccer team will play a friendly match in Chester this October. [Billy Penn]
• Pay a visit to Rittenhouse Square’s newest candy store. [6ABC]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, July 29: Philadelphia Wedding Expo Indoor Event
Free admission and free parking at Citizens Bank Park’s luxury Hall of Fame Club Event Space. 100+ local and national vendors for everything from venues and caterers to DJs, gowns and travel. (4:30 to 9 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 29: Game Night with Athenaeum Young Friends
Bring your favorite board game or card game to share. $10 for non-members; $5 for members. (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 30: Indy Hall Reading Club
BYO book and get comfy, read individually, and discuss what you read with someone else — or not! RSVP to receive access info. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31: Cocktails & Congress
Step back in time to 1774 and take a front-row seat for the debates that shaped a nation. Held in the historic Carpenters’ Hall—the actual site of the First Continental Congress. Each $50 ticket includes two cocktails or colonial mocktails. Thursdays through August. (5:30 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31: Stroll After Hours in Manayunk
Food trucks, art demos, pop-up shopping, family-fun, live music on multiple stages, an outdoor screening of “Twilight” at dusk, and a performance every half hour by Circadium School of Contemporary Circus Arts in Mt. Airy. (6 to 10 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 1: Night Out On 9th
The last South Street Night Market of the summer! The blocks from 9th to 11th streets will transform into an open street festival with live music, a bounce house, games, vendors and food trucks! Plus, meet Lt. Rodgers, the new leader of the South Street MiniStation. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Through Aug. 3: Queen Village Restaurant Week
It’s the inaugural restaurant week in Queen Village, lasting over two weeks! 18 participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus of multiple courses for $20, $40 or $60 per person.
