#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
K is for kicking it into the weekend
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Looking for a water fountain, a public bathroom or free food? There’s a website for that
Philly has free, publicly accessible essential resources, like drinking water and bathrooms, located throughout the city. Importantly, can you find them when you need them?
That’s the mission of the website PHLASK, an online database intended to provide answers and spark conversations on this very topic. Continue reading …
A party for women who want to dance and get to bed early is coming to Philly
Going out to a club and dancing until 3 a.m. is an early twenties’ right of passage. But then the years pile on, and so do responsibilities – careers, partners and kids get in the way.
Still, shouldn’t those carefree, joy-filled nights of dancing stay on the table, no matter what your age? That’s where Earlybirds Club is swooping in. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania advocates call for shutdown of Moshannon after ICE detainee Chaofeng Ge’s death — he is the 11th person to die in ICE custody since the start of the Trump administration. [WHYY]
• Democrats in the state House are fast-tracking a bill to send more money to the transit agencies like SEPTA, including provisions like fare evasion rules designed to attract GOP votes. [Spotlight PA]
• Some Philly-area scientists get previously terminated research funding back, but say lasting damage remains. [WHYY]
• In a clumsy attempt to address drug use on 12th Street, the Marriott Downtown has locked up its outdoor cafe and a public art sculpture without city approval. [Inq$]
• On the Gulf Coast, the historic SS United States is pulled apart and prepped for a new museum and its watery ending as an artificial reef. [Billy Penn]
• A new initiative is helping food service establishments in Philly think beyond single-use plastics. [Grid Philly]
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
Saturday, Aug. 9: Indie Author Book Fair
Head to the Convention Center for a celebration of storytelling in all forms, featuring independent authors, readers, educators, families, and literary enthusiasts. Genres include fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, children’s books, self-help, and more. Get autographed books. Meet authors. Shop book-themed merch. Enjoy book readings and activities! Free to attend. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: Port Richmond Pierogi Fest
The 7th annual event returns to Campbell Square for a day of pierogies, live music and family-friendly activities. Flavors range from bacon & cheddar to spinach and feta. Other food via food trucks also available. Free to attend/Pay-as-you-go. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: 5th annual Hip Hop In The Park
Free annual festival featuring the elements (DJing, Breaking, Mcing, Writing/Graffiti) to give attendees an understanding of what Hip-Hop truly is – a social and cultural legacy that encompasses the spirit of a culture. At Eakins Oval. (12 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 9: Street Movies! with Bartram’s Garden
Part of the 28th annual year of the free outdoor screening series that highlights short films. 7:30 p.m. live performance by Hudson River, then 8 p.m. Film program and discussion. Highlights Drexel researchers in Eastwick and Camden examining climate change, a spiritual awakening based in Puerto Rico, Aztec dance in South Philly, and Philly’s indigenous history in Belmont Plateau. Free.
Saturday to Sunday, Aug. 9-10: African Culture Fest
The Philly Zoo partners with Odunde365 for a weekend of African culture and dance that includes a book giveaway from West Philly Reading Captains, plus drum and dance classes, a hair braiding demo, yoga, performances, animals, and more. Included with Zoo admission of $34 for Saturday or $29 for Sunday. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, Aug. 9-10: Bug Fest
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences for a weekend celebrating favorite (invertebrate) things, via Roach Races, scientist-led Bug Walks on the Parkway, the Ask the Experts station, live shows, an outdoor marketplace inspired by the natural world, and more. Tickets are $20 for kids under 13, $24 for 13+. (10 a.m. start both days)
Sunday, Aug. 10: 3rd annual Cemita Festival
Cantina La Martina teams up with 10 chefs from popular eateries like Kampar, Senor Slices, Paffuto, and Amy’s Pastelillos for the annual outdoor party at their Kensington restaurant. Cemitas are $15 each, and participants keep 100% of their profits. Please bring cash. Pay-as-you-go. Regular brunch service will take place inside the restaurant. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 10: Art on the Ave
Part of the Second Sundays on the Ave series in Passyunk. A celebration of creativity, after hours. Live art, painting, music and vendors. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 10: Street Movies! with Friends of FDR Park, cinéSPEAK and PAAFF
Part of the 28th annual year of Street Movies! Vendors courtesy the Southeast Asian Market. 8 p.m. Live poetry reading by Jess X Snow and Cathy Linh Che, 8:15 p.m. Film program and discussion. Featured stories take viewers from Phllly to Sudan, the Philippines and the West Bank. Free.
