#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Shadows and steps to the sun on the Schuylkill River Trail
(Photo by @what.i.see23)
How many cars are “too many” for Center City?
With its recent service cuts — and more cuts and a big rate hike coming next week — SEPTA has warned that one consequence would be more people driving into Center City. A lot more.
Which raises the question: How many more cars could Center City handle before everything just stopped? Billy Penn spoke to experts and took a deep dive on the math and consequences of congestion. Continue reading …
20+ ideas for your Labor Day weekend staycation
From improv and food festivals to live opera, kid concerts and community celebrations, there are plenty of options (even without Made In America, which did not return for another year). Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philly bus routes most used by students — the 31, 84, 88 and six 400-level routes — will be restored next week after Mayor Parker announces an advance of city funds. [WHYY]
• Uber is partnering with local nonprofits to offer free rides for Philly seniors amid SEPTA cuts. [WHYY]
• Pennsylvania joins 46 states in effort to combat deepfake “revenge porn.” [Yahoo]
• Beginning September 1, Philadelphia water rates will increase by nearly 10%, or $8, bringing the average bill to about $91. It would increase again in 2026. [6ABC/Billy Penn]
• As part of an effort to reduce overdoses in the city, Philly fire stations will soon offer easier access to medication designed to reverse an overdose. [WHYY]
• The Woodmere Art Museum sues the Trump administration for repealing $750,000 in grant funding. [PhillyVoice]
• A large-scale apartment building is on track to replace former Hoa Binh Plaza on the Washington Avenue corridor. [WHYY]
• Kyle Schwarber hit four home runs Thursday night against Atlanta to become the 21st major leaguer and fourth Phillies player to accomplish the feat. [AP]
• The Eagles will bring back their Kelly Green uniforms in three matchups against the Giants, Cowboys and Commanders this season. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the annual block party celebrating students in the Opportunities Industrialization Center job training program, at Girard Avenue and Watts Street (behind OIC). 5 p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
🏮 The 2025 Philly Lantern Festival ends Aug. 31
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
20+ Labor Day weekend ideas, including some highlights below.
Friday to Sunday, Aug. 29 to 31: Yo Adrienne! Improv Festival
Split across two stages, the three-day festival offers back-to-back showcases, improv jams for everyone from curious newcomers to seasoned performers and creativity-boosting workshops. $25 for a day pass; $50 for a weekend pass.
Friday to Saturday, Aug. 29-30: Drone Art Show
It’s a picnic-style vibe at this show, where a candlelit string quartet performs classical favorites including Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” Debussy’s “The Snow Is Dancing,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” hundreds of LED-equipped drones move in sync overhead, creating animated shapes like stars, flowers and abstract patterns to match the music. $40-45 tickets. (8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 30: 3rd annual Island Country Indonesian Festival
Fleisher Art Memorial and Gapura again hosts this community festival and celebration of folk arts and culture, complete with food, dance, games and more. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 30: North Philly Day
It’s a Carnival in the Hood at Fotterall Square. Live music, Local and Caribbean food, games, and more. This event is designed to bring neighbors together for a day of joy, resources, and connection — while spotlighting the resilience and brilliance of North Philly. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday to Monday, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1: 153rd annual Volksfest
The annual German festival is happening Saturday through Monday at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein, a German heritage organization in Northeast Philly. Admission is $10 for one day, $15 for a two day pass, and $20 for all three days. (Starts 12 p.m. each day)
Saturday, Aug. 30: SW Philly Night Market
An evening of food, music, shopping and community vibes at Richard Allen Prep (2601 S. 58th Street). Food trucks, local vendors, live DJ sets, kids’ activities, giveaways and more. Free to attend. (5 to 11 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 31: Manayunk tour
Learn about this former mill town’s industrial development along the Schuylkill River canal that was opened in 1825, connecting Philly to the interior coal regions of Pennsylvania. See examples of early immigrant housing then stroll along Main Street’s late 19th century commercial buildings and enjoy the fruits of its recent renaissance. $18 tickets. (10 a.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 31: Pigeon Poetry Jam
Close out the summer with The Philly Pigeon’s open-mic and artist mixer, featuring Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate, Kai Davis. $17.85 tickets. (8 p.m.)
Monday, Sept. 1: Philadelphia Labor Day ‘FREE 5K’ & 10K
Run into autumn with this race starting in front of the Rocky Steps and along Kelly Drive’s scenic views. Every runner receives a finisher’s medal, chip-timed results, free event photos, and post-race snacks. $50-$65 registration or lottery (7:30 a.m.)
Monday, Sept. 1: 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade
Philly region unions and community supporters will march in the annual parade starting at Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Hall at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave. (10 a.m. start time)
Monday, Sept. 1: 3rd annual Labor Day Celebration at FDR Park
A scavenger hunt, archery ages 10+, nature crafts, Smokey the Bear, food and more. Free. (12 to 2 p.m.)
