#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Alley art in East Passyunk
(Photo by @dave.peth)
FanDuel restores SEPTA express service for Eagles opener
If you wagered that sports gambling behemoth FanDuel would step in to cover the costs for express service to and from tonight’s Eagles season opener, you’re a winner! Even better, the ride home will be free.
State House representatives rallied later in the day, saying that “we shouldn’t have to rely on a gambling company to fund our transit.” Continue reading …
Who is IShowSpeed and why was he in Philly?
If the teens and young adults in your life were glued to their phones Tuesday, they might have been watching YouTube livestreamer IShowSpeed as he checked all the boxes for a Philly visit — trying cheesesteaks, exploring the Italian Market, visiting the Liberty Bell, running up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The visit was part of a U.S. tour and he drew crowds wherever he went.
Speed’s actual name is Darren Watkins Jr., and he’s a hugely popular — and controversial — 20-year-old influencer, with a largely Gen Alpha audience of millions. Learn more about him and his visit. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania pharmacies can now offer new COVID vaccines after the state adopts recommendations from medical societies. [WHYY]
• Secretive board overseeing Pa.’s billion-dollar opioid response invites the public to speak for the first time. [Spotlight PA]
• Mayor Cherelle Parker’s firing of top DEI and LGBTQ+ affairs staffers raised questions. Philly’s inspector general is trying to answer them. [Inq$]
• Philly plans to spend $100 million in neighborhoods outside the historic district to support celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday next summer. [WHYY]
• Feet First Philly is offering mini-grants for safer, walkable neighborhoods. Applications from any resident or community group are welcome until Oct. 1. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• In Kensington, a botánica offers candles, counsel and compassion. [Kensington Voice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Cherelle Parker will hold a press conference announcing a new Records Department Deed Fraud Initiative, at City Hall. 1 p.m.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Sept. 4: Plan Philly Pop-Up Newsroom
WHYY and PlanPhilly invites you to join us at the Cobbs Creek Library to meet directly with reporters about local issues touching on housing, transportation, public spaces and more. Free RSVP. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 4: Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
The second and final edition of the season! Local businesses and community vendors offer one-night-only deals for $1, $3 or $5, while local musicians and artists provide entertainment up and down Baltimore Avenue, from 40th to 51st streets. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 5: End of Summer Block Party
The Italian Market Piazza is the setting for this Di Bruno-hosted event featuring a mozzarella cheese pull, hot dogs, lots of food and drinks, prizes and live music. (4 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 5: First Friday: Poetry/Open Mic Night
The American Vegan Center in Old City hosts this free creative arts night that welcomes all comfort levels, with free vegan snacks to be served. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 5: Cinema in the Cemetery: “Rocky Horror Picture Show”
Join the Friends of Laurel Hill and the Transylvanian Nipple Productions shadowcast for a 50th anniversary screening of the 1975 cult classic. Doors open at 7 p.m. with popup food trucks, followed by TNP’s preshow at 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. screening $25 tickets.
Saturday, Sept. 6: Eastern State Penitentiary Vintage & Antique Flea Market
Enjoy a full day of vintage treasure hunting at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks. 150+ vendors outside the penitentiary at 2201 Fairmount, featuring timeless fashion, retro home décor, vinyl records, video games, toys, comics, antique furniture and art, and more. Pay-as-you-go. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 6: Novel Tea Book Club
Kick off this faith-based book club series at Lovett Memorial Library on Germantown Avenue for women to enjoy tea and community. BYO favorite tea to enjoy and/or share. Monthly through November. (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 6: Philly Record Freak Out
25,000+ records for sale at PhilaMOCA! Rock, punk, metal, hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae and more. $10 early admission at 10 a.m., then $5 from 11 a.m. onwards. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 6: Philadelphia Honey Festival
Head to Wyck Historic House for a sweet finish to the summer season. Co-hosted with the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild, learn about the honey bee’s impact, with honey tastings, presentations, bee-bearding, a mead and beer garden, shopping, G-Town Radio, and more! (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 6: Northern Liberties Music Fest
An outdoor dance party concert at Liberty Lands Park with awesome music sets every hour, while supporting the NoLibs Neighborhood Association. (4 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, Sept. 6-7: FRIEDAcommunity Flower Sale
The #Cultivate_Kindness participatory art project based at 320 Walnut Street is ending and now is your last chance to buy the beautiful handmade paper flowers that decorate the stall. (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Sept. 7: Hoagie Throwdown
The inaugural throwdown takes place at Fishtown’s Other Half Brewing and pairs over a dozen local hoagie makers with professional wrestling. Competitors include Angelo’s Pizzeria, Farina Di Vita, Breezy’s Deli and Market, Càphê Roasters, and more – who will compete inside a wrestling ring, Iron Chef-style. Plus, prizes, shopping, merch, wrestler meet-and-greets, and more. Winner takes home a custom championship belt. Tickets are $45 to $85. (12 to 5 p.m.)
