#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Art imitating life
(Photo by @erin.witman)
Smile! You’re on camera, Broad Street drivers
Broad Street drivers, prepare to slow down. Starting Monday, the city will activate new speed cameras at 15 spots along the road and start mailing written warnings to drivers caught exceeding post limits.
After a 60-day grace period, violators will begin receiving tickets, with fines that can reach up to $150 per incident. Continue reading…
Cooking up community: Library’s free program brings together literacy, food
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Edible Alphabet program gives English language learners a unique combination — cooking and conversation. The free program includes conversation exercises, vocabulary lessons and a delicious dish. Participants and organizers say it’s an opportunity to learn about other cultures and apply this knowledge to Philadelphia. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• High school teachers in Pennsylvania are among those suing over Trump’s immigration crackdown, saying students are staying home. [AP]
• Visit Philadelphia launches national campaign to lure visitors for America’s 250th anniversary. [WHYY]
• Ruptured water pipe shutters Philly’s Criminal Justice Center. [NBC10]
• Philadelphia’s overnight business curfew expands again, covering more North Philly neighborhoods. [CBS3]
• Richmond Library reopens after finishing eight-month, $1.9 million renovation that included a new roof and HVAC system. [PhillyVoice]
• Two exhibitions —a permanent installation at the Philadelphia City Archives and a temporary exhibit at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania — mine the archives for hidden Black history. [Hidden City]
• Philadelphia Eagles and ‘Always Sunny’ launch limited edition gear collection: How to get yours. [PennLive]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join members of City Council along with Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Department of Prisons for a remembrance of those who died in the September 11 attacks, at Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St. 9:45 a.m.
The mayor will give the keynote speech at Chartered Financial Analyst Society Philadelphia’s (CFAP) 13th Annual Conference, at the Cira Center, 2929 Arch St. Noon.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🛍️ 9/13 Philly AIDS Thrift 20th anniversary party
🥘 Manayunk Restaurant Week through Sept. 14
🫶🏽 9/18: Exploring Trends: How Immigration Shapes Our Region
💬 9/18: Moving Forward | A WHYY News Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Sept. 11: Pause on the Parkway
A free, guided journaling experience to close out the summer with community and reflection. Gather at Eakins Oval. BYO journal/notebook, pen/pencil, blanket/cushion, openness. Free. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 11: Before Penn: An Illustrated History of The Delaware River Colonies 1609-1682
Award-winning author, illustrator and typographer Hal Taylor leads off the next edition of Great Talks at Gloria Dei. $10 ticket includes one drink. (7 to 8 p.m.)
Through Saturday, Sept. 13: “Prince of Parthia” at Carpenter’s Hall
The first American-written play, performed professionally, was created here in Philadelphia by a young watchmaker’s apprentice. This neoclassical play skewers the ethics of the monarchy and helped set the stage for the second Continental Congress to declare independence from the Crown. $15 tickets. (6 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 12: Storyville: Virtually Free by André Robert Lee
“Virtually Free” is a documentary about unlikely allies who partner to transform the juvenile justice system and stop mass incarceration. Followed by “Fight Until We Decay,” a film which focuses on the experiences of formerly incarcerated youth and the historical and political contexts of youth incarceration in Pa. $5 tickets to Scribe Video Center. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 13: Trees Around the World Tour
Discover a diversity of trees from around the world and the U.S. Free with general admission to the Morris Arboretum. $22 tickets for adults, $12 for children. (11 a.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 13: Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest
Launch Ensemble Arts’ 2025/2026 season with a day of live music and theater performances from local arts groups, venue tours, ticket discounts, photos with a DeLorean time machine, behind-the-musical exhibits, friendship bracelet stations and more! (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 13: Root 2 Fruit Festival
Root 2 Fruit is the annual festival put on by Tyra “Crux” Jones-Blain and Stonez the Organic of Forbidden Fruit. This free, one-day fest will include wellness sessions, live performances, free massages, vendors & raffle giveaways, immersive stations, a digital art gallery and more. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 13: Phishtown Fest
Calling all Phans! Evil Genius Beer Co. is hosting the first-ever Phishtown Festival, a celebration of all things jam-band culture. Join for a day full of live music, good vibes and even better beer. Ages 21+. $20 early bird tickets; $30 general admission; $10 designated driver tkts. (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 13: “The Layaway,” feat. The Bearded Ladies Cabaret
Welcome to the Layaway, a speakeasy for hard times. Tucked deep inside the historic Wanamaker Building, the Bearded Ladies are carving a cozy space to let your hair down. From acoustic daydreams to organ(ic) rapture to genderqueer tomfoolery, this intimate series will recharge your batteries, refill your cocktail, and maybe even nourish your world-weary soul. $25 tickets. (9 p.m. every Saturday through Sept.)
Sunday, Sept. 14: Brain Aneurysm Foundation Philadelphia Run/Walk
Join thousands nationwide who have been impacted by brain aneurysms. Survivors, caregivers, those who are remembering a loved one, advocates, researchers and supporters will gather at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for this event. $35 per person walking, running or virtual participation. (8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. run, 9:15 a.m. walk)
