#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Dragon in the Square
(Photo by @jim50tim)
Smart loading zones a boon or a plague
The city’s CurbPass program has won praise for giving delivery truck drivers and others more places to legally park on the curb in Center City.
It’s also helped the Philadelphia Parking Authority collect $5 million in fines. PPA plans to create another 33 smart loading zones around the city. Continue reading…
Shhh! Silent concert coming to Chestnut Hill on Saturday
This Silent Music at Philly’s James Turrell’s Skyspace is an experimental show about unplugging from the algorithm and back into nature.
The Skyspace in Chestnut Hill is one of 100 worldwide that Turrell designed in simple rooms with shifting, colorful light installations that interact with the natural angle of the sun. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia’s school selection process kicks off next month. Here are changes to look out for. [WHYY]
• Jon Stewart pressed Sen. John Fetterman on Israel and playing into “Republican caricatures” when he attacks Democrats. [Inq$]
• At a public hearing on the police response to Pride celebrations in the Gayborhood, city council members and LGBTQ+ leaders said the community has lost trust in the department, scrutinized use of horses and motorcycles to corral revelers at the June 7 celebration. [PhillyVoice]
• Johnny Sample Rec Center in West Philly’s Cobbs Creek reopens following a $15M remodel funded in part by the city’s soda tax. [WHYY]
• One year of ICE Out trainings: Councilmember Kendra Brooks and her team reflect on what they’ve learned, impacts, and the future. [Germantown Info Hub]
• Free school supplies, backpacks, and activities: 2026 back-to-school events in Philadelphia. [Chalkbeat]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the 3rd annual Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduation ceremony at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. (6:30 p.m.)
Highlights from Billy Penn’s City Guide
Fairmount: Art, science, and so much more
With art and science museums, Eastern State Penitentiary and a steadily growing collection of dining and educational options, there’s much to experience here.
A stoner’s guide to Philly murals: 11 of the trippiest artworks in the city
Dubbed the “Mural Capital of the World,” Philadelphia is home to over 4,000 works of painted public art — and murals might just be one of the best things to look at while high.
ON THE CALENDAR
PAFA exhibit opening reception (Thursday),
BlackStar Film Fest opens First Friday at the Barnes,
the 54th Street Community Festival (Saturday),
the Philly Zoo Firstival (Saturday)
AND MORE!
Send us events to add to the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar at BillyPenn.com!
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🌽 CSA farmshare guide
🛝 Kid-friendly summer guide
☕ Philly coffee guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
