#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Frozen still life
(Photo by @leslie.sllvn)
Big snowstorm is all but certain in Philly this weekend
The potential snowstorm that first showed up in your iPhone Weather app on Monday is looking increasingly as if it will show up, heavily, on your doorstep this weekend.
The National Weather Service has upped the likelihood that we’ll see a significant snowfall, starting late Saturday or early Sunday. How much? When? Continue reading …
Philly contenders among the 2026 James Beard Awards semifinalists
The praise for Philly’s food scene just keeps on coming.
It’s only been two months since local restaurants snagged their first Michelin Stars, and now the latest round of James Beard Award semifinalists includes a dozen of Philly’s own chefs and restaurants as contenders for what is essentially the food world’s Oscars. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. Supreme Court upholds Philadelphia judge suspension over partisan Facebook posts. [Capital-Star]
• As electric rates soar, PECO adds millions to support low-income customers. [Billy Penn]
• Philly Saves retirement program will go to voters for approval on the May ballot. [WHYY]
• Philly Police’s first ever five-year strategic plan is now open for public comment through February 11. [CityCast]
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has partnered with Soar Autism Center to open new early-intervention sites for kids 6 and younger. [WHYY]
• A Philly man spent 40 years in prison. Now he’s suing, saying police framed him. [Axios]
• A rowhouse built around 1760 in Old City was once heated with firewood. Now, it has solar panels on its roof. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will take part in a celebration of the 150th anniversary of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, at 160 E. Erie Ave. (12:15 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Jan. 22: Zero-Proof Quizzo!
Support The Bridge Way School’s work as the state’s first and only recovery high school at this fun event. Each team should have between four and six people. At FaceClock. $5 to play. (6:45 to 11 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 22: Kavatail
This Dry January, Neeko and Old City Kava Co. come together to blur the lines between elevated zero-proof cocktails and kava. (4 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Friday, Jan. 23: 2026 Philadelphia Tour Guide & Docent Job Fair
Whether you are a seasoned docent or just beginning your journey, the APT Job Fair is a must-attend event for Philly’s tourism community. At Parkway Central Library. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 23: The 2026 Mx Tattooed Mom Pageant: Electric Boogaloo
Find out who can carry the torch of such an incredible space on their shoulders. Watch 5 Tattooed Mom fans “duke it out in a pageant of queer punk proportions” to win a $300 cash prize, crown and temporary tattoo, prizes and more. $10-20 suggested donation. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Friday to Sunday, Villain Arts Tattoo Festival
Villain Arts has grown from a single tattoo convention in Philadelphia into the largest tattoo festival organizer in the world. World-class artists, collectors, and fans come together to celebrate the art of tattooing. $25 for 1 day; $50 for 3 days.
Saturday, Jan. 24: Ice Princess Night & Brunch
First, one-on-one family brunch, games and photos with Elsa, Anna, Tiana and Jasmine inside Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent in Franklin Square Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brunch tickets at $25/$30 per person. Then, at 5 p.m., the princesses return for a FREE hangout with giant bubbles, live ice carving, music, fitness fun and kid games. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 5 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Tree Cycle Fest with Philly Goat Project
Bring your Christmas tree to Awbury Arboretum for the Philly Goats to snack on it sustainably! Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa, farm tours, a petting zone, and more. $20 donation per tree requested. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Grown-Up Book Fair and Swap-Love City
Books and Brews Philly is back at Love City Brewing, along with best-selling author Jo Piazza and her pop-up shop, Bookcase Books. Bring a gently used book to swap, grab a brew and shop new books and merch. Also: support the nonprofit Books Through Bars by bringing a book from their list. Ages 21+. $10 tickets. (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: The Last Word: Blue Stoop’s 2025 Winter Fundraiser
You’re invited to Blue Stoop’s end-of-semester student showcase and celebration, held at Fleisher Art Memorial. Includes appetizers and drinks, interactive games and performances by students and faculty, all in support of their financial aid program and free public programs. Ages 18+. $15 tickets. (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 24: Thrive! A dance party fundraiser
Support Philly Thrive’s environmental justice work by dancing, snacking and having a drink in West Philly. Also: a raffle and merch. Live DJs start at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 25: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Happiness Workshop
A look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives, with Eric Zillmer, professor of psychology and the director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University. Can happiness be measured? What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from traveling the world? $14.77 in advance; $17 at the door. (4 to 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 25: “No Hate In Our State” Town Hall
Hosted by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, at the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia (1650 Arch Street, 2nd Floor). Virtual option available. Feat. legal experts, government leaders, educators, and advocates. Free with RSVP. (6 to 8 p.m.)
