The new program, unveiled by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. on Tuesday at LOVE Park, allows anyone to help boost city pride and share their Philly passion. They’re hoping for thousands of volunteers as the city prepares to host events — and millions of visitors — in 2026 for the country’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Billy Penn spoke to some of Philly’s biggest supporters, or “super phams.” Continue reading…
Artists who typically operate in the shadows are stepping into the bright gallery lights for a new, two-day pop-up show. The exhibit, “Step Outside,” takes place this Friday and Saturday at Huddle gallery in Fishtown. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The UK’s Prince Edward dedicated a Bicentennial Bell during his Thursday visit to Philly. [WHYY]
• Eastwick residents are headed to Washington to push back on cuts to funding to combat flooding. [WHYY]
• Philly’s tourist industry prepares to see far fewer Canadians this year amid international tensions. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Sen. Bernie Sanders joins a May Day rally in Philly this afternoon to protest the Trump Administration. [Inq$]
• Philly’s carbon emissions continue to drop, but some of that is an effect of the pandemic. What’s next? [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker joined a minimum wage protest and asked the state for the ability to set city’s wage laws. [WHYY]
• It’s spring! Here are 11 great places to get in a run or walk. [Billy Penn]
• A South Philly couple and their community are mobilizing to find their beloved cat, caught on video being stolen by two children and a woman who later dumped its AirTag. [6ABC]
Philly DA Race
Candidate appearances:
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will speak at the Philadelphia Youth Network’s Anniversary Celebration to celebrate their 25 years of empowering Philadelphia’s youth, at the Philadelphia Design Center, 1218 Arch St. (6:45 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
🧀🥩 Nihonbashi Philly cheesesteak pop-up: May 5
🎶 Sing Us Home Festival: Friday-Sunday, May 2-4
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, May 1: Collective Dream Space: Imagining the Ancestors of your Wildest Dreams
A free prompted craft night for collective imagining of new worlds and excavating ancestral knowings through art and play, led by Lunise Cerin of Memory Workers Guild. At Asian Arts Initiative, part of their exhibit on the evolution of Afro-Asian solidarity. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday-Saturday, May 1-3, and 8-10: InterAct Theatre’s Variety Show
VARIETY PACK is an alt comedy festival hosted at the Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake. Shows range from takes on new cartoons and the Twilight Saga in 60 minutes to improvised Sex And The City. All tickets are $10. Some acts have two showtimes.
Friday, May 2: 2025 Philadelphia Marketplace Kickoff
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area return to Dilworth Park through Saturday, June 28, 2025 and September 5 through October 4, 2025. 20+ vendors every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. Special events: Vintage Marketplace takeover on May 30-31 and June 27-28.
Friday, May 2: #Cultivate_Kindness – Opening reception
For the last 10 months, FRIEDAcommunity members, guests, and visitors, young and old, gathered and volunteered time to cultivate hundreds of paper flowers to be displayed in a newly built flower market stand. See the installation reveal and participate in the resulting art project. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, May 2: Astronomy Night
Come see the moon and stars with telescopes at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Free, no registration needed. (8 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Broad Street Shakeout Run
A fun 2-mile run starting and ending at Philadelphia Runner’s shop in Center City. Arrive early to try out running shoes, and stay after for light refreshments. (9 a.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Eastern State Penitentiary (Fairmount) Vintage & Antique Flea Market
Shop for unique treasures from 150+ vendors gathered around the iconic Eastern State Penitentiary. From vintage game consoles to pottery to Victorian-era fashion. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: South Street Vinyl Block Party
Presented by Record Riots & Repo Records outdoors between 5th and 6th Streets. 40+ tables of LPs, CDs, 45s, vintage clothes, crystals and more. Plus South Street businesses, great music, and more. Free. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: 2nd annual AAPI Arts & Lifestyle Fair
It’s AAPI History Month! Support Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, small businesses, and student groups. Enjoy free crafts and activities. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Spring Makers Market at Elfreth’s Alley
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse Philly’s most historic residential street, which will feature local Philadelphia crafters, artisans, and regional makers selling art, plants, candles, jewelry, and more. Free.
Saturday, May 3: South Street Live!
Formerly known as South Street Fest, enjoy an entire season’s worth of festivals in one day! Live performances, immersive art, local vendors, and cultural experiences that highlight what makes this commercial corridor so vibrant. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Fishtown Music & Arts Festival
Join neighbors outside of LMNO for this third-annual community celebration shutting down Front Street for a full day of live bands, DJs, art vendors under the tracks. $25 tickets. (12 to 11:30 p.m.)
May 2 through May 31: Cherry Street Pier Studio Artists and Programming Partners Showcase
Visit the exhibition to see the distinctive practices from the resident artists and programming partners. Mediums include video and new technology, painting, fiber, and illustration, and highlight the talents of the artists at the Pier. Opening reception from 4 to 9 p.m.
Through May 18: CATO (Remixed)
The Philadelphia Artists Collective comes to Carpenters’ Hall with this world premiere production exploring the similarities between the tumultuous political landscape of Ancient Rome, Revolutionary-era America, and our current divided nation. $19.36 students; $36.70 general admission. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
