#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Cats and CDs
(Photo by @billlent)
A recent online poll suggested that city GOP members are trying to get the former judge, who was dispatched handily by incumbent Larry Krasner in the primary this spring, to run in the November election as a Republican. Continue reading …
From music to sports events to everything in between, Billy Penn offers a comprehensive list of things to do between now and Labor Day (and beyond). Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Local stations brace for impact after the U.S. House voted to claw back $1.1 billion in already-approved public media funding. [WHYY]
• “They’re hunting us like animals”: Norristown’s immigrant community is left shaken after an ICE raid and mass arrests at a supermarket. [WHYY]
• The long-awaited Chinatown Stitch cap park project’s funding has been gutted by Trump’s tax bill. [Inq$$]
• Mark Dial, the former Philly PD officer who killed Eddie Irizarry during traffic stop, was granted immediate parole at sentencing. [NBC10]
• The Trump administration ended an LGBTQ-specific suicide hotline, leaving Philly orgs to still provide resources. [WHYY + Philly Gay News]
• Bryan Braman, member of Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl team, dies of rare cancer. He was 38. [ESPN]
• A pair of comedy/horror Broadway staples are coming to Philly: “Little Shop of Horrors” is here, with “Beetlejuice” arriving by month’s end. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will speak at the Philadelphia Police Department’s Graduation Ceremony for Recruits, at Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad Street. 10 a.m.
The mayor will join MLB’s “2026 All-Star Declaration” fan celebration, which includes the unveiling of the All-Star Game logo, at Dilworth Park. Noon.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎭 “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Beetlejuice” come to Philly
🏮 All about the 2025 Philly Lantern Festival
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the warm weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Saturday, July 19: Learn About Native Plants on National Pennsylvania Day
Discover how the Lenape people used these remarkable plants to thrive for millennia. Plus, learn about Swedish botanist Pehr Kalm’s visit to Gloria Dei Church in the mid-18th century, and enjoy his vivid accounts of the lush flora that once filled this terrain. Finally, we’ll teach you how to cultivate these sustainable plants in your own garden space. Free. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: ART NABE Philadelphia: Pop-Up Arts Market & Music Showcase
An homage to the city’s talent and spirit through emerging artists, local entrepreneurs, and homegrown vibes. Features a curated Pop-Up Arts Market & Music Showcase with visual art and handmade goods, soulful sounds and thought-provoking conversations. Day Market is free; Night Market is $21.50. (12 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19: Germantown Night Market
Maplewood Mall hosts this popular market from 4 to 9 p.m. featuring local vendors.
Saturday, July 19: Deck the Hulls: Go Birds Boat Parade and Pier Party
Continue the Superbowl celebration at Cherry Street Pier. Free admission with registration. (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: Tea for Two: A Mother-Daughter Tea Party in the Garden
Dress in your sweetest high tea attire for a charming afternoon of bonding, bites, and memories. Menu includes unlimited mimosas and sangria for the adults, and seasonal mocktails and specialty iced teas for the kids. $54.13 for kids, $135.23 for adults. At the Navy Yard. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: A Better World Is Possible Block Party
A day of reflection, healing and celebration to unveil a powerful Gun Violence Memorial Sculpture and officially open the new Peace Park. This free community event will feature live performances, art activations, family-friendly activities, food vendors and access to local resources. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: 40 Years A Prisoner (2020) Screening – Q&A with Mike Africa Jr.
The documentary chronicles the 1978 Philadelphia police raid on the Black liberation group MOVE and the subsequent fight of Mike Africa Jr. to exonerate his parents. Following the film, Mike Africa Jr. will join for a Q&A. At Making Worlds Books in West Philly. $10-20 tickets; Proceeds will be donated towards Reclaim Osage, the campaign to pay off the house that Philadelphia police bombed 40 years ago. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 22: Summer Supper Series at Victory Brewing Company
Join this summer dinner party featuring 4 paired courses from Victory’s Chef Jeremy that pair with exclusive beers while enjoying Parkway views. Seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. $60.54 tickets.
Through July 27: University City Dining Days
UCD’s popular restaurant promotion returns across West Philadelphia, offering three-course meal options for lunch or dinner at fixed prices of $20, $30 or $40.
