#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Mt. Airy climb
(Photo by @therowhousecity)
Coming in 2026: 52 ‘Firsts’ that happened in Philadelphia. Can you name them?
The Philadelphia Historic District Partners unveiled the schedule for its “52 Weeks of Firsts” celebrations next year, a list of Philadelphia-born innovations that will be spotlighted throughout the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. From the first zoo to the first showing of a motion picture, and 50 more. Check out the full list. Continue reading …
Food halls might seems similar, but Gather and Wonder have very different plans
If you haven’t seen a food hall opening in your neighborhood — or clogging up your social media feed — give it a minute. They’re coming. Billy Penn looked into two of the most popular, Wonder and Gather, and found they have very different philosophies. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• LIHEAP home energy assistance support is delayed in Pa. due to the federal government shutdown. Here’s what to know. [WHYY]
• SEPTA is shifting budget to maintain services as the state budget stalemate enters a fourth month. [WHYY]
• A new task force of 40 city employees prepares to enforce anti-dumping laws. [WHYY]
• A murder charge was issued in Kada Scott’s death, and her death is ruled a homicide. [WHYY]
• WHYY’s Board of Directors on Thursday unanimously approved the acquisition of WPSU, Penn State University’s long-running public media outlet. [WHYY]
• The Fairmount woman behind fight gear brand Alchemize Fightwear scored a $300,000 investment on ‘Shark Tank’. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will deliver remarks at the graduation ceremony for Philadelphia Police Recruit Classes 412 and 413, at Temple University Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad Street. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will welcome attendees of Council of Great City Schools’ 69th annual Fall Conference, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market St. (12:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, Oct. 24: MAKIBAKA — Finding the Joys in the Struggles for Change
Anakbayan Philadelphia presents its third biannual art show in honor of Filipino migrants and their strength to continue finding the joys in the struggle for change. A celebration and love letter to the Filipino migrants of Philadelphia who live, work, and fight for their families back home. At Vox Populi’s Black Box theater. Free. (6 p.m. doors open)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Halloween Lemon Run & 5K
At the Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds. Come dressed in costume for this fun and festive event and you could win awards for Most Creative Costume, Best Group Costume, Best Pet Costume, and Best Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation-Themed Costume! Register as a Walker for $40, a Runner for $50, or as a VIP (Very Important Pumpkin) for $75. Also a virtual option. Take a stride for better cures and treatments for childhood cancer. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Clay as Care Symposium
A learning event with workshops and talks expanding on the show, “Clay as Care: Ceramic Art and Wellbeing,” explores the restorative and therapeutic benefits of working with art and ceramics. It’s an immersive exhibition that highlights four artists who have embraced creation as part of their healing journeys. Free with RSVP; Optional $25 box lunch. (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: WHYY Be My Neighbor Day
At Franklin Square Park. Come and celebrate being a caring neighbor with WHYY! Meet local firefighters and learn about what it means to be a community helper. Ride the carousel and get a chance to see Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat! Donate gently used books to a local book bank and learn about organizations that provide fun resources for families. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Young People’s Book Festival of Greater Philadelphia
Aka YO! Book Fest, this family-friendly event features appearances from 45+ children and young adult authors and illustrators. Features writing and drawing workshops, a book-character parade, cozy story times, and book signings. Presented by Black Rock Middle School. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: South Street Vinyl Block Party
Outdoor on the Repo Records block, between 5th and 6th streets: shop 40+ tables of LPs, CDs, 45s, vintage clothes, crystals and more. Music all day long. Free admission. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Spooky Science Day
A day of fall-inspired family fun includes a live science show, slime!, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and more activities. Free with $23-29 admission to the Franklin Institute. Costumes encouraged. No sweets on-site. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Taste of the Philippines
Expect live performances featuring traditional Filipino rhythms and contemporary beats, a marketplace showcasing Filipino cuisine, including adobo, lumpia and halo-halo, and vendors offering handmade crafts rooted in Filipino heritage. Plus cultural workshops and dance showcases. At Cherry Street Pier. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Gran Fiesta de los Muertos
The Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead comes to life at FDR Park, blending art, ritual and community. Enjoy traditional dance and drum performances, join a large-scale art installation at the FDR Boathouse, shop handmade crafts and regional food, and try free face-painting! Free, but donations encouraged. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Spirts of Historic Germantown
Take a stroll through the grounds and parlors of the historic Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion in Germantown. On your journey you will encounter some notable Philadelphians who lived in Germantown, and hear their stories. Tours every 20 minutes. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Nutmeg Presents – The Creepy Clown Cabaret!
Come in costume for this one-of-a-kind ghoulish revue featuring creepy clown performances by: Jett the Clown, Ron Binary, Mister E., and Envy. $28.52 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 25: Peter Richard Conte and the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass
Opera Philadelphia’s PIPE UP! program at the Wanamaker brings this 10-piece brass ensemble to join Court Organist Peter Richard Conte for an innovative concert featuring everything from Bach to Bourbon Street. Tickets are Pick Your Price, starting at $11. (7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: 10th Annual Turkey Day Tailgate
Food, drinks, an inaugural costume contest, to support the HEADstrong Foundation’s Donate A Turkey Dinner initiative. $23.18 tickets. (8 a.m. to noon)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Eagles Sober Tailgate
Meet at Xfinity Mobile Arena parking lot in the NW end of C Lot. Registered guests should bring confirmation email to check in for food, beverages and raffle tickets. Non-registered guests can BYO food and nonalcoholic beverages to join the fun. (11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Philadelphia’s Lost Jewish Quarter
From the 1880s through the 1920s the area between Spruce and Christian Street and 2nd and 6th was the Philadelphia equivalent of New York’s famous Lower East Side, with a vibrant community within a dense two miles. $12.51 tickets. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Richmond Street Flea
Every October, the RSF Team asks your favorite flea bands to come as *their* favorite band, for this Halloween Cover Show, live on Clementine. This year: The Nerves, Guided By Voices, Type O Negative, @camalama and a guest DJ. (2 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Eastern State Penitentiary Fall Festival
Trick-or-treat inside the penitentiary, then explore Eastern State’s history and legacy with the help of a special scavenger hunt designed with children and their caregivers in mind. Plus, enjoy story time, hands-on activities, art-making, music, and more. Free. (3 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 26: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: A Guide to Witches
Get ready for something spellbinding: A look at various depictions of witches as reflections of ideas about female sexuality, independence, agency, and power. Led by Linda Lee, lecturer in folklore and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. Tickets online or in-person. (4 to 6:30 p.m.)
The post Philly’s “Firsts” coming; Food halls explained; Murder charge in Scott case | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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