Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have Halloween parties and festivals, Day of the Dead celebrations, opera, theater, documentary film, and art exhibit openings, Iron Maiden, and Rocky Horror. It's quite a holiday week.

By Lauren McCutcheon and Christina Griffith
New Urban Order

It’s Time For a Shademaking Movement

It’s getting hotter. We need to start planning for it.

By Diana Lind

Outdoor Drinking Spots in Philadelphia

Pop-ups, beer gardens and other seasonal spots in Philly to have some drinks and a nosh out of doors

By Lauren McCutcheon
The New Urban Order

Do We Really Need More Moveable Chairs?

The design for the Municipal Services Building plaza is like too many of our public spaces: bland and uncomfortable. Here, some ways we could do better

By Diana Lind
Guest Commentary

What Should We Do with Welcome Park?

A government strategist has a radical idea for the historic park at the heart of a recent controversy over its William Penn statue

By Mark Nicastre

“A Place Where Everyone Comes Together”

The architect of Central Park’s Edenic resurgence has retired to our own Rittenhouse Square, where he is the most well-versed park volunteer. Here’s what he thinks we can learn from NYC

By Christine Speer Lejeune
The Citizen Recommends

Alex G Concert to Benefit Make the World Better

Former Eagle Connor Barwin’s annual fundraiser to rebuild city parks features the Philly-born singer songwriter, a tailgate party with special guests and a chance to rock out for good

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
The Citizen Recommends

In Color Birding Club

The intentionally welcoming outdoors club celebrates birding season with events in spring, fall (and other seasons too) — for all people

By Kiersten A. Adams
Ideas We Should Steal

Clean Up Trash With Pro Sports Teams

The Memphis Grizzlies loaned its NBA star power to get citizens competing to pick up litter. Could a Philly “Litter League” help clean up our streets, too?

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Integrity Icon 2023

Who is Your Public “Fun Hero?”

We’re looking for the parks, pools, arts, more happy-making people who fill our city with joy. Nominate a City worker as an Integrity Icon by March 31

By Jessica Blatt Press