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City Cast Philly

Asha Prihar

We’re taking a break from our weekly news/current events quiz today for some special trivia, focused solely on Philly’s signature sandwich! You can test yourself on all things cheesesteaks — from their origins to a modern twist — with the six questions below.

A cheesesteak from Pat’s King of Steaks, the shop credited with inventing the cheesesteak. (Trenae Nuri/City Cast Philly)

Siani Colón

It’s warming up in Philly, which means that it’s officially festival season! With the 

, there are plenty of events to keep us busy — and working up an appetite! Chow down on the best that Philly’s culinary scene has to offer at these spring festivals.

Manayunk’s Main Street will be blocked off to traffic for one of the largest food truck festivals in the country. The 

 invites food trucks from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware to fire up the grill and offer everything from tacos and burgers to dumplings and skewers. This year’s event will be larger than usual, with more than 85 food trucks. Plus, the neighborhood’s main corridor will be open for business, so visit Main Street’s restaurants and shops while you’re there on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One of South Philly’s biggest festivals is back for its 16th year on April 26 from noon to 5 p.m. East Passyunk’s 

 shines a light on the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants. Walk along five blocks of the corridor and grab a bite (or two, or three). If you need a break, stop by the Singing Fountain for live entertainment or buy a gift from one of the 100 or so vendors.

This food festival honoring Pan-Asian solidarity 

. The collaboration between Roots to Table and Asian Food Collective returns to Fleisher Art Memorial on May 3. Eat food from a range of Asian cultures with vendors including 

. While you’re there, learn about resources from Philly’s Asian-led nonprofits or grab crafts from local artists. Entry is free, but you can 

The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association is bringing this West Philly corridor to life with a 

 on May 16. Eat your way through Philly’s favorite food trucks at The Lawn at UCity Square at 37th and Filbert Streets. Then, head to the main stage at 37th and Lancaster for a dance party.

Help fund initiatives supporting home ownership, small businesses, and the community at 

 spring fundraiser on May 30. Hosted at the Commodore Barry Irish Center, your ticket includes food from the neighborhood’s top chefs and bakers, and an open bar. Tickets are available on a sliding scale between $50 to $250. And be sure to dress to impress — the suggested dress code is colorful cocktail attire.

Sometimes it’s hard to find restaurants or festivals that 

 returns on June 13, now at Girard College. The day-long event will feature over 50 vendors selling plant-based food and products, talks from leaders in plant-based health and activism, and family-friendly activities.

Explore dishes from BBQ to plant-based spins on classics at these upcoming food festivals. 

Food Festivals To Look Forward to Spring 2026 in Philly

Get a Taste of Philly’s Food Scene at These Spring Food Fests

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

We’re a month away from Pennsylvania’s primary election, when voters will decide who will appear on November’s ballot, including candidates for key positions like the 

Before casting your vote on May 19, make a plan. Here are the important deadlines to remember as Election Day approaches.

The deadline to register to vote or update your registration before the primary is 

, calling 1-877-VOTESPA, or reaching the Philadelphia County Voter Registration office at 215-686-1590.

. You can also register in person at 520 N. Columbus Blvd. 5th floor (Voter Registration Office), City Hall Room 402 (Philadelphia County Board of Elections), or a 

If you prefer to use mail, print an application online or grab one at the post office, the Free Library of Philadelphia, state liquor stores, or certain government offices. 

You’ll need to update your registration if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

deadline is also your last chance to update your party affiliation before the election. Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, meaning that you can only vote for candidates in the same political party as you, Democrat or Republican. Independent or nonaffiliated voters cannot vote for a candidate during this election, but you can vote on the 

. These voters can fully participate in November's general election.

If you cannot physically make it to the polls, you can request either an absentee ballot or a mail-in ballot by 

. The Philadelphia County Board of Elections must receive your application by 

 by people who will be away from the city on Election Day or are in the military. In the case of an emergency, 

last-minute absentee ballots can be requested

. Mail-in ballots are available to all eligible voters. You can also decide if you want a one-time mail-in ballot or apply to be an 

 is Election Day. The county election board must receive your mail-in ballot or civilian absentee ballot on this day by 

If you are voting in person, polls are open from 

Make sure you’re set to participate in this May’s election by following this list.


Register To Vote Before the 2026 Pennsylvania Primary Election

Your 2026 May Primary Checklist

What's being decided in Philadelphia City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Philadelphia City Council. 

Philly Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Moving regularly each day can reduce stress, improve your sleep, and decrease your risk of diseases. So it’s no surprise that running clubs are a popular way to not only stay active, but also make new friends. However, some may want to start their wellness journey at a slower pace. Here are some walking clubs to ease you onto the trails.

This initiative between the Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation invites residents to get to know their neighborhood park — and perhaps visit others — 

. Trained leaders guide seasonal hour-long walks in parks around the city. 

You may have walked through the city, but have you ever walked around it? 

 encourages residents to explore the city’s borders by walking its perimeter either on their own or with a group. The challenge is designed in segments (trying to walk Philly’s entire shape in a day may be 

challenging) to connect with new-to-you sections of the city and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Philly, Philly.

 organizes multiple workouts each month all across the city. You may have seen its

 before. In addition to its walking group, you can participate in other group-fitness workouts and a book club. All 

 is a dedicated walking and wellness group for women of color in Philadelphia. The group organizes walks along the city’s bridges and trails or to specific destinations such as coffee shops and farmers' markets. Walks are adult-only unless specified otherwise.

 promotes accessible nature-based wellness activities with animals. The project hosts 

 at its home base at Awbury Arboretum and throughout the city. In addition to its goat walks, it also hosts grief walks.

Did you know that if you walk just five miles, you’ve completed 10,000 steps for the day?

 uses it as its marker for its weekly walks and runs. If you’re interested in joining the group and staying connected, you can 

🏃 If you’re looking for a little more speed, 

Walking Clubs

Here’s my favorite walking club!

Not everyone is training for a marathon, so these groups are encouraging slower movement in Philly. 

Join a Philly Walking Group Near You

Get Your Steps In With These Philly Walking Groups

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

, it’s a good time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden this season. 

 to your plot and pot. Not sure where to find some? Here are some upcoming plant sales and swaps to spruce up your garden while supporting local businesses.

Remember the former Greensgrow Farm in Kensington? The 

 is taking over in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. The institute is kicking this new era off with an 

. Attendees can go on a "wonder walk" that includes snacks and plant activities led by staff. The organization has also opened plant orders. 

 on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day. Make native plant 

 with other community members, along with other activities, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The street will be blocked off outside of the MLK Triangle to make way for workshops, music, and plenty of plant supplies. Interested in vending? 

 of Philadelphia County are bringing their 

 on April 26. Guests can browse over a hundred plants, from tasty veggies to fragrant herbs and beginner-friendly houseplants. There will also be opportunities to attend garden tours, plant demos, and workshops.

Stock up on pollinator plants, herbs, and more at 

. Sales will happen on April 21, May 9, June 13, May 30, and Sept. 12. Be sure to check out the 

 while you’re visiting during the weekend.

Support students at Philly’s agriculture high school by attending its 

 on May 2. Not only will you have the opportunity to purchase plants, but you can also receive free vegetable seeds. Stick around and see the students show off the skills they’re learning.

Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together

demonstrations on living well on a budget

 at this event on May 2. Aside from a seed exchange, 

 a foraging walk and citrus juice-making workshop. All activities will be at the Wyck Historic House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Head further up Germantown Avenue the following day to Chestnut Hill for its annual 

 on May 3. Browse plants, pots, and other garden decor from over 300 vendors along the corridor.

PHS hosts monthly plant swaps at its pop-up gardens in 

. Keep an eye on its calendar for other plant workshops throughout the season.

Several festivals and businesses are hosting major pop-up sales to help you find the perfect plants for your garden. 

Where To Shop For and Swap Plants in Philly

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

Did you know April 7 is National Beer Day? On this day in 1933, 

 for the first time since Prohibition began, marking the beginning of the end of the dry era.

Breweries are a part of Philly history, so much so that we have 

. Curious how Philly’s finest brewers make their beer? Discover the secrets and taste it for yourself on these tours.

 went from brewing beers from a small location in Manayunk in the 1990s to running its huge Northern Liberties facility today. Find out how all of it came to be! On a tour, you can get a look-through of the facility, a beer sample, a full beer, and a souvenir. 

 everyday of the week. Right now you can get half-off tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

 has locations in Point Breeze and Fishtown. If you want to take a tour, those are 

. For $10, you can sample a couple of beers and receive a pint glass and sticker. The tour runs for about 30 minutes and is available by appointment on Saturdays at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Larger groups can be accommodated on different days of the week upon request.

Walk down Frankford Avenue and you’ll stumble upon several breweries, craft halls, and neighborhood bars. Operating from the nearly 150-year-old Weisbrod & Hess Oriental Brewing Company facility, 

. is keeping the River Wards’ beer-making tradition alive. This brewery leads 

 of the month at noon and 2 p.m. Stop by and learn more about the building’s history and see where the beers are brewed and bottled. Keep your eyes peeled for Duke the Brewery Cat while looking around!

Co-owned by brothers Richard and Mengistu, 

 in Pennsylvania. The University City brewery offers tours Friday through Sunday between noon and 4:30 p.m. Guests receive a souvenir glass, a vinyl-branded sticker, $1 off all draft beer the same day, a coupon for a return visit, and a complimentary pour of Good Jawn (Pale Ale), Nubian (Brown Ale), or Clean Sweep (Pilsner). 

Philadelphia Hops and History Walking Tour

 narrows its focus to the Spring Garden section of the city. Attendees can sample up to 12 different beers from three stops while learning about Philly beer history. This walking tour is on Saturdays and is $75 per person. The 

 is your crash course to the beer scene in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Round-trip transportation is provided. This tour is available Wednesday through Saturday and is $85 per person.

Have a Drink at Philly’s Touring Beer Garden

Philly’s history with beer goes as far back as the city’s founding. These are the breweries continuing that legacy. 


Where To Go on a Brewery Tour in Philly

Tours on Tap: See How Philly Beer is Made

On May 19, Philadelphia voters will choose from a list of candidates vying to become their next governor, lieutenant governor, congressperson, state senator, and state representative. This vote dictates who will advance to November’s general election. Philadelphians will also consider two ballot measures that could change the 

Despite Pennsylvania being a closed primary state, ballot questions will be visible to all voters, even to those unaffiliated with a party. Here's a breakdown of the questions Philly will consider.

Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board to oversee a defined contribution retirement program for the benefit of eligible private-sector workers, and to authorize City Council to determine the composition, powers and duties of the board?

 receive retirement income, according to the AARP.

 to establish a retirement savings program known as PhillySaves. This program allows anyone working in the private or nonprofit sector for a Philadelphia-based employer (who does not provide a retirement plan) to be automatically enrolled in the city’s initiative.

The program is modeled after state-run auto-IRA programs, which allow employees to invest via payroll deductions. Although Pennsylvania does not have an auto-IRA program, 

. Philadelphia would not be the first municipality to attempt such a program. New York City and Seattle both passed similar initiatives, but later folded them into their respective state programs.

For PhillySaves, eligible employees would contribute 3% to 6% of their wages to the IRA, and have the option to change their contributions or opt out entirely.

A board of nine appointees would oversee the program. The mayor and City Council President each select four members, while the City Controller chooses one.

If voters vote “yes,” this will approve the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board as an independent entity within city government.

Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson to improve the safety and quality of services for youth placed in juvenile justice, child welfare, and behavioral health residential care facilities, and to authorize City Council to determine additional powers and duties of the Youth Ombudsperson as needed to carry out this mission?

An ombudsperson is a government official designated as a neutral party who advocates on behalf of residents experiencing issues with government-provided services.

 by then-mayor Jim Kenney, but it is not a permanent office. Its formation is one of several recommendations made by the 

 that teens of color were disproportionately being put in residential placement, and their rights to safety and education were not being protected.

Since its creation, its duties include responding to complaints regarding the care of youth in placement, evaluating the quality of care, and providing know-your-rights trainings.

If the majority of voters vote “yes”, this will amend the charter to make it a permanent office for the city.

The city charter requires any city official to resign from their post before campaigning for public office. The only exemption is if they’re running for their current office.

, when six members of City Council, including now-Mayor Cherelle Parker, resigned to run.

officials, and not state and federal officials. For example, 

 was running for the 3rd Congressional District seat until she dropped out at the end of March. She did not have to resign from her post in the State House and is running for reelection in that role this May.

Attempts to amend this rule have failed twice in the voting booth. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas 

 to the legislation: City officials would not resign to run for a state or federal position, but would still be required to resign to campaign for mayor.

Despite support in City Council, Thomas moved to 

 at the end of March, as he's no longer confident in voters’ support of the measure.

Eligible voters can vote in person on May 19 or 

Voters will decide on changes to the city’s charter.

These Are the Ballot Questions Appearing in Philly’s 2026 Primary Election

It’s officially April! It’s not just the plants and animals waking from their slumber — Philly’s coming alive this month with outdoor festivals, arts celebrations, and opportunities to give back to our planet. 

This may not be the most exciting announcement to start with, but it is the most important. The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. Several organizations in Philly can 

, and this year you can keep that legacy going strong. Aside from starting small by 

, there are several communal opportunities throughout April. Protect the 

 is back for a second year. Attend live shows all over the city, from a 

. Once the month-long celebration is over, keep up with Philly’s jazz scene 

The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is hosting free shows and workshops as part of 

, intro courses will only cost $5.20 from April 11 through April 17.

Head over to the Philadelphia Ethical Society on April 12 for the 

 to host this day-long meetup with over 40 local organizations. Join a bike club, book club, or choir. The options are endless.

 is an opportunity for local creatives, from hackers to potters, to show off what they’ve been working on. The DIY celebration of science, arts, and technology takes place on April 19 at Cherry Street Pier.

Pay-What-You-Can at These Live Performances

. The annual celebration of the stage features over 50 performances and workshops throughout the Philadelphia region between April 23 and May 3. See shows from classics such as William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” to a lecture/punk-rock concert with “Fascist Groove.”

City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri will be interviewing "Our Missing Hearts" author Celeste Ng for the Free Library's 

 kick-off celebration on April 7. The event is sold out, but there are 

 celebrating Philly’s favorite annual reading tradition throughout this month and next.

More April Events

Philly’s making sure you spend the whole month outside. 

Your Guide to Philadelphia in April 2026

How to Spend April 2026 in Philly

Parks on Tap, the popular touring beer garden, returns for its ninth year, spanning 27 weeks until mid-October.

The season kicks off on April 8 at Azalea Garden, a scenic area near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Lloyd Hall Recreation Center featuring gorgeous flora once in full bloom. The pop-up will remain there until April 19, before moving around the rest of the city.

The series is free entry, but food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. Vendors take credit cards or cash, but a card is preferred.

A portion of all proceeds goes to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to fund projects such as trail improvements, tree plantings, and movie nights.

You must be 21+ with a valid form of ID to enter, and alcoholic drinks must stay within the restricted area. Younger attendees must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Some seating will be available on-site, but feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs to lounge in the parkland.

The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Offerings include a pulled pork sandwich ($16), a loaded Mexican hot dog ($10), and a veggie crunch wrap ($14). Select vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.

For drinks, you can sip on options like spicy mango margaritas ($12), draft beers ($8), and wines ($11). If you want a zero-proof drink, you can choose from lemonade ($3), soda ($3), or Athletic Brewing Company’s N/A drinks ($8).

Parks on Tap will rotate between 25 parks, spending five days at each location (Azalea Garden will host two consecutive weeks). Here are the first few stops:

​​Full Parks on Tap Schedule

Find the seasonal pop-up at these Philly parks.

Philly’s Traveling Beer Garden Returns for 2026 Season

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

How well do you know the lore behind Philly’s signature sandwich? Test your trivia skills with our quiz!

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How Well Do You Know Philly’s Cheesesteak Lore?

Asha Prihar

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