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City Cast Philly

Asha Prihar

How well can you remember what’s been going on in Philadelphia this week? It’s to find out whether you’re a local news whiz with Hey Philly’s local news quiz. Find it below.

⭐ You can see if your answers are correct by clicking “View Score” right after you submit. I’ll shout out everyone who gets a perfect 5/5 score in a future Hey Philly newsletter!

What’s been going on in Philly recently? Test your local knowledge with today’s news quiz. (Master Wen/Unsplash)

Siani Colón

, 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

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

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

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

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

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

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

City Cast Philly staff

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which 

awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

,” thanks to the abundance of gourmet cookie shops in the neighborhood. Blueprint Cookies relaunched earlier this month as Cookie Head, offering four core flavors: chocolate chip, cookies & cream, sugar cookie, and chocolate peanut butter. Each month, the shop rotates a selection of special flavors, such as guava cheesecake. There’s also a selection of vegan and gluten-free treats!

 | 501 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Suite 2003 (Northern Liberties)

Enjoy waterfront views at this new tavern located along the Delaware River, the latest venture from the owners behind Libertee Grounds. The bar offers tavern plates including burgers, oysters, steak frites, and oven-roasted wings. If you’re looking to try unique cocktails, go for the caramelized onion martini.

 in the country) has finally arrived! Located inside the former Reef Restaurant & Lounge, the bar has two floors for sapphics to gather. The menu includes hot dogs (real meat and vegan options), grilled cheese, and toasted chickpeas. For drinks, you can grab the “Butch Bait” or “Touch-Me-Not” cocktails, or select a beverage from the mocktail menu.

 | 1099 Germantown Ave. (Northern Liberties)

Michelin-winning chef Laurent Tourondel is bringing wood-fired cooking to Northern Liberties. Guests can expect a flavorful, seasonal menu with dishes such as grilled branzino, prime rib, and orange-spiced duck breast.

Chinatown’s latest addition is right next to its iconic Friendship Gate. The Japanese chain with a cult-like following is bringing its 

. Choose from flavors like matcha, Oreo, chocolate, or the original with a vanilla bean custard filling.

If you were sad to see Mac Mart’s brick-and-mortar store close its doors, fear not. Your mac-and-cheese needs can still be met at its new kiosk right outside the Comcast Center. You can also grab hoagies, cupcakes, and other treats from local eateries.

Pick up a bottle or attend a tasting at Lovat Square, where wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers can browse a selection of 400 wines. The new addition to Chestnut Hill is opening in phases, with outdoor dining in the garden in the spring and a full-service restaurant and bar in the fall.

After making hoagies for over a century, Ricci’s is showing no sign of slowing down. The hoagie shop has expanded to Fishtown, where you can grab a chicken salad hoagie, black pepper turkey hoagie, or the corned beef special.

Philly loves its cheesesteaks and hoagies, but pretzels are another staple in this city. Go beyond the typical salted pretzel at Pretzel Day Pretzels, where you can order flavors like cinnamon sugar, longhots provolone, or s’mores.

The dessert shop opened its third location this month after gaining a following in Pennsport and Fishtown. The new storefront offers indoor and outdoor seating, evening coffee hours, and its signature mousse cakes. Need something savory? The shop has breakfast and lunch options, with expanded grab-and-go service at the Center City location.

Cleo Bagels’ loyal customers in need of coffee to shake off their sleepiness can stop right next door at Little Bean. Grab some bagels, bialys, or espresso and hang out in the new sister location.

 | 1537 Spring Garden St. (Spring Garden)

South Sichuan is bringing the heat with its authentic Sichuan meals. Munch on dandan noodles, cumin-style lamb, and dry pepper wings. The restaurant also provides several 

If you used to be a regular at Franny Lou’s Porch in Kensington, its spirit lives on at d’griot cafe. Blew Kind’s gallery and community space has already been operating workshops and storytimes, but the wellness cafe is the newest addition. Grab a yogurt bowl or biscuit breakfast sandwich before going about your day.

You no longer have to schlep over to West Philly or Port Richmond for this taproom experience. Carbon Copy has officially expanded to South Philly, serving up locally-made beers and wines. The menu also has a variety of non-alcoholic options. Don’t just go for the drinks — the pizza and wings are pretty solid.

If you need something sweet that’s vegan-friendly, stop by 

’s new location. Grab ice cream, brownies, and custom cakes that are free of animal products. And if you try one of Crust’s toaster tarts, you won’t ever think about Pop-Tarts again. Plans for the new location include cake-decorating classes.

Philly’s bar scene just got bigger. Serving up drinks from Human Robot and channeling an eclectic vibe with decor from Thunderbird Salvage, the bar’s keeping things local by inviting patrons to come and ponder in good company. Ponder also has a takeout wine and beer shop if you’re on the go.

Another new addition to the neighborhood is the latest venture from 

. Taking inspiration from travels in Italy and collaborator Meri Medoway’s heritage, this restaurant offers handmade pastas, crudo, and antipasti with seasonal ingredients.

The Phillypino food scene continues to grow. Fans of Filipino BYOB Tabachoy will be excited to hear that its “big brother” restaurant is finally open. Manong is ‘90s-inspired grillhouse with prime rib, blooming mushroom, and lumpia on the menu. Nostalgic guests will recognize details from a decade gone by, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game and a playlist with the ’90s’ biggest hits.

Get a taste of Europe while staying stateside. Banshee, the latest addition to South Street West’s bustling restaurant scene, takes inspiration from France, Spain, and England. Enjoy Spanish mackerel, Berkshire pork collar, and great white oysters. If you’re headed for the bar, seats are available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Head down to this bank-turned-saloon for a full cowboy experience. Second Hand Ranch is your one-stop shop for vintage threads, hot dogs, and beer. The hybrid space’s saloon is serving up Western inspired cocktails like Gold Rush and Spicy Saddle. A full food menu will be available in February.

Move over, Starbucks. One of Vietnam’s biggest coffee brands is setting up shop in South Philly. Popular drinks include affogato, tiramisu latte, and sparkling espresso. If the beautiful interiors aren’t enough for you, go upstairs for rooftop views. This is a good spot if you need a caffeine boost late in the day or a place to hang out after work that isn’t a bar. This cafe is open until 8:30 p.m.

If you’re looking for more alcohol-free options as Dry January approaches, check out this new botanical beauty in the city. Stocked with tea from Northern Liberties’ Random Tea Room, customers can pick blends that match their needs, from digestive relief to immune resistance. This is another space open late, opening some days at 8 a.m. and closing as late as 2 a.m., giving Philadelphians more places to socialize without the booze.

Nestled right at the edge of Fitler Square, Pine Street Grill is intended as a casual, everyday restaurant for neighbors. From the team behind Michelin-winner Her Supper Club, the grill offers “Philly Balls” with roast pork, provolone, broccoli rabe, and hot relish; a PSG Burger with two dry-aged beef patties smashed with Cooper sharp; and fat eggplant parm.

"Uchi" is the Japanese word for home, and that sentiment is at the center of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s upscale restaurant. Cole opened the first location in Austin in 2003 and has since expanded to eight cities — with three more Uchi locations planned for 2026. The new Philly spot, led by Chef Ford Sonnenberg, is cozy and full of non-traditional Japanese dishes like Hama Chili in addition to some locally-inspired meals.

A fateful fire soured the grapes at the original Wine Dive in 2022, along with sister restaurants owned by what was then Hawthorne’s Restaurant Group. Fast forwarding through delays and headaches, the group has evolved into Happy Monday Hospitality and brings back the wine-centric concept in a smaller space with an “

” vibe and a killer lineup of accessible wines. There are daily specials, sweet treats, and the kitchen is open until 1 a.m.

 | 990 Spring Garden St. (Spring Arts District)

Recently opened inside a mixed-used building on Spring Garden Street, this casual bar and restaurant calls itself the grownup cousin of the now-closed Pizza Brain in Fishtown — ”cerveau” means brain in French. The space is modern and the menu touts creative takes on pizza, pasta, and tramezzini. There’s also a decent nonalcoholic lineup alongside bold wines and craft beer.

Like many of the businesses along Baltimore Avenue, the arrival of this Indian café had been delayed since last year. Thankfully, Chai Nashta is finally in soft launch mode with limited hours 

 | 2201 Cottman Ave., Suite 113 (Northeast Philly)

The latest iteration of the Toronto-based restaurant is bringing its soufflé desserts (plus other breakfast and dinner options) to Northeast Philly. It features just about every sweet or savory breakfast dish you could ever want, and it all starts with the house-made soufflés available in 15 flavors.

 | 834 Chestnut St. (Washington Square West)

Ellen Yin of High Street Hospitality and 

 has opened her latest concept, The Bread Room. You can find pastrami on rye croissants and whole grain sourdough loaves on the menu. The Bread Room includes an event space and it’s already hosting workshops and experiences.

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have opened since June 2024. Check them out! 

New Philadelphia Restaurant Openings, March 2026

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

Spring has just started, but now’s the time to start researching and applying to summer programs. Finding the right one can be difficult and overwhelming. Luckily, several camps across the city offer activities in the arts, music, and technology to help you find the right fit.

Germantown Friends School | 31 W. Coulter St.

 offers a range of activities to personalize a camper’s summer. Subjects include chess, wrestling, mural painting, nature chemistry, and Greek Mythology.

The programs for rising preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners run from June 15 through July 17. For participants entering kindergarten through ninth grade, the program runs from June 15 through July 31. Children don’t need to be enrolled at Germantown Friends School to attend its camps.

Fleisher Art Memorial | 719 Catherine St.

 runs special summer art programs for youth ages 5 to 18. Classes are organized in three separate age ranges. Topics include mosaics, puppetry, and fiber arts. Because the subject changes weekly, campers can join a specific week of interest or complete different projects throughout the summer. The camp runs from June 15 through July 31.

Yes! And…Collaborative Arts | Multiple Locations

Keep your child engaged while school’s out of session at these local camps. 

Where To Send Your Kid This Summer for Camp in Philly

How well can you recall what’s been going on in Philadelphia this week? It’s to find out whether you’re a local news whiz with our local news quiz.

Philly, Explained

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