austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Philly

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

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

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

City Cast Philly staff

The Philadelphia area is no stranger to pollutants from oil refineries and 

. And if you live along the Delaware River, you’re 

more likely to be exposed to hazardous waste sites

. That’s true for Port Richmond, where a large, toxic black mound called the 

 after over two decades. But what exactly is this site, and what makes it so dangerous?

The Franklin Slag pile is an example of a “Superfund” site. Enacted by Congress in 1980, the 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

 (or Superfund) allows the EPA to decontaminate sites harmed by industries that released hazardous waste, substances, and materials. It holds violators accountable by requiring them either to clean up the site or to reimburse the government to do so.

To be designated a Superfund site, the process begins with a notice of a hazardous release into the environment, followed by an evaluation process. Qualified sites are then placed on the National Priorities List, which collects contaminated sites that pose the most risk to the public and the environment. Once listed, more evaluations are done to determine how these sites can be best remediated.

Aside from the Franklin Slag Pile, the other Superfund site is the 

There were previously more Superfund sites in Philadelphia and the rest of Pennsylvania, many of which have now been cleaned up and 

. The redevelopment can come in the form of 

, including green space, military use, or public service.

However, in neighboring Camden County, New Jersey, nine Superfund sites pose an environmental risk for other communities in the larger Philadelphia region.

You can search Superfund sites by location through the 

. There you can find Superfunds that are currently active, proposed, or have since been removed.

Contact your legislators to voice concerns. Use these tools to find your:

 to keep residents up to date on site activities and inform the EPA’s decision-making.

For Port Richmond residents and concerned constituents, the EPA is hosting a 

 on April 29. The agency will also be present at a future Port Richmond Neighborhood Action meeting. 

 with reporter Jordan Gass-Pooré to learn more about plans to remediate the Franklin Slag Pile and why climate change is making Philly’s toxic sites more dangerous.

The Philadelphia region is home to several hazardous waste sites. Here’s how you can advocate for your community. 

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

 analyzing how public spaces such as parks and libraries can be critical infrastructure in the face of climate change. Philly, one of RCC’s pilot cities, was challenged to consider new ways of thinking about public space, and in this report it was recognized for the innovative ways our communities are becoming climate resilient. Here’s how Philly’s leading the charge.

 focused on four areas in West Fairmount Park that were mowed but underutilized. This used up tax dollars and fossil fuels. Through the intentional rewilding of the lawns at Ohio House, George Hill, MLK Drive North, and MLK Drive South, the meadows now soak up excess rainwater and attract pollinators.

Speaking of West Fairmount Park, the creation of 

 turned public spaces into “open-air living rooms.” Park improvements included safer pedestrian access to West Fairmount Park, 

 for informal gatherings, and rain gardens.

 was hailed for its public engagement process and emphasis on community stewardship in increasing Philadelphia’s tree canopy. Implementation of the plan will stretch over a 30-year period, with the 

 legislation and zoning, improving communication with the community, and maintaining trees.

, FDR Park is slated for improvements centered around environmental sustainability and community connection. Reimagining the Civic Commons cited the 

, a new playground with native landscaping, and an upgraded welcome center as wins.

🚣 Reclaiming the ‘Garden’ in Bartram’s Garden

 is a place of recreation, education, and nutrition for Kingsessing and other Southwest Philly neighborhoods. Through its free aquatic activities in the Schuylkill River, raised home garden beds, and eventual access to the Schuylkill River Trail, its projects are connecting residents to the land and each other.

Do you agree with the report? What examples of climate resilience are you witnessing in your neighborhood?

Philly's Climate Resilience

🌳 Let us know!

Philly’s innovative design practices and community-first approach are shaping the city’s environmentally sustainable future. 

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

Philly’s home to all sorts of animal life. Whether they’re native or nonnative, domesticated or wild, there are plenty of furry creatures roaming around. But not all may be friendly or healthy. If you spot an animal where it shouldn’t be, or if you or the animal is in danger, here’s what to do.

The city is home to animals such as coyotes, foxes, and deer who sometimes may wander far from their usual homes in forested areas. And Philly’s has had its fair share of domesticated animals on the run over the years, 

So if you find a farm or wild animal on the loose, or some other form of an animal emergency, call 

 (ACCT Philly) at 267-385-3800. Do not contact 911 unless an animal is acting aggressively toward people or a person is injured.

If you find someone’s lost pet, you can file a report at 

 and post on local social media before dropping it off at a shelter. 

Always assess the situation first before intervening to determine if an animal is truly injured, and whether it may require transport.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

 that nurses animals back to health before returning them to their natural habitats. The clinic cares for the following animals:

You can report an injured animal to its 24/7 hotline at 215-482-7300 or text 215-853-6271. Do not move or treat an animal without guidance from a professional.

 serves Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. You can contact the field hospital at 267-416-9453 before bringing in an animal, and its website has a detailed FAQ with guidance on interacting with creatures such as raccoons, opossums, and rabbits.

If you find injured, dangerous, or diseased animals like deer or raccoons that may be demonstrating aggression, foaming at the mouth, or suffering from visible tumors, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 610-926-3136.

If you are bit, scratched, or had some other exposure to a wild animal, you should contact ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800. They will capture and test the animal for rabies. Seek immediate medical attention.

All bites from stray, domesticated, and wild animals should be reported to the Department of Public Health at 215-685-6748. The city has additional 

 will remove any roadkill on Philly streets, but property owners are responsible for getting rid of dead animals on their properties, including sidewalks. It is not advised

If you’re removing an animal carcass from your property, bag and seal it and dispose of it in the trash or take it to ACCT Philly. If you're homebound, ACCT may remove it for a fee.

You may live in a city, but Philly’s full of wildlife. Here’s what to do if you run into some.


What To Do When You Find a Wild Animal in Philly

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

Philadelphia is home to numerous community gardens that beautify our neighborhoods, provide a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life, and offer a way to engage with community. As most of these gardens rely on volunteers, we decided to compile a few around the city where you can lend a helping hand.

This vibrant garden and art space works to bring local residents together through sustainable gardening practices. Established by the Philly Socialists in 2012 and named after a playwright and labor organizer, this multi-racial, multi-generational community is dedicated to protecting the land for community benefit. In addition to helping to maintain the garden, volunteers can participate in events like a 

This garden is rooted in community history. Founded in 1983 when local residents revitalized the space after a fire destroyed the whisky barrel factory that once stood there, today 90 plots of in-ground garden beds are thriving there. The garden has a tool library and partners with the PHS City Harvest program for food production. Volunteers can join Neighborhood Work Days to help with weeding, garbage clean-up, and other maintenance.

Volunteers are the core of Philly Peace Park, where they’re involved in day-to-day management and strategic planning. This charitable eco-campus fosters a free produce program, providing more than 30,000 pounds of produce since 2018. The goals are to introduce youth to agricultural practices and foster a movement to eliminate poverty through the ethical utilization of micro-industries.

As a multi-purpose collaborative space, the garden aims to provide fresh produce, education, and wellness for the community. It hosts meditation workshops, yoga classes, a garden club, and events with crafts and games. Garden leaders are recruiting people to help revamp and beautify the space at a meeting for 

🪴 Plus, how to grow native plants

Philly is home to numerous community gardens that rely on volunteers. Here are a few around the city where you can lend a helping hand. 


Community Gardens To Volunteer at in Philadelphia

Community Gardens To Volunteer at in Philly

Make Philadelphia better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

Help Your Philadelphia Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

The benefits of running include improvements to your cardiovascular health, mood, and, potentially, your lifespan. But if you’re new to the hobby, it can be intimidating to start. So whether you’re trying to get off the couch or prepare for the Broad Street Run, here are some local run clubs to encourage you to keep going.

If you’re just starting out, you might feel self-conscious about keeping up with the crowd. 

, based in University City, is designed for those moving at slower paces.

 meets on Mondays and Saturdays, starting and ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can join a group running at a pace of 11-, 12-, or 13-minute miles.

If you don’t want to venture too far away from your block, try a neighborhood-based group. 

 meets on Wednesday nights with the option of running two, four, or six miles. If you live in Fairmount, the 

 meets four times a week with different routes including a loop around the Philadelphia Zoo. Kensington-area residents can join the 

, which meets on Tuesday mornings at Harrowgate Park. 

 soars through the streets on Monday evenings starting at Falls Bridge. For South Philly residents, 

Celebrate a run well done over a pint of beer. Run up and down the hills with 

 on Mondays starting at Canal View Park. 

 hits up a bar every Wednessday following runs in different parts of the city.

And if you want to skip the drinks altogether, 

 gets together on the first Saturday of each month and ends at a local business.

Visiting local trails is a great way to get a change of scenery while still keeping up momentum. In Northwest Philly, you can join the 

 on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Over in Northeast Philly, 

For Those Who Want To Celebrate Their Identity

 provides a safe space for LGBT runners and allies to spring through Rittenhouse, Manayunk, and Center City. 

 encourages different forms of movement including running, cycling, and walking. 

 is a national organization with a mission to motivate women, especially Black women, to stay active.

Whether you’ve been running for years or you’re looking to start, run clubs can keep you accountable and help you reach your goals.


Philly Run Clubs You Should Join

Join a Local Running Group

The biggest bash in July is Independence Day, but the party doesn’t stop on July 4. From movies-in-the-park to street fests to free boating, here’s how to have fun and stay refreshed this month.

 on July 1 at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Carpenter’s Hall, and Paul Robeson Museum; on July 2 at The Mütter Museum; on July 3 at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Historic St. George’s Museum & Archives; and on July 4 at Cliveden of the National Trust, Fireman’s Hall Museum, and Arch Street Meeting House.

Philadelphia’s Historic District is kicking off Independence Day festivities with its 

. July 2 will be filled with a flag-raising ceremony at the Betsy Ross House, extended hours at attractions, and an 

Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert

 is headlined by LL Cool J and Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

The city has pools and spraygrounds open at parks and playgrounds across Philadelphia. 

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can participate in free boating activities at 

If you’re willing to pay a little extra, the Independence Seaport Museum has 

 Fridays through Sundays. You can also opt for a 

 on the Delaware River on July 5 for $75.

From paddleboarding to whitewater kayaking, the Philadelphia Canoe Club is hosting 

Gone fishing? The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership is offering free fishing lessons on July 1, July 8, July 23, July 26, and July 29 in neighboring Montgomery County. Find all events on its 

What’s a better way to celebrate Independence Day than watching “Independence Day”? The July 1 screening is part of an ongoing 

 right on Independence Mall. Pre-show activities start at 5:30 p.m.

Park Friends Groups across Philadelphia are hosting 

outdoor screenings at their neighborhood parks

 throughout the summer. Enjoy movies under the stars from “Paddington in Peru” to “The Wild Robot.”

 programming through July. Catch a movie Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings at Cira Green.

🛍️ Shop at These Markets, Pop-Ups, and Sidewalk Sales

 summer tradition is taking place July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31 with pop-up vendors, live art demos, and music.

 returns this month on July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The market will take over Frankford and Cottman Avenues with music from The Great Scott Band.

 with Fleisher Art Memorial wraps up its stay at Cherry Street Pier on July 19 from noon to 5 p.m.

 is back on 2nd Street between Fairmount Avenue and Laurel Street on July 23.

. Between July 25 and July 27, stroll and shop for deals from the neighborhood’s small businesses.

If you’re searching for some additional family-friendly fun, 

 is taking place July 13 with the theme “The Place Where Art Meets Hope.”

Celebrate and learn about North Philly’s African American and Puerto Rican communities at Scribe Video Center’s 

. The four-day festival will take place between July 24 and July 27 with free programming at neighborhood parks and cultural centers.

🍽️ Take a Break From Manning the BBQ

Sip on some cocktails as you watch the Founding Fathers debate the country’s independence. The immersive experience will demonstrate to guests what happened at the First Continental Congress and what it took to found the United States. 

outdoors

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

Latest articles

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups

What to Expect at Parks on Tap for the 2026 Season

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

Community Gardens To Volunteer at in Philly

Join a Local Running Group

Latest articles

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

Community Gardens To Volunteer at in Philly

Join a Local Running Group

How to Spend July 2025 in Philly

Garden Hacks: Growing Native Plants in Philly

How to Bike Safely Through Philly