#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Pointing the way at Calder Gardens
(Photo by @phrankied)
A celebration of centenarians earlier this week at the Simpson House highlighted five extraordinary women, including one who, much like “Rosie the Riveter,” was a welder during World War II.
“Centenarians are the new middle age,” joked Rev. David Kegler during the event. And they have much to teach all of us, Billy Penn’s Heather Chin reports. Continue reading …
100 year-old Mary Brown and her niece Linda Earland, who visits and helps Brown manage her medical care, at the Simpson House’s Centenarian Day, September 22, 2025. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Move over, Atlantic City: Philly is getting its own city-themed Monopoly board next year, and the creators are asking the public to help pick the places that will be showcased on the board.
“In many ways, this edition is a love letter to Philadelphia,” said company rep Tim Barney. “From the small, local gems and mom-and-pops to the biggest names known around the world.” Continue reading …
Mr. Monopoly with Rocky. (Courtesy of Neff)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• U.S. DOJ sues Pa., other states in its quest for voter data. [WHYY]
• Kamala Harris came to Philly to promote her new memoir reflecting on her historic 2024 presidential run and potential VP picks, including Gov. Shapiro. [WHYY]
• Results from a new poll about the congressional race to replace Rep. Dwight Evans found voters have divided preferences, with some wanting candidates to “stand up” to Donald Trump. [Billy Penn]
• Temple Health nurses and technicians are set to strike beginning Mon, Oct. 6 unless contract negotiations gain traction. [PhillyVoice]
• Pennsylvania launched a free statewide legal support program called SeniorLAWCenter for grandparents raising grandchildren. [WHYY]
• Two people were killed in separate Regional Rail incidents overnight Wednesday/Thursday, while falling overhead wires disrupted a trolley, sending 3 to the hospital. [Billy Penn]
• Iron Hill Brewery closes all its locations, including one in Center City, and declares bankruptcy. [Billy Penn]
• Don’t get spooked by our comprehensive listing of Halloween events happening between now and the end of October. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend and speak at ribbon-cutting celebration for a new playground at Community Partnership School, 3033 W. Glenwood Ave. (8:30 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
👻 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
🚦 Thursday, Oct. 2: Safer Streets: A Billy Penn Town Hall
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Saturday, Sept. 27: 2025 Northwest Schuylkill River Trails Summit
Join an exploration of current trail investments and future trail projects in Northwest Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township. At the Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk. Optional lunch and guided biking and walking tours in the afternoon. Free tickets; $15 donation appreciated. (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: DIY Philly Plant Crawl
Start wherever you like and visit in any order — but if you need a little help, Google Maps suggests the route shown in this image (a perfect leafy circle. Jump in wherever you are!).
Saturday, Sept. 27: Shrubs For All Seasons
Morris Arboretum’s tour on evergreen and deciduous shrubs for the home gardener. Free with general admission of $22 adults/$20 seniors/$12 children over 3 years old. (11 a.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Streets Dept Excursion: Fishtown Murals
Conrad Benner’s Streets Dept started in Fishtown, where he was born and raised. It’s a neighborhood now full of murals, including a number that were curated/co-curated by Conrad himself. On this tour you’ll explore the work of over a dozen Philly-based artists and see an array of murals that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, honor the work of neighborhood nonprofits, call for the end of gun violence, and much more. $19.36 tickets. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: 3rd annual Mt. Airy Arts Festival
Art-making stations with painting, printmaking, fiber arts, ceramic, sculpture, nature art, drumming, cyanotypes, and — for the young and young at heart — chalk painting, swirl painting, Gelli printing, mask-making, fan-making, community quilting and music and creative movement. Plus outdoor stage performances, an art market, food and ice cream trucks, games, and more. At Allens Lane Park. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Kimchi Fest
Learn how to make kimchi, watch Kpop dance performances and traditional dances, admire hanbok and hanji fashion shows, and enjoy a food festival across LOVE Park. Free to attend. Registration required for cooking and doll making workshops. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Book Fair for Adults: Halloween Edition
Evil Genius and Head and the Hand Books team up for this book fair and book swap, punctuated with beer! (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Giant Philly Flea Market
Antiques, cultural crafts, gifts, clothes, jewelry and more on Lancaster Avenue between 34th and 36th Streets. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Omo Naija Festival
A vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, unity and creativity in the heart of Philly. A full day of rich music, authentic food, cultural showcases, live music, bold fashion, art and good vibes. $22.99 tickets; Free for kids under 12. At One Art Community Center near Cathedral Park. (12 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: South Street Fall Fest
From S. 8th to Front streets, there will be Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz, a macabre masquerade at Atomic City Comics x DreamEerie, a skate park pop-up, food trucks, live music, kids maker market and dance party, and a Fantasy Renn Faire at Queen & Rook. (12 to 8 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Pop Art art show
Equilibrium Dance Company’s fall show series showcases work that reflect Pop Art culture through bold colors, popular artists and popular music. Fellow artists receive a $10 discount on their ticket by using code POPART25. Parental advisory is suggested due to explicit content. $31.60 tickets. (3 to 4:30 p.m. OR 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Dock Street 40th Anniversary Block Party
Join Dock Street Brewery South’s outdoor birthday party with music, pizza, beer, games. a free line-dancing lesson, a bouncy house, local vendors, exclusive merch, and a limited edition beer and label. Free. (3 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 27: Opera On Tap: Epitaphs From A Forgotten Cemetery
Join performers at Mount Vernon Cemetery to usher in spooky season! Enjoy classical singing by Isabelle Zeledón, Valentina Sierra, Samual Keeler, and Kyle Chastulik as the sun sets on a tour of this historical graveyard. Gates will open at 5:30pm, with the cemetery tour to begin around 6 p.m. and conclude back at the cemetery gate at around 7:30 p.m. $17.85 for 1 person, $28.52 for 2 people.
Sunday, Sept. 28: Autumn Art Fair
Professional art at accessible prices, from the Philadelphia Sketch Club and Plastic Club. This inaugural art fair includes local vendors and complementary snacks. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Sept. 28: Pints & Plots: Brew Masters
Philly earned its reputation as one of the best beer-drinking cities in the country. This walking tour will focus on the history of beer and the permanent residents of Laurel Hill West and East, who produced, distributed, and enjoyed it. Led by award-winning homebrewer and certified beer judge, Mike Lewandowski, the tour will conclude with a toast and sampling of local beers and snacks!
Tour begins at Laurel Hill West -> then drive to Laurel Hill East to continue the tour and tasting. Tickets are $20 ages 13+, $10 for kids, and $18 for seniors. (1 to 4 p.m.)