#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Navy Yard horizon
(Photo by @jim50tim)
Cherry blossoms are a Philly spring staple and some of the colorful, Japanese trees have already started showing off their vibrant blooms.
The exact timing of when trees in different parts of the city will bloom depends. We’ve got your guide on where to go for the best viewing. Continue reading…
Dozens of bus routes will be cut, added, lengthened, realigned and sped up starting as part of phased in changes that begin in August.
Under the plan — formerly called the Bus Revolution — SEPTA will eliminate more than a dozen bus routes, create some new ones, reroute many others and run more frequent buses in an effort to better meet demand and speed up service. Here’s a look at how you can weigh in on the changes. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania’s high court on Thursday overturned the use of automatic life sentences without parole for people convicted of second-degree murder, saying it violates the state’s constitutional ban on cruel punishment when imposed without a closer look at the defendant’s specific role and culpability. [AP]
• For the second straight year, a Pennsylvania program is offering to give state residents up to three new native trees or shrubs in exchange for their removal of the same number of invasive species. [PennLive]
• A new initiative aims to remove trash and crack down on illegal dumping in Philadelphia’s Pennypack Park. [NBC10]
• Even before its official opening, a West Philly grocery store with a brave new service model has been helping neighbors in need. [WHYY]
• A vacant Philadelphia factory on Broad Street may be adapted for affordable senior apartments. [WHYY]
• Lady Laughs Philly is seeking applicants for a queer comedy festival. [PGN]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins city officials in announcing updates to Philadelphia’s 250th celebrations, including Neighborhood Celebration Grants, the Access Philly App, and 2026 Business Playbook. (11 a.m.)
Parker plans to attend the 13th Annual Philadelphia City Hall Ramadan Iftar Dinner (6 p.m.) and then the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute 2026 Gala to highlight music education. (6:30 p.m.)
Then, the mayor launches a Philadelphia Student Oratorical Contest on African American History and Social Justice. (7 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
👭🏽 Women’s History Month in Philly
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, March 27: a little bit dramatic market
A free indoor and outdoor market featuring 30+ vendors selling “vintage, Y2K and handmade” items, plus $5 and $10 bins, jewelry and more. At Thrive Career Cafe at 504 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Free RSVP. (2 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, March 27: Germantown Art & Sound
Join the 4th Friday for Germantown Art & Sound, a kickback for local creatives with an art show highlighting local artists. Complete with complimentary wine, live DJ, food truck and a playlist that is uniquely curated by guests. $10 suggested donation. (7 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Philly Egg Hunt
With over 35,000 candy filled eggs, the Philly Egg Hunt is free family fun at Gorgas Park in Roxborough. Egg hunts every 10 minutes, one for each age group. Snap a pic with the Easter Bunny and try face painting, a petting zoo, balloon animals, inflatables, $5 cash pony rides and more. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: South Philly Community Market
Head to the East Passyunk Community Recreation Center (1025 Mifflin St.) for mending, budgeting, copy editing, tarot art making, gardening and more. Free to attend. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Streets Dept Excursion: Artists in Old City
Each month, Streets Dept leads curated walks around the “mural capital of the world.” For March, check out new work from artists in Old City, including a massive new mural and special walk-through of Paradigm Gallery to talk with two exhibiting artists. $19.36 tickets. (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Spring Grief Walk in Nature
The Philly Goat Project hosts this 2-hour program with a brief guided meditation and quiet 30-minute walk (goat walking optional) through Awbury Arboretum, with a few stops along the way for reflection. Then, a final hour devoted to “open sharing” depending on your comfort level. FREE. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Port Richmond Birthday Festival
Celebrate two parties: America is 250th birthday party and the annual Port Richmond birthday festival. Port Richmond will turn 179 years old! Vendors, live bands, food trucks, beer garden, pie eating contest, and a three tier birthday cake. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: The Inquisitor: A WHYY Women’s History Month Screening
A free WHYY screening of “The Inquisitor,” a special documentary on Barbara Jordan, a revolutionary Texas congresswoman who shook up the political landscape with her work on civil rights and social reform. This is an examination of both her professional work and the very private life she led. At Philadelphia City Institute at 19th and Locust. (1 p.m.)
Saturday to Sunday, March 28-29: World Oddities Expo
A traveling oddities festival- a peculiar paradise where weird thrives. Features artists, vendors, performers, educators, and guest speakers to create a macabre and magical experience for all. $20 tickets. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day)
Saturday to Sunday, March 28-29: Japanese Tea Ceremony at Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Held at the Horticulture Center Greenhouse, this 20-minute experience offers a peaceful pause within the festival to celebrate the spirit of spring and the beauty of cherry blossoms. Watch a tea-making demo, taste freshly whisked matcha and relax. $12.51 tickets. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: R&B Fest
DJs are set to spin all your favourite R&B anthems. $40 tickets. (4 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Voyage of Vignettes
Five shows in one! Multiple short theatrical worlds unfold through a series of imaginative vignettes—each with its own theme, visual style, and surprises. Expect thrilling stunts, whimsical characters, an interactive game show, and unexpected sensory delights. At Fringe Arts. $32.79 tickets. (7:15 to 8:50 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Anandibai: A Night of Music for a Philadelphia Icon
An evening of new music inspired by Anandibai Joshee, a Philadelphia icon and the first South Asian woman physician. $39.19 tickets. (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, March 28: Lady Laughs Philly Two Year Anniversary Show
Philadelphia’s only monthly comedy show that features all women and queer comics. At Silk City Diner. $17.85 tickets. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 29: Hoyu Folk Culture Festival
One of the largest U.S. celebrations of a centuries-old tradition originating in the Chinese village of Hoyu. The festival honors the birthday of General Humin, a revered deity. The event serves as a powerful cultural touchstone for immigrant families from the Fujian region. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at 1234 Wood Street, followed by a street festival and performances at the Chinatown Friendship Arch (10th & Arch Streets) at 11:30 a.m. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Sunday, March 29: Workshop: Making Mummer Music
Get to know the style and history of Mummer String Band performance and learn to play a simple, classic Mummer song. Parts for saxophone and strings will be available. Some musical instrument experience is encouraged. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, March 29: Easter Family Day
Introduce little ones to Swedish Easter traditions. Children can make Swedish Easter crafts, dress up as Swedish Easter witches, enjoy face painting, and take part in an egg hunt. Free for kids under 2, $15 adults, $10 seniors/students, $5 children under 12. (2 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, March 29: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: How AI Alters Thinking
Even if AI usually gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think? Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts? At the Black Squirrel Club. $14.77 tickets. (3 to 5 p.m.)
Through March 29: The Creative Alliance Show
Step into a world of color, connection, and creativity at this group exhibition at Cherry Street Pier featuring works by 40+ artists from one of Philadelphia’s most supportive artist communities.
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