
City Cast Philly
Check out Thomas Paine Plaza’s big makeover
July 14, 2023
Happy Friday, neighbor. I’m curious to know what you think. Which artist, band, or music genre defines Philly? Bonus points if you can explain your answer!

What's CITY Talking About?
⛈️ More Potential Storms for Philly Region
With temperatures in the high 90s and another air quality alert, Philly is in for more uncomfortable weather. The region is also under a “marginal risk” for severe storms today and Sunday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, a federal government agency. [Inquirer🔒]
🚨 Philly Police Look Into 911 Response Fail
Police are looking into the lag between when the alleged Kingsessing shooter, Kimbrady Carriker, killed his first victim and his later shooting spree. On Sunday, July 2, officers responded to a 911 call from the 1600 block of South 56th Street, where the first victim, Joseph Wamah Jr., lived. But first responders were actually dispatched to an address about three miles away. Late the next day, Carriker allegedly killed four more people. [WHYY]
📐 First Look at Thomas Paine Plaza Redesign
Thomas Paine Plaza, across from Love Park, is undergoing a $20 million renovation, and the city has released the first architectural drawings of what it will look like. The plan calls for more seating, plants, and natural shade, as well as improved accessibility. Many local skateboarders are opposed to the redesign, as the plaza was once a central skating hub. The city will continue the design process this year and select a contractor during the first half of 2024. [PhillyVoice]
🏊♀️ Philly’s Forbidden Swimming Hole
Many Philly residents choose to escape the summer heat by swimming in an area known as Devil’s Pool in the Wissahickon, even though it’s technically against the rules. Plus, there are ongoing concerns over trash, cleanliness, and safety. Freelance reporter Ben Seal breaks down why people are still going into the water. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

What To Do
🤣 Comedy | Friday & Saturday | 9:45 p.m.
Catch a standup show by Bronx comedian Vladimir Caamaño at Punch Line Philly. [$25-$35, Fishtown]
🎷 Jazz & Arts Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Enjoy live jazz music, shop from community vendors, and grab some treats from food trucks at Saunders Park. [pay-as-you-go, West Philly]
🛶 Riverfest | Saturday | 1 p.m.
Head to Glen Foerd for crafts, family activities, and kayaking. [free, Torresdale]
💗 Barbie Party | Saturday | 7:30 p.m.
Prepare for the upcoming “Barbie” film with drag and burlesque shows at Franky Bradley’s. [$20-$25, Center City]
🍿 Movie Night | Saturday | 8 p.m.
Watch “Dreamgirls” at The Lawn at UCity Square. BYO blanket and snacks. [free, University City]
🪩 Sad & Boujee | Saturday | 10 p.m.
Climb aboard the Moshulu, the party boat docked on the Delaware River, for a unique emo night. Dance to everything from My Chemical Romance to Nicki Minaj. [$20-$60, Penn’s Landing]
🧘🏽♀️ Yoga | Sunday | 10:30 a.m.
Bring your practice to new heights with a beginner-friendly rooftop yoga class at Cira Green. [$20, West Philly]
🎉 Block Party | Sunday | 11 a.m.
Join the Barnes Foundation for live performances, mural paintings, and art workshops. Admission to the galleries is included. Registration required. [free, Logan Square]
🛼 Roller Skating | Through Sunday | varies
This weekend is your last chance to skate at the retro-inspired roller rink at Dilworth Park. Skate rentals available. [$10-$16, Center City]
🌀 Wack! | Through Aug. 12 | varies
View works from 24 artists at Hot Bed, a gallery and creative lifestyle space. This exhibit invites you to embrace weirdness in Philly. [free, Old City]

Where Is It?

Congrats to Hey Philly readers Kavya U., Scott G., and Nicole H. for correctly identifying last week's Where Is It? challenge. This Philly-themed mural is on 12th and Callowhill Streets.
Are you ready for another challenge? Thanks to Kavya for submitting this image:

If you can tell me this mural's location, you can submit a photo for next week's challenge!

Today on City Cast
Greyhound Bus Station Relocation, Why People Are Ditching The Shore
It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn, and Erin McCarthy, consumer reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. They discuss staying cool during the summer, complaints about the new Greyhound Bus location, and why some families are getting priced out of Jersey shore rental homes.
Have a great weekend, friend!
- Brittany Valentine
Free · Daily