
City Cast Philly
🎪 Spreading gospel of circus at former Philly church
May 15, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Did you know the country's first modern-day circus show was held in Philly? You can check one out for yourself at the Philadelphia Contemporary Circus Festival from May 23 through June 1.
The circus is entertaining, but being a performer isn’t just a bunch clowning around. Read on to learn about the skills it takes to perform a circus act and find out where you can learn to do it in Philly. 🎪

What's CITY Talking About?
🤡 Students Now Soar Where Psalms Were Sung
Have you ever wondered how circus performers make those gravity-defying stunts? On this episode of City Cast Philly, host Trenae Nuri takes us behind the scenes at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts in Mount Airy and learns why a church, of all places, is the perfect building for a circus school. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🌳 Mayor Parker’s Clean & Green Initiative Making Some Strides While Other Challenges Persist
The citywide block cleaning program is in full swing and is just one of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s efforts to make Philly the “safest, cleanest, and greenest city.” Residents note increased trash pickup and installation of trees, but litter and abandoned cars seem to reappear as soon as they’re cleared. What do you think of the plan’s progress so far? What could help the city succeed? [Green Philly]
💰 Biggest Bucks in D.A. Race Pouring In From Outside Philly
While District Attorney Larry Krasner ties the D.A. race back to national politics, what does support look like locally? Well, campaign fundraising data shows Krasner has raised $483,000. While a lot of that is from national supporters, Krasner has a slight advantage over his opponent in donations from Philadelphians. Meanwhile, challenger Pat Dugan has raised $819,000 and is dominating in suburban support. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒The Inquirer]
🤍 On-Ground Survivor of Northeast Philly Plane Crash Beats Odds on Road to Recovery
Andre Howard, the 10-year-old who shielded his younger sister from injury when airplane debris crashed into his family’s car, is still recovering months later. The boy, who had been told he may not be able to walk again, said with a smile he’s a “new me” and getting better at basketball as he relearns his motor skills. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 6ABC]
Sponsored Content

Fitler Club: Live, Work, and Thrive
Whether you’re launching your next big idea, closing a deal over lunch, breaking a sweat, or making memories with your family, Fitler Club is more than a place to work—it’s a place to belong. It’s where conversations spark possibility, relationships turn into collaborations, and strangers become part of your circle.

What To Do
Thursday, May 15
- 🖼️ William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations Opening Reception | 5-7 p.m. | Free | Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art
- 🫂 Fishtown Neighbors Meetup Age 55+ | 5-8 p.m. | Free | Fishtown
- 🎶 Pop-Ups at the Portal | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | University City
- 🎲 Asian Americans United Game Night | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | Callowhill
- 🎤 Third Thursday Jam Session + Open Mic | 6-8 p.m. | Free | Germantown
- 💎 Jewelry Making with Feast Jewelry | 6-8 p.m. | $75 | Queen Village
- ✍️ Drink n Draw Portrait Night | 6-9 p.m. | Free | West Philly
- 🛍️ Third Thursday Night Market | 6-9:30 p.m. | Pay as You Go | Mayfair
- 💬 Artist Talk Shifting Realities: 12 Artists Finding Place in Uncertain Times | 6:30-8 p.m. | Free | Fairhill
- 🎼 Shamir In-Store Signing and Performance | 6:30-8 p.m. | $26.99 | South Street
- 📽️ Philavision3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Free | East Kensington
- 📖 Uncle Bobbie's X Joshua Myers & Bedour Alagraa - Of Black Study | 7 p.m. | $7.99+ | Germantown
- 🎨The Arts Affair 2025 | 7-9:30 p.m. | $45 | Center City
- 😂 Zero-Proof Comedy | 7-10 p.m. | $28.52 | East Passyunk
Friday, May 16
- ⚖️ Record Clearing Clinic | 11-1 p.m. | Free | Germantown
- 🪩 Dancing Divas (Day One) | 2 p.m. or 8 p.m.| $40-70 | Center City
- 🏛️ Friday Night Lounge | 5-8:30 p.m. | $15 | Philadelphia Museum of Art
- 🎮 Teen Night | 6-9 p.m. | Free | Strawberry Mansion
- 🚯 7th Annual Garbage Gala | 6-9:30 p.m. | $15 | Academy of Natural Sciences
- 🎶 Singing Our Grief | 7-8:30 p.m. | $10-30 | Chestnut Hill
- 📽️ Cinema in the Cemetery: Eraserhead | 7-10 p.m. | $20 | Laurel Hill Cemetery
The MLB reinstated several deceased players for Hall of Fame eligibility, including former Philadelphia Phillies player Pete Rose, who was originally banned for betting on baseball games. Given related controversies, the news has led to online debates about the integrity of baseball and who should receive the honor. Which Phillies player do you think should be inducted into the Hall of Fame? (Ahem, Chase Utley) ⚾
Free · Daily