
City Cast Philly
🍽️ Philly chef takes home James Beard award
June 18, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hey there, Philly! We’re halfway through the workweek so hang in there. If you need something to look forward to, “TERRA: Bodies & Territories” has been extended through June 29. Spend time in a tranquil forest and be awed by the dramatic dance performances.

What's CITY Talking About?
💰 Philly’s $6.8B Budgets Boosts Housings, Cuts Small Biz Breaks
After several town halls, hearings, and public testimony, Philly finally has a budget for the next fiscal year. But is everyone satisfied? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri is joined by contributor Lauren Vidas to analyze how the mayor’s budget aligns with her campaign promises, where the tension is around taxes, and why two council members said the spending plan doesn’t do right for Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🏠 New Laws To Impact Renters and Landlords in Coming Weeks
The new laws cap rental application fees at $50 and mandate that certain landlords accept security deposits in installments. [WHYY]

🍜 Chef Behind Bella Vista’s Mawn Takes Home Prestigious Food Award
Congratulations are in order for Philly chef Phila Lorn, who won the James Beard Award for Emerging Chef. The City Cast Philly team visited Mawn just last Friday and can confirm it's worth the wait. Keep an eye out for Phila and his wife/business partner Rachel’s next venture, an oyster bar called Sao. [Eater]
- Related: If you have a hard time getting a table at Mawn, here are some essential restaurants in Philly that you must dine at. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🥫 How To Fight Food Waste in Philly
Philly’s restaurant scene makes incredible food but unfortunately, not everything gets eaten. About 27% of food waste in the city comes from restaurants and caterers. Several local nonprofits and mutual aid groups are trying to combat food waste and the city’s growing food insecurity problem. And they can use your help. [🔒 Philly Mag]
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Where Is It?

We’re back with another hunt around the city! During a neighborhood stroll, I went off the main path and wandered into some side streets, where I found this mural. Do you know where to find this?
While you’re out searching, be sure to:
- 🎟️ Grab a ticket to Philly’s newest food festival.
- 🏉 Catch a game with one of Philly’s queer sports clubs.
- 🍸 Drink up at Caletta.
- 🛒 Get some groceries for a bargain.
- 🍦 Cool off with Philly-style ice cream.
- 🎭 See a play by upcoming Philly playwrights.
- 📍 Use our guide to Graduate Hospital or other neighborhoods to help you get around.

What To Do
Wednesday, June 18
- 🎁 Personalized Trinket Box with Lucia Alber at Tacony LAB Community Arts Center (Tacony)
- 🍿 Movie Night: “Wicked” at Cira Green (University City)
- 📚 Philly-Based Novels by Philly-Based Novelists at American Grammar (Norris Square)
- ⚖️ Escape & Resistance at Eastern State Penitentiary (Fairmount)
- 💬 Civic Engagement Academy Learning Series - Personal Story with the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (Virtual)
- 🤘 Pennypack Music Festival: Land of Ozz (tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath) at Cannstatter’s (Torresdale)
- 🎸 Pop Punk’s Not Dead at Morgan’s Pier (Old City)
- 🎶 Fishtown Choir Sings Lady Gaga at Ortlieb’s Lounge (Northern Liberties)
- 🎛️ Drips: A Weekly DJ Party at Triple Bottom Brewing (Poplar)
- 🎤 Thursday Night Jam Session + Open Mic at d’griot (Germantown)
- 😆 Home Court Comedy at Rosy’s Taco Bar East (Queen Village)
Thursday, June 19
- 🛍️ Third Thursday Night Market at Cottman & Frankford Avenues (Mayfair)
- 💘 Pitch-a-Friend at Punch Buggy Brewing Co. (Olde Kensington)
- 💬 Sharing is Caring: Share Your Story at The People’s Gallery Project (Center City)
- 🎥 Movie Night: “Men in Black (1997)” at Schuylkill Banks (Grays Ferry)
- 🫂 Community Building and Skill Share Circle at Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden (Norris Square)
- 💃 Roots & Rhythms: The African Influence in the Venezuelan Diaspora & Latin America at Taller Puertorriqueño (Fairhill)
- 🎈 3rd Thursday at Glen Foerd (Torresdale)
- 🎞️ Summer Zine Release Party & PFS Screening of “HOUSE” at Philadelphia Film Society East (Old City)
- 🎨 Printmaking By The People: Among These Are…Juneteenth Artventures Event at Mt. Airy Art Garage (Mt. Airy)
- ❓ Quizzo at Dock Street Brewery (South Philly)
- 🛍️ Juneteenth Philly Makers Market at Philadelphia Visitors Center (Old City)
- 🎉 Juneteenth Block Party at the Philadelphia African American Museum (Center City)
- 📖 Mindful Connections: An Evening with Mindful Girl Love at Head House Books (Headhouse Square)
- 🎊 Juneteenth Festival Kickoff: Fourth Friday Kickback at Johnson House Historic Site (Germantown)
Friday, June 20
- 🎷 Jazz Night at 49th Street & Baltimore Avenue (Cedar Park)
- 🏮 Philly Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square (Old City)
- 🎥 Movies On The Mall: “Harriet” at Independence Mall (Old City)
- 🎶 Kidchella: A Kids Musical Festival at Smith Memorial Playground (East Fairmount Park)
- 🌠 “Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra at The Mann Center (West Fairmount Park)
- 🎭 Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🎤 Concert: Sen Morimoto at Asian Arts Initiative (Callowhill)
- 🚰 Utility Clinic at CHOP Karabots (West Philly)
- 🎟️ Pay-What-You-Wish Admission at Academy of Natural Sciences (Logan Square)
- 🧺 Summer Friday Picnic with Good Things PHL (Location Given Upon RSVP)
- 💃 La Placita Fest at Liberty Point (Old City)
- 🎞️ Resistance & Joy Screening at Scribe Video Center (Powelton)
- ☀️ Celebrate Solstice: Guided Hike + Meditation at Mount Pleasant Mansion (East Fairmount Park)
- 😆 Stand-Up Comedy at Rosy’s Taco Bar East (Bella Vista)
- 🎺 Philly’s Jazz Legacy: Around The World & Back Again at Wyck Historic House & Garden (Germantown)
🎉 Tomorrow’s Juneteenth, commemorating when the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced in Texas two years after it was signed, finally freeing people from slavery. There are several events happening around the city to celebrate.
That said, we'll be back in your inbox on Friday morning!
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