
City Cast Philly
🎲 Where to have game nights in Philly
June 30, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is running a month-long campaign asking the public to foster 150 cats and dogs until permanent homes are found for these furry friends. Interested in adopting? There are several places to adopt a pet in Philly. 🐈

What's CITY Talking About?
🥵 How Philly's Sweltering Summers Are Affecting Our Bodies
We may have gotten a break from the 100-degree heat, but don’t get too comfortable — temperatures are expected to rise again. But how exactly does heat impact us? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri spoke with Inquirer staff writer and author Tony Wood about his new book “Something in the Air: A Four-Season Guide to Weather and Health” and Philly’s atmospheric future. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚗 Parking in Center City? It’ll Cost Ya
Two Center City parking zones are getting a $1 increase for the hourly rate beginning July 1, the first raise since 2014. [Philly Voice]
- Related: The Philadelphia Parking Authority has been busy this year implementing new ticketing initiatives, which is all part of PPA executive director Rich Lazer’s mission to improve the agency’s image and quality-of-life. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 📝 Hey Philly]
🏛️ Future of Former Philly Museum Remains in Limbo
Once the original home to the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia History Museum, the Atwater Kent building has been rotting away for years just around the corner from the Liberty Bell. As the blight worsens, neither City Hall nor the Atwater Kent Foundation seem interested in revitalizing the building and that section of Market Street. [🔒 The Inquirer]
- Related: While the closure of the Philadelphia History Museum was a loss for the city, there are still other great museums in Philly you can visit for free. [📝 Hey Philly]
🪰 Philly’s (Not-So) Favorite Bug Is Coming Back
After experiencing a break from squashing spotted lanternflies, it looks like that reprieve might be over. While the population might not reach the same numbers as it did in 2017, they’re primed to make a resurgence as soon as this year. [🎧 City Cast Philly, CBS Philly]
- Related: If the spotted lanternflies do make a comeback, does that mean their honey will, too? [📝 Hey Philly]
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Best Board Game Cafes and Game Rooms in Philly

Table-top games are a great way to bond with friends, strategize, and ease some boredom. Whether you’re into classic board games like Clue or roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, there’s something for everybody looking for friendly competition. Here are the best places in the city to have a game night.
The Board and Brew | 3200 Chestnut St.
A convenient spot for nearby college students, The Board and Brew is home to over 700 games right in University City. The game board cafe also has an expansive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. So no matter what time of day you’re coming to play, you can chow down on vegetarian chorizo tacos, buttermilk fried chicken thighs, or double dark chocolate cake.
Dark Depths Games | 732 S. Fourth St.
Located within alternative music store Digital Underground, Dark Depths Games specializes in Magic the Gathering and Warhammer. You can purchase cards and miniatures from its brick-and-mortar or online shop. If you’re looking for in-person gaming events, join the shop’s Discord server to stay updated.
Free Library of Philadelphia | Multiple Locations
The library has more than just books in its collection! Branches across the system host board game nights for all ages. Keep an eye on the Free Library’s calendar for upcoming events. Is your local branch missing? Reach out to staff with your idea for a game night.
The Philly Game Shop | 521-525 S. Fifth St.
Whether you’re looking to buy board games, trading cards, accessories, or geeky gifts, The Philly Game Shop has it all. In addition to its expansive collection for purchase, the shop hosts weekly, unplugged gaming experiences in its space. Swing by for table-top RPG night, miniature painting, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.
Queen & Rook Cafe | 123 South St.
Queen & Rook is the perfect spot for parties with more than 1,000 games to pick from, whether you’re looking for something more collaborative or competitive. Its menu is vegetarian-friendly with plant-based and gluten-free Korean and Latin inspired cuisine. If digital games are more up your alley, the cafe now has an arcade in its lower level. Queen & Rook also has dedicated youth programming.

What To Do
Monday, June 30
- 🪩 Soul Line Dancing on the River at Lardner’s Point Park (Wissinoming)
- 🖼️ “Today We Are Possible” Exhibit at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library (Germantown)
- 🧵 StitchCraft at South Philadelphia Library (South Philly)
- 🎷 Monday Night Jazz Jam at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- 🍽️ Community Potluck + Clothing Swap at 5716 Springfield Ave. (Kingsessing)
Tuesday, July 1
- 🍿 Movie Screening: “Independence Day” at Independence Mall (Old City)
- 💘 Pitch-a-Friend at Victory Brewing Co. (Logan Square)
- 🔭 Park After Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing at Lemon Hill Picnic Pavilion (Fairmount Park)
- 🧑🍳 Community Cooking for Seniors at Vetri Community Partnership (Poplar)
- 🙆 Come and Learn Tai-Chi at Northeast Regional Library (Northeast Philly)
- 🏛️ Wawa Welcome America — Collections Tour at Wagner Free Institute of Science (North Philly)
- 📝 The Poet’s Studio: July Writing Workshop at Twelve Gates Arts (Old City)
- ✍️ The Writing Room at Iffy Books (Fitler Square)
😢 We’re unfortunately saying goodbye to the People’s Fridge on 52nd Street, which is permanently closing today. The mutual aid project provided thousands of meals and groceries over the past five years.
🍎 If you’re looking for other community fridges to support, the following are still operating or starting: East Falls Community Fridge, Germantown Community Fridges, Northeast Philly Community Fridge, Ronnie Vega Memorial People’s Fridge, and South Philadelphia Community Fridge.
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