City Cast Philly
🗞️ The story behind Philly’s most iconic street
September 8, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Pssst! I need to let you in on a secret. For months, the City Cast Philly team has been working on a special project diving into the history of one of Philly’s most iconic streets. Let’s walk down memory lane in the first part of our series on South Street.
And starting next week, if you're taking the Broad Street Line down to South Street, SEPTA fares will be $2.90.
What's CITY Talking About?
💬 The History of Philly's Iconic Strip
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re just passing through, you can’t be in Philly without visiting South Street. Since the colonial era, the commercial corridor stretching from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River has been an epicenter for entertainment, culture, and civil rights. In this first episode of a new audio series, we take a glimpse at its early beginnings, back when it was called Cedar Street. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🎈 Police Overtime Costs Are Stretching Philly Festivals Thin
South Street is regularly taken over by street festivals like Rex Manning Day, South Street Live!, and Odunde. But organizers of some of the city’s largest events are considering downsizing or cancelling them altogether as they're charged thousands of dollars for city services, from security to sanitation. [🎧 City Cast Philly, The Inquirer]
💰 Small Nonprofits Bearing Brunt of State Budget Delays
We’re two months into operating without a state budget, and organizations providing health and human services are feeling the strain. From rape crisis centers to treatment programs for substance use and problem gambling, Pennsylvania counties and nonprofits are laying off staff and rolling back services as they make do with less funding. [Spotlight PA]
🎨 Creating Art and Community
Brewerytown’s Tinker & Goods isn’t just a spot to find handmade goods; it has become a community hub where you can participate in cake-decorating classes, book clubs, and charm-making. [Technical.ly]
- Related: Check out our neighborhood guide to find more things to do in Brewerytown. [📝 Hey Philly]
What To Do
Monday, Sep. 8
- 👟 Walk Around Philadelphia beginning at Glen Foerd (Torresdale)
- 🪴 Plant Swap at PHS Garden (Manayunk)
- 📚 Book Swap at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia (Center City)
- 💻 Casual Co-working at Sunday Girl (Old City)
Tuesday, Sep. 9
- 🍝 “Italianish”: Talk, Signing, & Pasta Demo at Binding Agents (Bella Vista)
- 🪴 Plant Swap at PHS Garden (South Philly)
- 👟 Silver Sneakers: Community Workout at Borski Park (Bridesburg)
- 🧘♀️ Sunset Yoga at Bok Bar (South Philly)
🍽️ Need some help making dinner plans this week? Traveling chef Jay Wolman is doing a residency at The Good King Tavern through Thursday night, serving up dishes from Provence, France.
🧡 Thank you to Tamar F. for becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor! Join Tamar as a member and support projects like our South Street series. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow.
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