
City Cast Philly
🚗 Plan for this weekend's road closures
March 27, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Happy Friday! Although March is soon coming to a close, you can still enjoy the cherry blossoms and other remaining events this weekend. Just make sure to plan your travels ahead of time; certain roads will be closed due to Saturday’s No Kings 3 rally and Sunday’s Love Run.

What's CITY Talking About

The Future of South Philly’s Stadium Complex
Phillies owner John Middleton announced a $600 million plan to renovate Citizens Bank Park, with a vision to keep it functioning for decades. Meanwhile, it’s uncertain whether the Eagles will renovate the Linc or build a new stadium in the next decade. The deciding factor? The ability to host a Super Bowl. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal, 🔒The Athletic]
Airport Employees Fed Up With ICE
City officials and union leaders demanded an end to the partial government shutdown and removal of ICE from PHL, saying their presence is making the situation worse. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Philly’s Plunging Homicides Among National Trend
Homicides are down by 56% so far this year, compared to 2025. Two districts in West and North Philly have especially seen a drop in murder rates, while other districts have yet to report any homicides. [CBS Philly]
- Related: Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel previously spoke to us about the decline in violence and his approach to policing. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
City Council’s Tool To Stop School Closures
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a bill last week that would rezone four West Philly schools up for closure to be limited to civic, educational, or medical use. Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., is now looking into similar legislation. But critics say the rezoning could make it harder for the district to sell the properties and lead to more vacant buildings. [Chalkbeat, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: Councilmanic prerogative has allowed district councilmembers to have the final say on zoning changes in their districts. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Philly Extends Last Call
State lawmakers approved a temporary permit that would allow bars, restaurants, and other nightlife venues to remain open until 4 a.m. during the World Cup. Participating businesses must submit an application to receive special permission, so remind your neighborhood corner bar to apply so they can actually be open late this summer. [Philly Voice]

How Well Do You Know Philly?

It’s quiz time! Have you been paying attention to the podcast this week? Test your Philly knowledge below.
True or False: The current Germantown Town Hall found at Germantown Avenue and West Haines Street was built in the 1850s.

What To Do
Friday, March 27
- 🩰 Kun-Lang Yin/Dancers: Final Season (through March 28) at Mandell Theater (University City)
- 📖 Book Launch: “The Composer’s Black Box” at Ulises (Norris Square)
- 🛍️ A Little Bit Dramatic Market at Thrive Career Cafe (Olde Kensington)
- 🎸 Emo Night at the Foundry (Fishtown)
- 🫂 Re: Gather - Creatives Networking at Vessel Coffee Collective (East Kensington)
- 💘 Speed Dating (Ages 30-45) at City Winery (Center City)
- 🎭 Improv Comedy at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 💬 Creative Mornings: Andrew Emma at The Fitler Club (Center City)
Saturday, March 28
- 🎶 The Grown Folks Listening Room at d’griot cafe (Germantown)
- 👟 Spring Grief Walk at Philly Goat Project (Mt. Airy)
- 🪩 Rhythm Nation at Margolis (Fishtown)
- 🇮🇩 Gapura Cooking Class at Gapura Community Center (Newbold)
- 🛍️ South Philly Community Market at East Passyunk Community Rec. Center (East Passyunk)
- 🎨 Streets Dept Excursion beginning at 4th and Market Streets (Old City)
- 💎 Charm Bar & Thrift at Flourish Fitness & Wellness (Fishtown)
- 😄 Lady Laughs Anniversary Comedy Show at Silk City (Northern Liberties)
- 🚲 Bike Stuff Yard Sale at Fairmount Bikes (Fairmount)
- 🎨 Healing Through Art Summit & Gala at Pyramid Club (Center City)
- 🍺 Tavern Night at Historic Rittenhouse Town (Germantown)
- 🪡 Mending Together at Chai Nasta (Spruce Hill)
- 🩰 METER: Experiments in Poetry, Music & Dance at Studio34 (Spruce Hill)
- 🎞️ Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival: Rising Voices at Symphony Philly (Ludlow)
Sunday, March 29
- 🪕 Making Mummer Music Workshop at Mummers Museum (Pennsport)
- 🍽️ Philly Cooks a Book at The People’s Gallery Project (Center City)
- 🎸 Brrrthday Punk Show at Silk City (Northern Liberties)
- ☕ MOCHA: Music Over Coffee & Art at Two Locals Brewing (University City)
- 🤖 Profs & Pints: How AI Alters Thinking at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- ♻️ Circles & Circularity: A Zero Waste Event at Post Haste (East Kensington)
- 🍞 Whole Grains Baking Workshop at The Bread Room (Washington Square West)
- 🐰 Easter Family Day at American Swedish Historical Museum (South Philly)
🏃 Need another idea for something to do this weekend? MLK Drive’s seasonal weekend closure starts again tomorrow, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and runs through November. You can run, bike, or skate on the car-free road.
Free · Daily