City Cast Philly
⚽ Is tailgating allowed at the World Cup?
April 17, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Happy Friday! We made it to the end of the week, so we’re rounding up the top news from the past few days (and clearing up some rumors) down below. But would you believe that some of our best bits don’t make it into our regular podcast episodes?
As a brand-new benefit, City Cast Philly Neighbors have access to bonus podcast content featuring extra segments, more opinions, a few hot takes, and occasionally a little gossip. It’s the kind of fun stuff you’d hear if we were all sitting around after the mic turns off.
Like today, we get into how one major festival relocation — and the new admission fee — is causing a stir online.
What's CITY Talking About
What’s the Deal With FIFA in Philly?
The World Cup is two months away, but confusion over tailgate bans and public transit fees sparked anger across host cities, including Philly. After a rumor mill-gone-wild, fans will be relieved to hear tailgating won’t be banned after all at Lincoln Financial Field. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: In more South Philly sports complex news, Comcast Spectacor announced the new Sixers and Flyers arena will be at the original location of the Spectrum. [CBS Philly]
Circadium School of Contemporary Circus To Close
The only accredited circus school in the country is shutting down on June 1 due to funding cuts. Its students will perform one last time at Fringe Arts at the end of May. The Philadelphia School of Circus, its sister school with which it shares a campus, will remain open. [Billy Penn, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
Professional Women’s Tennis Returns to Philly
The Philadelphia Tennis Classic will take place from Aug. 23 to 29 in University City. Tickets go on sale next month. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]
- Related: Women’s sports have been experiencing a renaissance in Philly in recent years. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Parker Endorses Street in Congressional Race
State Sen. Sharif Street gained another powerful ally as Mayor Cherelle Parker officially backed him in the 3rd Congressional District race. She says she needs “a reliable partner in Washington, D.C., who understands the assignment on day one.” The mayor’s support is critical as Street faces two strong contenders. [🔒 The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: Here are the voter deadlines you should know before the May primary. [📝 City Cast Philly]
PECO Walks Back Rate Hike Proposal
After facing backlash, PECO is no longer moving forward with its proposed rate increase. Customers would have seen electric bills increase by 12.5% per month and natural gas bills by 11.4% starting in January if approved. [NBC10]
- Related: As energy costs soar, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a legislative package that addresses data center-related cost increases, predatory billing, and infrastructure upgrades. [WHYY, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
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Philly Mini Crossword
Every other Friday, we play a crossword puzzle that tests your knowledge of Philly trivia and news. Can you get all the answers right?
If you want to keep playing, click the link below for past games.
What To Do
Friday, April 17
- 🕺Koresh Dance Company (through April 19) at Fringe Arts Bar (Old City)
- 👑 Emo Prom at Warehouse on Watts (West Poplar)
- 🎺 Latin Jazz Showcase at Teatro Esperanza (Hunting Park)
- 🪩 Broadway Rave at Underground Arts (Callowhill)
- 🎭 Theater Production: "Seng’s Hair Salon” at InterAct Theatre at The Drake (Center City)
- 🎥 Movie Screening: “True North” at Scribe Video Center (West Powelton )
- 🛼 Roller Skating Meetup at Parkside Evans Recreation Center (Parkside)
- 🎬 Springfest Movie Festival through April 23 at the Philadelphia Film Society (Center City)
- 🎨 Opening Reception: “Entre Raices y Alas” at the Magic Gardens (Bella Vista)
- 🫖 Bridgerton-Inspired Brunch at Fabrika (Fishtown)
Saturday, April 18
- 🗺️ Cedar Park Neighborhood Plan & Play at The Cedar Works (Cedar Park)
- 🐝 Spring Fest at Bartrams Garden (Kingsessing)
- 🍫 Munch Around the Market Scavenger Hunt at Reading Terminal Market (Center City)
- 🏋️ Wellness Day Party at Fabrika (Fishtown)
- 🖌️ Don Scott Mural Tour starts at the Discovery Center (Fairmount Park)
- 🪴 Community Garden Pop-up at Chinatown Community Park (Chinatown)
- 🌸 Spring Spectacular: Vendor Market at Disston Park (Tacony)
- 🛍️ El Mercado Cultural at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- 🎬 Blood Sick: Independent Film Festival at PhilaMOCA (Poplar)
- 🖼️ Museum Curator Tour: "Some American Dreams" at the Fabric Museum (Center City)
- 💰 Budget 101: Northeast at the Northeast Services Hub (Oxford Circle)
Sunday, April 19
- ♻️ Recycled Flea Market at RAIR (Holmesburg)
- 🛍️ Maker Faire Philadelphia at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- 🎨 Family Art Day at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Center City)
- 🎺 Sunday Jazz Over the City at the Rail Park (Callowhill)
- 🍽️ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival along Main Street (Manayunk)
- 💭 Budget 101: South Philly at the Bok Building (South Philly)
What do you think of our super cute pennant? It was a dealbreaker for Sarah M., our new City Cast Philly Neighbor.
“I've been listening to City Cast Philly since the beginning! I love the hyper-local focus. It helps me know what's going on in local politics, culture, and to find out about quirky Philly-specific things! I'd been thinking about becoming a Neighbor for a while, but the 'I live here on purpose' pennant really sold me. Keep up the awesome reporting!”
🫶 Thanks for sticking with us all these years! Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just arrived, it’s never too late to join the community we’re building. Help us continue shining a light on the local things that make Philly special by becoming a member today.
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