
City Cast Philly
🫏 Philly Dems fracture over primary election
May 22, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! We made it through this week’s heatwave and can catch a break with these cooler temps. It’s looking like this Memorial Day weekend is going to be a wet and dreary one, but that doesn’t mean all plans are cancelled.
Tonight’s the last Rumba Night of the season at Imperfect Gallery. Latin Punk Fest takes over Thunderbird Hall on Saturday. Chilladelphia is popping up at Art on the Ridge on Sunday. The Philadelphia Renaissance Faire runs all weekend long. The Museum of the American Revolution will have special programming over the holiday. And there’s a free comedy show in Kensington. Scroll down for even more suggestions.
I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday with our usual daily newsletter and Neighbors-only events preview. Enjoy the three-day weekend!

What's CITY Talking About
Krasner Calls Out Philly’s Democratic Party Chairman
State Rep. Chris Rabb's win in Tuesday's congressional primary was a blow to the city’s Democratic establishment, and now District Attorney Larry Krasner is calling on Bob Brady — who has served as the party's chairman for 40 years — to step aside. [🎧City Cast Philly, @larrykrasner via Instagram]
Student Fare Evasion Is Costing SEPTA
Students at local public, charter, and private schools will now get formal warnings as part of a new fare diversion program. After three warnings, students will be cited and have to appear in court. The state reimburses SEPTA for students’ rides, but due to increased fare evasion the transit agency is losing about $11 million annually. [🔒 The Inquirer]
Philly Spruces Up Before Company Comes Over
Ahead of this summer’s big events, the city is deploying crews to cover up graffiti, pick up litter, and add greenery along major corridors like I-76. Let’s just hope their idea of graffiti removal isn’t a repeat of what happened at Manayunk’s 100 steps. [Axios, Billy Penn]
Store Clerks' Lives in Danger Over Skill Games
The bright, colorful games reminiscent of slot machines have become an almost inescapable presence at corner stores and gas stations as Pennsylvania legislators struggle to regulate them. Their accessibility and addictive nature attract loitering and burglaries, critics say, and have even been linked to a murder. [The Trace]
- Related: Pennsylvania has a gambling problem, and the services intended to help people with addiction aren’t working. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Xtina To Headline Philly’s July 4 Concert
“Genie in a Bottle” singer Christina Aguilera will headline this year’s “One Philly: Unity for America” concert on the Parkway. Wanda Sykes will host the six-hour live event featuring guests including Will Smith, Seal, and Jill Scott. [Variety]
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What To Do
Friday, May 22
- 🎭 “William Henry Harrison: The Musical” through May 24 at Christ Church Neighborhood House (Old City)
- 🕺 Indie Dance Party at Underground Arts (Callowhill)
- 🦕 Dinos After Dark at Academy of Natural Sciences (Logan Square)
- 🌙 Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (Bella Vista)
- 🎻 A Federal Fanfare at the Franklins' at Gloria Dei Church (Queen Village)
- 😂 Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🛼 Summerfest Opening at IBX RiverRink (Old City)
Saturday, May 23
- 🎨 Streets Dept Excursion beginning at 9th and Reed Streets (Passyunk Square)
- 🌹 Celebration of the Roses at Wyck Historic House & Garden (Germantown)
- 🏛️ Ben Franklin Parkway Tour beginning at Love Park Visitors Center (Center City)
- 🎵 audioPHL: Vinyl Listening Room at Margolis (Fishtown)
- 🪴 Plant Care Class at Plant & People (West Powelton)
- 🏛️ MuseumFest at multiple locations (Old City)
- 🐶 Corgi Meet Up at Tucker Dog Park (Callowhill)
- 💬 Co-op 101 at Parkway Central Library (Logan Square)
- 💃 Capoeira Angola: Martial Arts Workshop at FDR Park (South Philly)
- 🎭 Oral Fixation: A Night of Micro Plays at the Pen & Pencil Club (Rittenhouse)
Sunday, May 24
- 🏛️ Jewish Immigrant Philadelphia Tour beginning at Starr Garden Playground (Society Hill)
- 🏎️ Montreal Grand Prix Watch Party at F1 Arcade (Center City)
- 🎬 Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival through July 5 at multiple locations (Citywide)
- 🎵 Pride Alliance Conference Concert at Marian Anderson Hall (Avenue of the Arts)
- 🌿 Plant Swap at Plant & People (West Powelton)
- 🏈 Field Day at NKCDC Garden (Fishtown)
- 🎤 Reading Series at Triple Bottom Brewing (Poplar)
Monday, May 25
- 💃 Soul Line Dancing on the River at Lardner's Point Park (Tacony)
- ✂️ Clip Club at Cassie's Craft Coven (Old City)
- 🎸 Monday Night Jam Session at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- 🌍 African Liberation Day Celebration at ACANA (Kingsessing)
- 🍺 Trivia Night at Twisted Gingers (Roxborough)
- 🎷 Musical Mondays Jazz Night at Malelani Cafe (Mt. Airy)
💰 It’s game time! The Price is Right is coming to Rivers Casino this summer, and you have the chance to be a contestant. If you’re a great guesser or really paying attention to how much things cost these days, try your luck and audition for a chance to get on the show.
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