City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly

🎤 How much is the One Philly concert costing us?

July 2, 2026 · — Siani Colón

🇺🇸 Good morning, Philly! The City Cast Philly team will be off tomorrow for the Fourth of July, but if you're craving more (and timely) City Cast, check out the latest episode of our national podcast "Your City Could Be Better," which will drop here Friday morning. Our CEO David Plotz is going head-to-head on U.S. trivia with journalist Alexandra Petri, and things get competitive. Listen over the long weekend and play along!

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What's CITY Talking About

Philly’s Price Tag for Mayor’s July 4 Concert

The annual Independence Day concert is usually organized by the local nonprofit Welcome America, but was taken over by Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration this year. The change has led to new branding, a new production crew, and a new bill of $15.5 million, considerably more than past years. Which will result in an increased cost to taxpayers. [🔒The Inquirer]

‘Big Boy’ Makes a Visit to Philly This Weekend

The largest operating steam locomotive continues its cross-country tour with a stop at the Navy Yard on July 4 and 5. Union Pacific, the company behind the train, will host an America250 Block Party as part of the event on Saturday. [CBS Philly]

Multiple glasses of red cocktails topped with raspberries
The Clover Club cocktail was created in Philly before Prohibition and features raspberry syrup and gin. (Courtesy of Alisha Miranda)

A Toast to the 250th

America’s biggest party is on Saturday, and as you munch on a menu of burgers, hot dogs, and wings, you can’t forget about drinks. Celebrate the country’s birthday with cocktails founded here in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

LOVE Park ‘Flying Saucer’ To Debut New Cafe

After years of vacancy, the former LOVE Park Welcome Center will be occupied by a beer garden from Broad Street Brewing in the outdoor plaza starting this weekend through the fall. Renovations will begin on the building’s interior to convert it into a coffee shop, with a grand opening planned for spring 2027. [Philly Voice]

Sponsored Content

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Neighborhood Shoutouts

Become a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Support what makes our city great. Join Today.
Every Thursday, we highlight shoutouts from our City Cast Philly Neighbors. Become a member to tell us what you love about Philly.

📣 Here’s a shoutout from City Cast Philly Neighbor Nicole L.: “Project Meow - all-volunteer non-profit helping get the cats of West Philly off the streets, healthy, and into good homes!”

Thanks, Nicole! Let’s help these adorable felines find a new home. You too can share what you love about Philly when you become a Neighbor.

What To Do

Thursday, July 2

Friday, July 3

Saturday, July 4

Sunday, July 5

🗓️ I’ll be back in your inbox Monday morning, but Marie is emailing you a shopping guide perfect for Independence Day later today.

While you’re out patronizing local shops over the holiday weekend, be aware of road closures ahead of Saturday night’s concert on the Parkway.

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