Philadelphia

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Philadelphia this weekend.

Axios Philadelphia Weekender

Weekender

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Philadelphia. Written by local reporters.

Axios Philadelphia Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Philadelphia Alerts

Alert

Axios Philadelphia Partners

Axios Philadelphia

Standard

Philadelphia Members

Membership

The "Evict Nick" bandwagon is gaining steam

Some Eagles fans want owner Jeffrey Lurie to make a coaching change, while others are exercising more patience.

Sports

Bad things happen to good teams, and sometimes those bad things are named Nick Sirianni.Why it matters: Back-to-back late-game blunders have the Eagles head coach on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot seat again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/10/eagles-browns-game-nick-sirianni" data-vars-content-id="8756a0bd-c2e4-4e30-aed1-ca527e8f77de" data-vars-headline="The &quot;Evict Nick&quot; bandwagon is gaining steam" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/10/eagles-browns-game-nick-sirianni" target="_self">hot seat again</a>, just five weeks into the season.

Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek

It's becoming nearly impossible to avoid harmful and extremely durable chemicals.

News

The state is warning anglers not to eat fish from the Wissahickon Creek basin due to high levels of a so-called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forever chemical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" data-vars-content-id="4016ccb9-ac79-4ebc-b822-682b00b3fa58" data-vars-headline="Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/forever-chemicals-tap-water-pfas-study" target="_self">forever chemical</a>.The big picture: Harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PFAS" data-vars-click-url="https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-pfas-forever-chemicals" data-vars-content-id="4016ccb9-ac79-4ebc-b822-682b00b3fa58" data-vars-headline="Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-pfas-forever-chemicals" target="_blank">PFAS</a>) are a class of man-made chemicals used in nonstick and fire-resistant products.

Popular D.C. bakery Yellow puts on one-day pop up in Philly

Philly has no shortage of great bakeries or Middle Eastern food, but Yellow lives up to the hype.

Things to Do

One of D.C.&#x27;s hottest bakery-restaurants is popping up in South Philly on Sunday.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yellow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/07/09/yellow-cafe-union-market" data-vars-content-id="db1bc4cd-d5a6-4042-abea-bac9d0fef784" data-vars-headline="Popular D.C. bakery Yellow puts on one-day pop up in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/07/09/yellow-cafe-union-market" target="_self">Yellow</a> — chef Michael Rafidi&#x27;s white-hot, wood-fired cafe — takes over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Machine Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.machineshopphilly.com/__;!!Al82Z4c!2LjthRdDqVl_vGJgOfc1RWUANHM3xJCjoLmZVaEEUZQA92mERWE5WYUORpWlk-rz--Lf5B7EeoQjjAA7shp7vvU9$" data-vars-content-id="db1bc4cd-d5a6-4042-abea-bac9d0fef784" data-vars-headline="Popular D.C. bakery Yellow puts on one-day pop up in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.machineshopphilly.com/__;!!Al82Z4c!2LjthRdDqVl_vGJgOfc1RWUANHM3xJCjoLmZVaEEUZQA92mERWE5WYUORpWlk-rz--Lf5B7EeoQjjAA7shp7vvU9$" target="_blank">Machine Shop</a> in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bok Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.buildingbok.com/" data-vars-content-id="db1bc4cd-d5a6-4042-abea-bac9d0fef784" data-vars-headline="Popular D.C. bakery Yellow puts on one-day pop up in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.buildingbok.com/" target="_blank">Bok Building</a> for one day, slinging pastries and breads starting at 8am. <ul><li>Pita sandwiches will be sold at 11am until they sell out. </li></ul>

Weekend in Philly: Spooky stays, OURfest, It's Always Punny

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

📸 See climate change through a new lens at InLiquid Gallery&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free reception" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inliquid.org/" data-vars-content-id="feaacef2-ba40-41e5-86f3-0be2addedf54" data-vars-headline="Weekend in Philly: Spooky stays, OURfest, It&#x27;s Always Punny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inliquid.org/" target="_blank">free reception</a> tonight from 6-9pm. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RVSP online" data-vars-click-url="https://inliquid.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F56450" data-vars-content-id="feaacef2-ba40-41e5-86f3-0be2addedf54" data-vars-headline="Weekend in Philly: Spooky stays, OURfest, It&#x27;s Always Punny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://inliquid.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F56450" target="_blank">RVSP online</a>. <ul><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Other Place to Go" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inliquid.org/inliquid-gallery-events/no-other-place-to-go" data-vars-content-id="feaacef2-ba40-41e5-86f3-0be2addedf54" data-vars-headline="Weekend in Philly: Spooky stays, OURfest, It&#x27;s Always Punny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inliquid.org/inliquid-gallery-events/no-other-place-to-go" target="_blank">No Other Place to Go</a>&quot; features five artists using photography to explore a changing planet.</li></ul>👻 Book a stay at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hewitt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/684545072286659345" data-vars-content-id="feaacef2-ba40-41e5-86f3-0be2addedf54" data-vars-headline="Weekend in Philly: Spooky stays, OURfest, It&#x27;s Always Punny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/684545072286659345" target="_blank">The Hewitt</a>, a 2,500-square-foot third-floor space in an 1886 Queen Anne Victorian mansion in Germantown. It&#x27;s one of 31 spooky stays Airbnb curated for Halloween travelers, including Gothic estates and woodsy cabins.<ul><li>The Hewitt even has a hidden east wing tucked behind a bookcase door. Weekends are popular, but you might be able to scare up a cheaper weekday stay if you hurry.</li></ul>

How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump

The Philly school district and SEPTA are largely avoiding the pain of skyrocketing fuel prices so far.

Transit

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly school district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" data-vars-content-id="c860682c-530d-47ef-b3c0-52b991f4c636" data-vars-headline="How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" target="_self">Philly school district</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SEPTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/septa-transit-bus-trolley-subway-regional-rail-modernization-plan" data-vars-content-id="c860682c-530d-47ef-b3c0-52b991f4c636" data-vars-headline="How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/septa-transit-bus-trolley-subway-regional-rail-modernization-plan" target="_self">SEPTA</a> are largely avoiding the pain of skyrocketing fuel prices and have no plans to cut bus routes or reduce service.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/02/iran-trump-negotiations-war-reasons-fail" data-vars-content-id="c860682c-530d-47ef-b3c0-52b991f4c636" data-vars-headline="How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/02/iran-trump-negotiations-war-reasons-fail" target="_self">Iran war</a> is sending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diesel costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/trump-diesel-exports-ban" data-vars-content-id="c860682c-530d-47ef-b3c0-52b991f4c636" data-vars-headline="How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/trump-diesel-exports-ban" target="_self">diesel costs</a> higher just as school districts and transit agencies — including in Philly — are grappling with tight budgets.

Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus

Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense political pressure from the Trump administration.

Education

Philadelphia-area universities are largely failing to create a healthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" target="_self">free speech</a> climate on campus, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/free-speech-collge-student-censorship" target="_self">new national ranking</a>.Why it matters: Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" target="_self">political pressure</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="34700275-9134-4aba-8249-b818528783ec" data-vars-headline="Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration and efforts by some universities to change policies in response.

Jalen Hurts' latest Philly assist: $600K to keep students cool

The Eagles quarterback told students during a pep rally he understands what it's like to be in their shoes.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northeast High School" data-vars-click-url="https://nehs.philasd.org" data-vars-content-id="733705bb-d8d7-458b-bdb7-cbbefe541917" data-vars-headline="Jalen Hurts&#x27; latest Philly assist: $600K to keep students cool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nehs.philasd.org" target="_blank">Northeast High School</a>&#x27;s auditorium gets muggier than a summer day at Eagles training camp, but by next year it&#x27;ll be just like its new benefactor, Jalen Hurts — cooler than a cucumber.Why it matters: The Eagles&#x27; ballyhooed quarterback&#x27;s $600,000 donation is the latest investment aimed at keeping Philly students cool in classrooms that can top 90 degrees in the summer.

Exclusive: First lady Lori Shapiro gets an up-close look at Philly's adult literacy crisis

The surprise visit was a huge boost for Beyond Literacy in its quest to get more sustainable funding.

Politics

First lady Lori Shapiro sat on the couch in Carol&#x27;s Corner, the tutoring wing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beyond Literacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/05/philadelphia-adult-literacy-crisis" data-vars-content-id="0cc6309b-90a8-4280-96f2-6aac3187de94" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: First lady Lori Shapiro gets an up-close look at Philly&#x27;s adult literacy crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/05/philadelphia-adult-literacy-crisis" target="_self">Beyond Literacy</a>, listening to graduates tell their stories about how the Philly program changed their lives.Why it matters: Thursday&#x27;s unexpected visit from Gov. Josh Shapiro&#x27;s wife — which came together in whirlwind fashion — was a major boost for Beyond Literacy, an adult workforce development program aimed at giving Philadelphians the gift of learning.

Kindergarten vaccine rates are on the decline in Pennsylvania

It comes as the Keystone State is facing the worst measles outbreak in decades.

Health

Vaccination rates among Pennsylvania kindergarteners declined during the 2025-2026 school year for tracked diseases, while more students received exemptions from the shots.Why it matters: The Keystone State is facing its worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/28/measles-surging-pennsylvania-lancaster-county" data-vars-content-id="c440e57f-c35a-4b3c-a34d-aefb77140965" data-vars-headline="Kindergarten vaccine rates are on the decline in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/28/measles-surging-pennsylvania-lancaster-county" target="_self">measles outbreak</a> in decades.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/measles-outbreak-deaths-pennsylvania-mmr-vaccine" data-vars-content-id="c440e57f-c35a-4b3c-a34d-aefb77140965" data-vars-headline="Kindergarten vaccine rates are on the decline in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/measles-outbreak-deaths-pennsylvania-mmr-vaccine" target="_self">Two people</a> recently died from the disease, marking the first such deaths in 35 years.</li></ul>

Uncertainty swirls around Philly's special-admission school process

It's making an already stressful process even worse.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" data-vars-content-id="e8203e52-ca63-4a0b-a188-f2afc569fe65" data-vars-headline="Uncertainty swirls around Philly&#x27;s special-admission school process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" target="_self">Philadelphia district</a> students enter the school year with confusion over applying to the city&#x27;s top-tier special-admission schools.Why it matters: The uncertainty around the application process to the city&#x27;s roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three dozen selective magnet schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/#schools" data-vars-content-id="e8203e52-ca63-4a0b-a188-f2afc569fe65" data-vars-headline="Uncertainty swirls around Philly&#x27;s special-admission school process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/#schools" target="_blank">three dozen selective magnet schools</a> is making an already stressful process even worse.

500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year

Teacher turnover has a ripple effect, negatively affecting school climate, teacher quality and student outcomes.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teacher turnover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" target="_self">Teacher turnover</a> in Philadelphia district schools rose last year for the first time since 2022.Why it matters: Losing teachers can hurt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school climate" data-vars-click-url="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" target="_blank">school climate</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teacher quality" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" target="_blank">teacher quality</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" target="_blank">student outcomes</a> while driving up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" target="_blank">staffing costs</a> for districts.

Philly kids have plenty of sway over back-to-school spending

A new Deloitte survey finds Philly parents say they are heavily influenced by their kids' wish lists.

Philly parents are back-to-school bargain hunters, but their kids often persuade them to splurge on those must-have new kicks or fun tech toys, per a new Deloitte survey.Why it matters: Philly parents consistently spend much more on back-to-school shopping than the national average, the consulting firm found — driven partly by unplanned purchases they&#x27;ll make while hunting for deals.

Philadelphia's adult literacy crisis is leaving workers behind

Thousands of adults are struggling with tasks as simple as reading a job posting.

Dorrie Miller-Abdul-Rahim stared blankly at her ancestry results, not understanding what &quot;maternal&quot; and &quot;paternal&quot; meant. After improving her reading skills, the 57-year-old finally learned who her father was.<ul><li>&quot;My mom kept telling me and my brother the same thing: &#x27;He died overseas. He died overseas. He died overseas,&#x27;&quot; she tells Axios.</li></ul>Why it matters: Adult illiteracy is one of Philly&#x27;s hidden crises, quietly shaping everything from residents&#x27; career prospects to their most meaningful moments.

Philly settles magnet school admissions suit, but legal questions remain

The agreement lays out no changes to the policy, raising questions about whether it will lead to further lawsuits against the district.

A closely watched legal challenge to the Philly school district&#x27;s high school admissions policy ended this week in a $650,000 settlement.Why it matters: The agreement leaves the district&#x27;s policy intact, meaning the constitutional questions at the center of the case could resurface in future lawsuits.

Education 📚

How Philly school district, SEPTA are avoiding pain at the pump

Philly universities get poor marks for free speech on campus

Jalen Hurts' latest Philly assist: $600K to keep students cool

Exclusive: First lady Lori Shapiro gets an up-close look at Philly's adult literacy crisis

Kindergarten vaccine rates are on the decline in Pennsylvania