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

Parker's big bet on Kensington's McPherson Square revamp

Despite recent public safety efforts, the square remains a haven for open-drug use and homelessness.

Public Safety

Work is now underway on the next phase of the renovation of McPherson Square in Kensington.The big picture: The rehab of the notorious public green space — widely known as Needle Park — could become the biggest test of Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/06/drug-treatment-center-philadelphia-holmesburg" data-vars-content-id="893fc9f1-b9f3-4bb5-9baa-9f4b0375da8e" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big bet on Kensington&#x27;s McPherson Square revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/06/06/drug-treatment-center-philadelphia-holmesburg" target="_self">Cherelle Parker&#x27;s</a> ultimate goal of shutting down <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open-air drug markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/09/29/xylazine-tranq-philadelphia-fentanyl" data-vars-content-id="893fc9f1-b9f3-4bb5-9baa-9f4b0375da8e" data-vars-headline="Parker&#x27;s big bet on Kensington&#x27;s McPherson Square revamp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/09/29/xylazine-tranq-philadelphia-fentanyl" target="_self">open-air drug markets</a> in the neighborhood.

What to know about LeBron James' preseason debut against the Knicks

Preseason or not, it doesn't matter when the Knicks are in town.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeJawn era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="4d46a984-c985-48e1-92b3-af68782896d5" data-vars-headline="What to know about LeBron James&#x27; preseason debut against the Knicks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" target="_self">LeJawn era</a> officially starts today.Why it matters: Sixers fans will get their first peek at how much LeBron James has left in the tank when he makes his preseason debut, likely logging limited minutes against the defending-champion Knicks.

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.

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>

Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek

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

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.

Cystic fibrosis is no joke. Philly comedian Kirsten Michelle Cills makes it one anyway

Cills is performing at the Roses & Thorns comedy show — a fundraiser for CF.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirsten Michelle Cills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/kircomedy/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="ea311964-b381-4073-8da4-be9018b0f3a4" data-vars-headline="Cystic fibrosis is no joke. Philly comedian Kirsten Michelle Cills makes it one anyway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/kircomedy/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kirsten Michelle Cills</a> has a mantra: The best way to spread cheer is by cracking jokes — even when she&#x27;s hurting on the inside.Why it matters: Philly&#x27;s on-the-rise stand-up comedian is living her best life while battling cystic fibrosis, a devastating disease.

The anatomy of a biopharmaceutical ecosystem

Behind every medical breakthrough in the United States is a high-powered, relentless ecosystem — researchers, workers and communities — driving innovation forward.

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/02izCNtwDAv_cfqATG3Ai_SdrMg=/2026/09/16/1789599755157.jpg&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: PhRMA – Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>Behind every medical breakthrough in the United States is a high-powered, relentless ecosystem — researchers, workers and communities — driving innovation forward.<ul><li>It&#x27;s built on intentional policy and anchored by robust local engines. Right now, Pennsylvania is home to one of the most promising in the country, powered by Philadelphia&#x27;s world-class research corridor and stretching across the entire Commonwealth to yield massive returns.</li></ul>

How long you'll wait for ER visits at Philly, Pennsylvania hospitals

The more time it takes to see a clinician has been linked to worse patient experiences.

Pennsylvania is a national leader in long emergency room wait times.<ul><li>Patients are spending a median of more than 3 hours in the ED across the state — and even longer in many Philadelphia hospitals, per new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" data-vars-content-id="f58a1573-7481-4f76-9004-ee4e5f8a0160" data-vars-headline="How long you&#x27;ll wait for ER visits at Philly, Pennsylvania hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" target="_blank">data</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: It goes beyond an inconvenience.<ul><li>Long waits to see a clinician have been linked to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worse patient experiences" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8205338/" data-vars-content-id="f58a1573-7481-4f76-9004-ee4e5f8a0160" data-vars-headline="How long you&#x27;ll wait for ER visits at Philly, Pennsylvania hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8205338/" target="_blank">worse patient experiences</a>, health risks and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher costs" data-vars-click-url="https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/moore/research_and_centers/centers/sc_epic/documents/healthcare/effect_of_er_wait_time_on_cost_of_care.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f58a1573-7481-4f76-9004-ee4e5f8a0160" data-vars-headline="How long you&#x27;ll wait for ER visits at Philly, Pennsylvania hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/moore/research_and_centers/centers/sc_epic/documents/healthcare/effect_of_er_wait_time_on_cost_of_care.pdf" target="_blank">higher costs</a>.</li></ul>

CDC questions Pennsylvania's 2 measles deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is challenging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two measles deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/measles-outbreak-deaths-pennsylvania-mmr-vaccine" data-vars-content-id="5d7e1e3e-d4ad-4987-b803-624d9b433592" data-vars-headline="CDC questions Pennsylvania&#x27;s 2 measles deaths" 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 measles deaths</a> reported by Pennsylvania late last month. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a highly unusual move and comes after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accused Gov. Josh Shapiro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/shapiro-rfk-measles-deaths-vaccines" data-vars-content-id="5d7e1e3e-d4ad-4987-b803-624d9b433592" data-vars-headline="CDC questions Pennsylvania&#x27;s 2 measles deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/shapiro-rfk-measles-deaths-vaccines" target="_self">accused Gov. Josh Shapiro</a> of fabricating that measles was the reasons for the deaths.

Kindergarten vaccine rates are on the decline in Pennsylvania

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

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>

She lost $1 million gambling. More Pennsylvania women are seeking help

Experts fear online gambling could be the country's next great addiction epidemic.

Carla Brandoff has spent much of her career making deals. At the height of her gambling addiction, she was especially good at making them with herself.<ul><li>She could explain away almost every warning sign on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gamblers Anonymous checklist" data-vars-click-url="https://gamblersanonymous.org/20-questions/" data-vars-content-id="e4f012ec-a3b4-4103-8b65-038a21446f14" data-vars-headline="She lost $1 million gambling. More Pennsylvania women are seeking help" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gamblersanonymous.org/20-questions/" target="_blank">Gamblers Anonymous checklist</a> — until she reached question No. 13.</li></ul>&quot;Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?&quot;Why it matters: As online gambling has exploded in popularity, some experts fear the U.S. is flirting with another addiction epidemic rivaling those fueled by tobacco and opioids.

Where to donate blood in Philly region amid national supply crisis

A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. blood supply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/28/us-blood-supply-health-red-cross-donate" data-vars-content-id="e8cb3d85-7c2f-44ce-9875-8c6a8a6d8577" data-vars-headline="Where to donate blood in Philly region amid national supply crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/28/us-blood-supply-health-red-cross-donate" target="_self">U.S. blood supply</a> has reached crisis levels after falling nearly 25% in June, hitting a four-year summer low, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Red Cross" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/location/philadelphia-american-red-cross.html" data-vars-content-id="e8cb3d85-7c2f-44ce-9875-8c6a8a6d8577" data-vars-headline="Where to donate blood in Philly region amid national supply crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/location/philadelphia-american-red-cross.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a> said this week.Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

Measles cases are surging in Pennsylvania

The virus is rebounding in areas with low vaccine rates.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" data-vars-content-id="09c17133-e3d3-48f9-bd64-1a6969e42b74" data-vars-headline="Measles cases are surging in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" target="_self">Measles cases</a> are surging in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. to levels not seen in years.Why it matters: The virus is rebounding in communities with lower vaccination rates.

Gut-wrecking stomach illness hits Pennsylvania

The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food or water.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut-wrecking parasite" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="5fd2b916-4054-46db-bf43-dffc9e5e78f7" data-vars-headline="Gut-wrecking stomach illness hits Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" target="_self">gut-wrecking parasite</a> surging in the U.S. is also spreading in Pennsylvania. The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

Axios Vitals

A color-coded U.S. map shows the average wait time in emergency rooms from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The U.S. median was 153 minutes. 

Health 🩺

Forever chemicals in Philadelphia, Montco creek

Cystic fibrosis is no joke. Philly comedian Kirsten Michelle Cills makes it one anyway

The anatomy of a biopharmaceutical ecosystem

How long you'll wait for ER visits at Philly, Pennsylvania hospitals

CDC questions Pennsylvania's 2 measles deaths