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Drink like it's 1776 on Bethlehem's newest pub tour

This hidden gem of colonial history makes a case for a boozy field trip up north.

News

Huzzah — this new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bethlehem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/05/bethlehem-pa-christmas-village" data-vars-content-id="1aa94fd8-f4fa-4fb4-aad8-a9b42d60ecae" data-vars-headline="Drink like it&#x27;s 1776 on Bethlehem&#x27;s newest pub tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/05/bethlehem-pa-christmas-village" target="_self">Bethlehem</a> pub tour lets you party like an American revolutionary.Why it matters: Philadelphia gets most of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American democracy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/26/philly-is-betting-620m-on-250th-celebration" data-vars-content-id="1aa94fd8-f4fa-4fb4-aad8-a9b42d60ecae" data-vars-headline="Drink like it&#x27;s 1776 on Bethlehem&#x27;s newest pub tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/26/philly-is-betting-620m-on-250th-celebration" target="_self">American democracy</a> glory, but this hidden gem of colonial history makes a case for a boozy field trip up north.

Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents

Lawmakers have proposed banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks and using city property for operations.

Philadelphia would ban federal immigration officials from wearing masks and using city property for operations under a legislative package lawmakers are taking up today.The big picture: The push could force Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherelle Parker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" data-vars-content-id="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/02/cherelle-parker-lobbying-trump-philly" target="_self">Cherelle Parker</a> to weigh in on 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="973b967e-eeb5-4be5-9abb-1a162aefe53a" data-vars-headline="Philly weighs new limits on working with immigration agents" 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&#x27;s approach, which she hasn&#x27;t yet addressed — and create tension with City Council.

Uber mounts 6-figure push against Philly rideshare tax

It's the company's latest push to try to defeat the Parker administration's proposed rideshare tax.

Uber is launching a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRagfxve25A" data-vars-content-id="44380ca7-d7ec-4e6b-9e08-84c9308311fc" data-vars-headline="Uber mounts 6-figure push against Philly rideshare tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRagfxve25A" target="_blank">social media blitz</a> Monday, urging city lawmakers to oppose Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax.Why it matters: Uber says it&#x27;s spending six figures on a campaign, arguing the tax would hit working-class Philadelphians.

Sixers' play-in win sets up showdown with rival Celtics

The Sixers handled the Magic 109-97 in the Play-In Tournament, setting up another showdown with their rival.

Sports

&quot;We want Boston,&quot; Sixers fans chanted as their team handled the Magic 109–97 in Wednesday&#x27;s play-in game.Why it matters: The win sets up a first-round matchup with the Celtics, renewing one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NBA&#x27;s most storied rivalries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/01/celtics-76ers-rivalry-nba-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="4c82b424-a17a-40e1-bcca-c831914adcd2" data-vars-headline="Sixers&#x27; play-in win sets up showdown with rival Celtics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/01/celtics-76ers-rivalry-nba-playoffs" target="_self">NBA&#x27;s most storied rivalries</a>.

New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances

The program includes 16 weeks of performances, shows from 6–9pm and 135 local artists.

Things to Do

Philly&#x27;s nightlife just got a little jazzier — even on a work week.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weeknights Live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.creativephl.org/weeknightslive/" data-vars-content-id="2b07b66c-41b9-401d-929e-fd808a874fcd" data-vars-headline="New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.creativephl.org/weeknightslive/" target="_blank">Weeknights Live</a>, a new series spotlighting local artists, offers a midweek pick-me-up for the city&#x27;s bar and restaurant scene.

Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name

Culture

That didn&#x27;t last long.State of play: The board of trustees of Philly&#x27;s largest and most prestigious art institution voted on Wednesday to nix <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s splashy renaming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/09/philadelphia-art-museum-rebrand-pham" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/09/philadelphia-art-museum-rebrand-pham" target="_self">last year&#x27;s splashy renaming</a>.<ul><li>✅ In: Philadelphia Museum of Art</li><li>🚫 Out: Philadelphia Art Museum </li></ul>Yes, but: The museum will retain the circular griffin logo and so-called brand identity that was introduced last year, per the board&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/brand-update-philadelphia-museum-of-art-will-return-as-name-of-institution-griffin-logo-and-brand-identity-will-remain/" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/brand-update-philadelphia-museum-of-art-will-return-as-name-of-institution-griffin-logo-and-brand-identity-will-remain/" target="_blank">news release</a>. <ul><li>Visitors will see changes to the museum&#x27;s branding in the coming weeks — both IRL and on its website. </li><li>The museum&#x27;s website, emails and social media pages will revert back to &quot;philamuseum.&quot; </li></ul>Cost: The price tag for the rebrand: $1 million, per the Inquirer.<ul><li>And the re-rebrand: $50,000, a museum spokesperson tells Axios. </li></ul>Zoom in: A museum task force recommended the changes following a examination of the rebrand&#x27;s rollout, including surveys of museum trustees and staff, per the board.What they&#x27;re saying: Returning to the original name &quot;is an important gesture,&quot; Daniel Weiss, the new director and CEO of the museum, said in a news release.<ul><li>&quot;We now have a system that our entire community can rally around — so we can dedicate ourselves to the important opportunities of our mission.&quot;</li></ul>Context: The museum&#x27;s retreat follows the firing of museum director Sasha Suda, who was sacked in November <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over allegations of theft." data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-art-museum-lawsuit-sasha-suda-20251121.html" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-art-museum-lawsuit-sasha-suda-20251121.html" target="_blank">over allegations of theft.</a><ul><li>Suda, who was hired in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/philadelphia-museum-of-art-names-sasha-suda-as-new-director-and-ceo/" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/philadelphia-museum-of-art-names-sasha-suda-as-new-director-and-ceo/" target="_blank">2022</a>, and her team led the rebrand, which was unpopular with many Philadelphians. </li><li>Plus: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paul Dien" data-vars-click-url="https://press.philamuseum.org/the-philadelphia-museum-of-art-welcomes--two-new-members-to-its-senior-leadership-team/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.philamuseum.org/the-philadelphia-museum-of-art-welcomes--two-new-members-to-its-senior-leadership-team/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Paul Dien</a>, the museum&#x27;s head marketer, who oversaw the rebrand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resigned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-philadelphia-a2cc1233-0fb2-4ba0-a71f-69a2127f45e7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="479a04b7-1930-4774-bf61-a23cb0e0c819" data-vars-headline="Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-philadelphia-a2cc1233-0fb2-4ba0-a71f-69a2127f45e7.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_philadelphia&amp;stream=top" target="_self">resigned</a> Feb. 1. </li></ul>1 notable thing: The museum says it will no longer use the &quot;PhAM&quot; acronym, which was introduced as part of the rebrand. <ul><li>Yes, but: Does that mean people will stop calling the museum &quot;PhART&quot;? TBD.</li></ul>

Philly neighborhoods ring in America's 250th birthday with new bells

Artists worked on the designs and highlighted histories, heroes and cultures of the neighborhoods they're being placed in.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinatown gets a bell!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d44b221d688bac1f&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMYU7a4Q-iBDlPC9N53fAeJXKiP2Q:1765386912414&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ59Aj-dkSgmXWKpa2HWaBZDtyvvIn4PVHl081BMOU6hqePjkUQDxmNMZlAa2JorCvAOGwUaUqdk3KRaXOI5--gq_7fiT9L0HI8qPbO4wdfIKjLuPMZuuQ7hezWj86UFA3tv5evsmFvFYpYzSqRm20I32UC9pHRduAvxuySQj7DJIHMbzqSvqahKwWVnzFIHpAy-CpCw&amp;q=oprah+you+get+a+car&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-x7jewrORAxVIF1kFHWirA1kQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1887&amp;bih=926&amp;dpr=0.9#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:17486ce7,vid:pviYWzu0dzk,st:0" data-vars-content-id="60b91801-0007-41a7-9709-8da5ecadffae" data-vars-headline="Philly neighborhoods ring in America&#x27;s 250th birthday with new bells" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d44b221d688bac1f&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMYU7a4Q-iBDlPC9N53fAeJXKiP2Q:1765386912414&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ59Aj-dkSgmXWKpa2HWaBZDtyvvIn4PVHl081BMOU6hqePjkUQDxmNMZlAa2JorCvAOGwUaUqdk3KRaXOI5--gq_7fiT9L0HI8qPbO4wdfIKjLuPMZuuQ7hezWj86UFA3tv5evsmFvFYpYzSqRm20I32UC9pHRduAvxuySQj7DJIHMbzqSvqahKwWVnzFIHpAy-CpCw&amp;q=oprah+you+get+a+car&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-x7jewrORAxVIF1kFHWirA1kQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1887&amp;bih=926&amp;dpr=0.9#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:17486ce7,vid:pviYWzu0dzk,st:0" target="_blank">Chinatown gets a bell!</a> Mt. Airy gets a bell! South Philly gets a bell!State of play: Twenty city neighborhoods are getting replica Liberty Bells — but local artists are zhuzhing them up.

Manayunk's Restaurant Week starts today

Here's your reason to splurge on dining out during the workweek.

Food and Drink

Manayunk&#x27;s Restaurant Week kicks off today, offering menu deals at restaurants along the neighborhood&#x27;s popular Main Street.Why it matters: Here&#x27;s your reason to splurge on dining out during the workweek.

Philly Zoo's new flamingos

14 new African greater flamingos are now part of the exhibit.

Flamingo lovers, this is for you. Driving the news: The Philadelphia Zoo&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flamingo Cove" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/news/philadelphia-zoo-unveils-brand-new-walkthrough-aviary-flamingo-cove/" data-vars-content-id="7a771684-c266-4654-8ad6-d141a595654e" data-vars-headline="Philly Zoo&#x27;s new flamingos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/news/philadelphia-zoo-unveils-brand-new-walkthrough-aviary-flamingo-cove/" target="_blank">Flamingo Cove</a> opens on Saturday to all guests.

The fastest-growing areas in the Philadelphia region

Pennsylvania as a whole has seen modest population growth in recent years, signaling bigger challenges ahead.

The Philadelphia region accounted for more than half of Pennsylvania&#x27;s population growth between 2019 and 2023, per recent U.S. census data.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/04/pennsylvania-moving-out-of-state-migration" data-vars-content-id="90feb9be-4cb0-4916-b632-b6778cddcc72" data-vars-headline="The fastest-growing areas in the Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/04/pennsylvania-moving-out-of-state-migration" target="_self">Pennsylvania</a> has seen a modest population increase in recent years, signaling bigger challenges ahead for the state.

Philadelphia's most expensive neighborhoods in 2024

Housing prices hit a two-year high last year.

Real Estate

The median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/01/10/hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow-philly" data-vars-content-id="65ba2b78-6a10-481c-a7c2-aa89b29a2d53" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s most expensive neighborhoods in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/01/10/hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow-philly" target="_self">home sale</a> price in Philadelphia&#x27;s most expensive neighborhood was $751,000 last year — up nearly 7% from 2023, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bright MLS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brightmls.com/home" data-vars-content-id="65ba2b78-6a10-481c-a7c2-aa89b29a2d53" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s most expensive neighborhoods in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brightmls.com/home" target="_blank">Bright MLS</a> data.Why it matters: Housing prices hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two-year high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/15/philadelphia-housing-prices-rise" data-vars-content-id="65ba2b78-6a10-481c-a7c2-aa89b29a2d53" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia&#x27;s most expensive neighborhoods in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/05/15/philadelphia-housing-prices-rise" target="_self">two-year high</a> last year as some buyers were active in certain parts of the city and undeterred by high interest rates.

First look at upcoming Philadelphia Flower Show

The fete to plants is a Philly rite of passage and signals the coming spring.

Take a glimpse at the &quot;Gardens of Tomorrow,&quot; this year&#x27;s theme for the upcoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flower Show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/09/26/philadelphia-flower-show-2025-gardens-of-tomorrow" data-vars-content-id="7f8a9b36-812f-47df-be0e-8dc525880e37" data-vars-headline="First look at upcoming Philadelphia Flower Show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/09/26/philadelphia-flower-show-2025-gardens-of-tomorrow" target="_self">Flower Show</a>.Why it matters: The fete to plants is a Philly rite of passage and signals the coming spring.

Philadelphia drops in Milken Institute's "Best Performing Cities" list

Philly plummeted 59 spots from its 2024 rankings.

The Philadelphia area is 111th among the country&#x27;s best-performing big cities, per an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/14/best-performing-us-cities" data-vars-content-id="97fa338d-fa66-4f41-9f84-4fd5e8a2c895" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia drops in Milken Institute&#x27;s &quot;Best Performing Cities&quot; list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/14/best-performing-us-cities" target="_self">annual report</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milken Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/research-and-reports/research-and-data-tools/2025-best-performing-cities-mapping-economic-growth-across-us?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pitching_muckrack&amp;utm_campaign=2025_best_performing_cities_us" data-vars-content-id="97fa338d-fa66-4f41-9f84-4fd5e8a2c895" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia drops in Milken Institute&#x27;s &quot;Best Performing Cities&quot; list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/research-and-reports/research-and-data-tools/2025-best-performing-cities-mapping-economic-growth-across-us?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pitching_muckrack&amp;utm_campaign=2025_best_performing_cities_us" target="_blank">Milken Institute</a>.Why it matters: U.S. city metros are ranked on several economic factors, including job growth, affordable housing and economic equality.

Philadelphia: Mid-Atlantic or Northeast? The great debate

Hoo boy. Is Philly in the Mid-Atlantic — or the Northeast? We have true believers on both sides.Why it matters: After 701 people cast votes in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Philadelphia&#x27;s poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/09/philadelphia-mid-atlantic-northeast-poll" data-vars-content-id="daa79888-9a5e-42b4-a040-f52ddbbdeca9" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia: Mid-Atlantic or Northeast? The great debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/09/philadelphia-mid-atlantic-northeast-poll" target="_self">Axios Philadelphia&#x27;s poll</a>, the jury is still out!

Newcomers Guide

New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances

Rebrand 2.0: Philly art museum backtracks on new name

Philly neighborhoods ring in America's 250th birthday with new bells

Manayunk's Restaurant Week starts today

Philly Zoo's new flamingos