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No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend

The protests are expected to bring road closures and traffic delays.

Politics

The third round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" data-vars-content-id="8e8de9e0-267f-4b6b-8f7a-f91f73a8ff73" data-vars-headline="No Kings protests planned throughout Philly region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/16/no-kings-protest-philly-pennsylvania-trump-october" target="_self">No Kings</a> rallies is set for Philadelphia&#x27;s Center City and other spots across the region this weekend. Why it matters: The potentially large-scale protests will prompt daylong road closures and traffic delays on Saturday.

Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia's proposed rideshare tax

The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, echoing the battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Kenney.

News

Uber is launching an aggressive campaign to defeat Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax — tapping a high-powered Philadelphia lobbying firm and warning riders how the fee will hit their wallets.Why it matters: The fight is shaping up as Soda Tax 2.0, reminiscent of the bruising battle the beverage industry waged against former Mayor Jim Kenney&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" data-vars-content-id="f0ab01d1-070f-442f-a838-54463132480c" data-vars-headline="Uber escalates fight over Philadelphia&#x27;s proposed rideshare tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/12/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-legacy-moments" target="_self">signature initiative</a> to fund universal pre-kindergarten, plus renovations to parks and recreation centers.

Phillies trade Harry Kalas' name for energy drink sponsor — fans cry foul

The move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs.

Sports

The Phillies have found themselves in a pickle before the season starts over their decision to remove legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas&#x27; name from an upper-deck concessions bar as part of a naming rights deal with Ghost Energy.Why it matters: To fans, the move landed like a 103-mph fastball to the ribs — and it&#x27;s coming from their own team.

Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo

Fill out your social calendar with these can't-miss events in the Philadelphia region.

Things to Do

🎉 Celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly Flag Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWVGOElDIOA/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWVGOElDIOA/" target="_blank">Philly Flag Day</a> today from noon-1pm. The annual event, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marking what&#x27;s likely the first official city flag in the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/20/city-flag-redesign" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/20/city-flag-redesign" target="_self">marking what&#x27;s likely the first official city flag in the U.S.</a>, is set for the north apron of City Hall, where you&#x27;ll find music, giveaways and award ceremony. 🌸 It&#x27;s cherry blossom time! Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherry Blossom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" target="_blank">Cherry Blossom Festival</a> is Saturday and Sunday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fairmount Park Horticulture Center" data-vars-click-url="https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fairmount-park-horticulture-center/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fairmount-park-horticulture-center/" target="_blank">Fairmount Park Horticulture Center</a>. <ul><li>Count on vendor fair, food court, tea ceremony, face painting, calligraphy station, a scavenger hunt and other activities. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" data-vars-content-id="9746e2f2-2588-467d-b1bf-b7f68a022678" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://japanphilly.org/programs/festivals/cbf-2026/" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $5-$20; kids under 12 are free. </li></ul>

Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods

This is Jesse Ito's sixth time as a finalist.

Philly&#x27;s James Beard story features a familiar face: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Royal Sushi &amp; Izakaya" data-vars-click-url="http://royalsushiandizakaya.com/" data-vars-content-id="9d60c677-66fa-4826-bb3b-9d35b7e5ee99" data-vars-headline="Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://royalsushiandizakaya.com/" target="_blank">Royal Sushi &amp; Izakaya</a>&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jesse Ito" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/02/james-beard-award-finalists-2025-philly" data-vars-content-id="9d60c677-66fa-4826-bb3b-9d35b7e5ee99" data-vars-headline="Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/02/james-beard-award-finalists-2025-philly" target="_self">Jesse Ito</a> is once again a finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, joining a strong group of regional nominees.Why it matters: The Beards are the restaurant industry&#x27;s Oscars, and Ito&#x27;s repeat recognition underscores his staying power and Philly&#x27;s status as a top food city.

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

The last time Philly could serve alcohol past 2am was in 2016.

Food and Drink

Philly bars are getting the green light to keep the alcohol flowing until 4am during the FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" target="_self">World Cup</a> and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" target="_self">big events</a> this summer.Why it matters: Extending last call will help businesses cash in on the flood of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" data-vars-content-id="602e7fb1-74b4-4db2-9528-a4d1d61ee1e4" data-vars-headline="Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/philadelphia-region-tourism-250-america-2026-events" target="_self">tourists</a> expected in the coming months.

What's new at Citizens Bank Park this season

Yummy ballpark fare and new renovations can boost the game experience — especially when the Phils are losing or the weather is bad.

Citizens Bank Park is rolling out several new eats and amenities for the 2026 season.Why it matters: Yummy ballpark fare and upgrades to the team store and Cadillac Hall of Fame Club can boost the game experience — especially when the Phils are losing, or the weather is bad.

Philadelphia is turning brunch into a party

Liquid Brunch is hosting its first amped-up brunch on April 4 at Fabrika.

Forget the mimosas and small talk. Brunch is getting an overhaul, Philly style.Why it matters: Organizers hope its high-octane spin on the classic weekend pastime launches a wave of people seeking a mashup of daytime dining with nightlife vibes.

The cheesiest bracket in Philly is officially on

Craft Hall is pitting its top mac-and-cheese dishes against each other in a single-elimination bracket.

One dish is about to be crowned the mac daddy of them all.The big picture: Northern Liberties sports bar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Craft Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crafthallphilly.com/" data-vars-content-id="6c8babfb-0b0d-4321-8296-bf101ef65033" data-vars-headline="The cheesiest bracket in Philly is officially on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crafthallphilly.com/" target="_blank">Craft Hall</a> is tapping into March Madness fever with its own in-house Mac Madness tournament.

This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust

Mason Lesser, a former pro surfer, is as intense as his classic, 600-degree Baker's Pride oven.

Philly pizzeria owner Mason Lesser loves three things: making dough, surfing and going to the gym.The big picture: The 25-year-old former pro surfer is making a name for himself in Philly&#x27;s ultra-competitive food scene, cranking out New York-style pizzas every 10 minutes at his Fishtown shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marina&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://marinaspizzaco.com" data-vars-content-id="bfd0a2ef-e8b9-406d-88ac-2df14fb712fb" data-vars-headline="This Philly pizzaiolo is chasing the upper crust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://marinaspizzaco.com" target="_blank">Marina&#x27;s Pizza</a>, which opened late last year.<ul><li>Helped by a six-person crew, Lesser works between 10 and 14 hours a day, seven days a week. And he has a message for people who warn him about his relentless pace that&#x27;s as saucy as his homemade pies.</li></ul>

Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award

The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry's biggest name.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster House" data-vars-click-url="https://oysterhousephilly.com" data-vars-content-id="3d5ade0d-52d1-4aaf-a208-6562f3320bb6" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia seafood spot wins James Beard Foundation award" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oysterhousephilly.com" target="_blank">Oyster House</a> in Center City nabbed a James Beard America&#x27;s Classic Award.Why it matters: The coveted accolade is a gold stamp of approval from the culinary industry&#x27;s biggest name.

Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations

The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Di Bruno Bros." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" data-vars-content-id="1d67968c-2a66-45b2-9e5c-52c76f8c3d35" data-vars-headline="Di Bruno Bros. to close several store locations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/10/17/di-bruno-bros-sold-wakefern-food" target="_self">Di Bruno Bros.</a> is shuttering a majority of its markets in the Philadelphia region this month. Why it matters: The Philly-born Italian specialty grocer has been a beloved go-to spot for cured meats, cheese and epicurean delights since 1939.

These are Philadelphia region's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

Beard Award season has begun, which ranks among the brass rings of the culinary industry.

The James Beard Foundation revealed its 2026 semifinalists today, and Philadelphia has a bunch of restaurants, bars and chefs in the mix.Why it matters: Beard Award season has begun, which ranks among the brass rings of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="culinary industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-star-restaurants-awards-philly" data-vars-content-id="fe3afc26-5225-427f-84bd-092ed5302e6f" data-vars-headline="These are Philadelphia region&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-star-restaurants-awards-philly" target="_self">culinary industry</a> and culminates in June when the winners are revealed.

Center City's Restaurant Week starts this weekend

Get it while you can because there won't be a fall version again this year.

Philadelphia&#x27;s premier Restaurant Week in Center City kicks off this weekend.Why it matters: Get it while you can because there won&#x27;t be a fall version again this year.

Food and Drink 🍽

Philly racks up 7 James Beard finalist nods

Philly bars could stay open until 4am during World Cup

What's new at Citizens Bank Park this season

Philadelphia is turning brunch into a party

The cheesiest bracket in Philly is officially on