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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>

Final round of Philly World Cup tickets drops today

Last-minute tickets go on sale at 11am, part of FIFA's fourth and final phased tranche of sales.

Calling all soccer fan holdouts: This is your last chance to score tickets to this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="03bd5520-8650-4435-9ad5-64e95ba405da" data-vars-headline="Final round of Philly World Cup tickets drops today" 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 games</a> in Philly.Why it matters: FIFA expects attendance at this year&#x27;s tourney to eclipse its all-time record of 3.4 million, which was set in 1994.

Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team

America's sportiest sport city will likely lose its only indoor box lacrosse team.

Philly sports titan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comcast Spectacor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/02/sixers-comcast-spectacor-new-arena-south-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="7f7e0454-6cc3-4b4a-8167-748c593cfdeb" data-vars-headline="Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/02/sixers-comcast-spectacor-new-arena-south-philadelphia" target="_self">Comcast Spectacor</a> is dropping ownership of the Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team next month.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s sportiest sports city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/04/the-ultimate-case-for-philly-as-1-of-americas-best-sports-cities" data-vars-content-id="7f7e0454-6cc3-4b4a-8167-748c593cfdeb" data-vars-headline="Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/04/the-ultimate-case-for-philly-as-1-of-americas-best-sports-cities" target="_self">America&#x27;s sportiest sports city</a> will likely lose its only indoor box lacrosse team.

Big spending, bigger expectations for the Phillies

Phillies fans continue to pay big bucks to watch their championship-starved team. But they're losing patience.

Phillies owner John Middleton has opened his checkbook to build one of baseball&#x27;s most expensive rosters. And Phillies fans are paying the price, too.Why it matters: As ticket prices soar, fans say they need a championship payoff this season to justify the rising cost of following the team.

This Phillies sports fan knows bad. He says fans have little to complain about

The Parx Casino sports gambling influencer is playing the reverse Uno card on curmudgeonly fans upset about paying steep tix prices.

Patrick &quot;Maniac&quot; Malloy remembers the lean years, when fans went to the old Veterans Stadium less to watch the Phillies lose and more to catch players for autographs as they headed to their cars.Why it matters: The Parx Casino sports gambling influencer is playing the reverse Uno card on curmudgeonly fans upset about paying steep prices to watch their team on Opening Day.

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.

What to expect at Philadelphia's World Cup Fan Festival

The free party at Lemon Hill will be the spot to experience the entire tourney outside the South Philly arena.

Philadelphia&#x27;s <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="468cb4f6-5eed-4a85-8686-47c3d0d34373" data-vars-headline="What to expect at Philadelphia&#x27;s World Cup Fan Festival" 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> festival in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fairmount Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/28/world-cup-2026-fan-festival-philly-lemon-hill" data-vars-content-id="468cb4f6-5eed-4a85-8686-47c3d0d34373" data-vars-headline="What to expect at Philadelphia&#x27;s World Cup Fan Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/07/28/world-cup-2026-fan-festival-philly-lemon-hill" target="_self">Fairmount Park</a> this summer is coming into focus.Why it matters: The free party at Lemon Hill will be the spot to experience the tourney from start to finish outside the South Philly arena.

March Madness: NCAA Men's Tournament comes to Philadelphia

It's one of the biggest sporting events in Philly this year and tickets are still up for grabs.

March Madness rolls into Philadelphia this weekend with big matchups.Why it matters: The NCAA men&#x27;s basketball tourney is one of the biggest sporting events in Philly — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in a year that&#x27;s packed with them" 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="de75acdb-109b-40c7-8bc1-2cee385cb6b2" data-vars-headline="March Madness: NCAA Men&#x27;s Tournament comes to Philadelphia" 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">in a year that&#x27;s packed with them</a> — and tickets are still up for grabs.

What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Philadelphia region

Airbnb said last month that demand for stays is surging during the World Cup in host cities.

The FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" data-vars-content-id="d49a71cc-4a80-442f-a353-727cd879df6a" data-vars-headline="What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in 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/2026/01/28/world-cup-philly-intel" target="_self">World Cup</a> is less than three months away, and the Philadelphia region will receive an influx of tourists this summer who need a place to stay.Why it matters: Short-term rental hosts could make some extra cash.<ul><li>Yes, but: Philly proper&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough industry regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/01/09/philadelphia-airbnb-vacation-rental-rules" data-vars-content-id="d49a71cc-4a80-442f-a353-727cd879df6a" data-vars-headline="What World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in 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/2023/01/09/philadelphia-airbnb-vacation-rental-rules" target="_self">tough industry regulations</a> could discourage some would-be hosts.</li></ul>

Why the Sixers slump breaks our hearts

The GF bought us Sixers tix for Valentine's Day. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

The Sixers are reeling — and I&#x27;m starting to feel like that hot-headed fan from &quot;Anger Management.&quot;<ul><li>The anger sharks are circling: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;You gotta dunk that sh-t!&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwXA4esuA8g" data-vars-content-id="71634aa8-86c1-4cdf-9e22-c0aa66570983" data-vars-headline="Why the Sixers slump breaks our hearts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwXA4esuA8g" target="_blank">&quot;You gotta dunk that sh-t!&quot;</a></li></ul>Why it matters: Hobbled by injuries to their stars, the Sixers are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second straight season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/11/76ers-attendance-season-tickets" data-vars-content-id="71634aa8-86c1-4cdf-9e22-c0aa66570983" data-vars-headline="Why the Sixers slump breaks our hearts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/11/76ers-attendance-season-tickets" target="_self">second straight season</a>.

Sports 🏅

Final round of Philly World Cup tickets drops today

Comcast Spectacor to ditch Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team

Big spending, bigger expectations for the Phillies

This Phillies sports fan knows bad. He says fans have little to complain about

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