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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>

New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances

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

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.

Catch a coaster — and a safari — at Six Flags Great Adventure

Spring break at Six Flags Great Adventure starts March 28 with 350 acres of safari near Philly.

Partners

Spring break is around the corner, and summer isn&#x27;t far behind — for families around Philly, that means one thing: it&#x27;s time to get out and make some memories.What you need to know: Six Flags Great Adventure is kicking off its Safari Spring Break Celebration on select dates from March 28 to April 12, giving Philly-area families a can&#x27;t-miss destination this season.<ul><li>Six Flags Great Adventure is in the sweet spot between Philadelphia and New York City in Jackson, New Jersey — an easy drive for families across the region.</li><li>For the best value, snag a 2026 Gold Pass for the price of Silver through April 5 and get access to more Six Flags parks and free parking all season long.</li></ul>

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.

Full lineup revealed for this summer's Roots Picnic

The two-day outdoor festival is among the biggest summer concerts in Philadelphia.

Music

Erykah Badu will headline the closing day of the Roots Festival.Why it matters: The two-day outdoor festival is among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest summer 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="1b6dfa7e-289a-4431-a8e9-de93e756a1b1" data-vars-headline="Full lineup revealed for this summer&#x27;s Roots Picnic" 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">biggest summer events</a> in Philadelphia.

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.

Philadelphia weekend: "Firstival," Holi festival and spring cleaning swap

🍻 Grab a bite and drink outdoors at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pop-up gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/17/pop-up-gardens-things-to-do-drinks-pennsylvania-horticultural-society" data-vars-content-id="61cce482-3074-4d17-8a38-cfc65b23908f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: &quot;Firstival,&quot; Holi festival and spring cleaning swap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/17/pop-up-gardens-things-to-do-drinks-pennsylvania-horticultural-society" target="_self">pop-up gardens</a> in Manayunk and South Street. Open daily (weather permitting). ♻️ Get into the swing of spring cleaning at this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community swap and resource exchange" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cultureworksphila.org/events/spring-clean-swap-meet-resource-exchange" data-vars-content-id="61cce482-3074-4d17-8a38-cfc65b23908f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: &quot;Firstival,&quot; Holi festival and spring cleaning swap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cultureworksphila.org/events/spring-clean-swap-meet-resource-exchange" target="_blank">community swap and resource exchange</a> tonight at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CultureWorks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cultureworksphila.org/" data-vars-content-id="61cce482-3074-4d17-8a38-cfc65b23908f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: &quot;Firstival,&quot; Holi festival and spring cleaning swap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cultureworksphila.org/" target="_blank">CultureWorks</a> in Center City from 5-8pm. Bring items you no longer need, browse what others are offering, and connect with like-minded creatives. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Register online" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-clean-swap-meet-resource-exchange-tickets-1983483047188?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-vars-content-id="61cce482-3074-4d17-8a38-cfc65b23908f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekend: &quot;Firstival,&quot; Holi festival and spring cleaning swap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-clean-swap-meet-resource-exchange-tickets-1983483047188?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Register online</a>. <ul><li>Ideas for the swap: Art supplies, craft materials, home goods, clothing, books, records, curios and office supplies. </li></ul>

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.

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.

Set down roots at Philly's pop-up gardens

Plants from the Philadelphia Flower Show get a second act at the gardens in Manayunk and South Street.

You know spring is in the air when the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pop-up gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/phspopupgardens/" data-vars-content-id="039d418b-4cab-47a1-8d33-34e951a8a29c" data-vars-headline="Set down roots at Philly&#x27;s pop-up gardens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/phspopupgardens/" target="_blank">pop-up gardens</a> sprout back up.Why it matters: Plants from the Philadelphia Flower Show get a second act at the gardens in Manayunk and South Street this year.

Things to Do 🗓

New series spotlights local artists with weeknight performances

Catch a coaster — and a safari — at Six Flags Great Adventure

Philly weekender: Cherry blossoms and Oddities Expo

Philadelphia is turning brunch into a party

Full lineup revealed for this summer's Roots Picnic