This Week October 9, 2025 | | |
It’s often said that Sports are a metaphor for Life, but this time of year, sometimes it seems the reverse is true.
Take the baseball, for example. After two deeply disappointing losses to the Dodgers at home, last night in LA the Phillies got off the mat and delivered a knockout punch. Can they keep it going tonight and force a deciding Game 5 back in Philly?
On the other side of Pattison Avenue are their football brethren, who saw their luck run out last Sunday in a dispiriting first loss of the season against Denver. Can the Birds also bounce back tonight against their long-time rivals, the New York Giants?
The metaphor remains apt: The field, like life, is a stage where courage, persistence, teamwork and grace make for nothing short of a living drama, and it truly can be a wonder to behold. Enjoy the beholding.
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Don’t miss out on the chance to explore 11 stunning locations at this year’s House Tour! Secure your tickets now before ticket prices increase on tour day, Saturday, October 18, for an unforgettable day of architectural wonders and inspiration. You can also pick up your ticket at the following locations by Wednesday, October 15:
- Robin Apartments, 2003 Chestnut St.
- Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St.
You are able to purchase a ticket online here through Friday, October 17
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When you hear the term “double-wide,” the first thing that pops to mind is likely not a magnificent custom-built home —designed by Terra Studio— on a quiet block near Rittenhouse Square. The space made available by the consolidation of two lots yields an interior expansiveness that is most unusual for a Center City home.
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Step toward (and through) the grand black steel front door of the stately stone building (ca. 1905) at the corner of 21 and Delancey, then go up the elegant staircase to the third-floor home and you are in for a treat.
or a treat.
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Step into this penthouse on Chestnut St and you’ll see why this new condo feels like a true urban retreat. Occupying more than a full floor of the five-story, four-unit building, this home begins with its own private vestibule — complete with striking artwork and a wallpapered ceiling that sets the stage for modern sophistication.
Plus, enhance your experience by dining at our participating restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and receive a 10% discount on the day of the tour. Treat yourself to great food while supporting our local businesses! Grab your tickets today and plan your perfect day out!
Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St, 215-732-3663
Osteria Ama Philly, 1905 Chestnut St, 484-355-4133
Topside Tavern, 10 S. 20th St, 445-223-1155
Veda Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St, 267-519-2001
Finally, we are still seeking a few more second shift volunteers to assist us. Enjoy the show from 1-2:45 pm for free and help manage our guest visitors from 2:45- 5 pm. If you’re interested, sign up here.
Let’s all make this tour a success!
| | Wanted: Vintage CCQs Lurking in Your Inbox | | |
This message is for those who may not delete their old emails, ahem….regularly (or ever!): TG for those of us who hold onto stuff! The CCRA website includes a page with links to online back issues of the Center City Quarterly. It is missing 5 issues of the Center City Quarterly: Spring 2019, Summer 2019, Summer 2018, March 2012, and June 2012. These are needed to complete the website. If you have online versions of the publication for those dates, please notify Nancy Colman, Editor, at ccqeditor@phillyccra.org
| | CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE: | | |
Why is the Bakeshop on 20th always so crowded? Well, why do you think?
Could it be the smell of the baking of pastries such as scones, muffins, sticky buns, chocolate babkas, fudge brownies, and cookies as they’re pulled from the ovens?
Could it be the made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, the hand-sliced smoked salmon and avocado toast served on your choice of artisanal English muffins, croissants or wraps?
Center City residents aren’t stupid; the Bakeshop is packed for a reason. Why not see for yourself? And while you’re there, mention CCRA and you’ll get an extra little goodie to accompany the treat you just purchased.
| | Philly Bike Ride Rolls Through Center City | | |
The Philly Bike Ride returns to the City of Brotherly Love on Saturday, October 18th, from 8am to 12pm, promising a day of festive cycling and city pride. The event kicks off at Center City, with the starting point near the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Cyclists will wind their way through historic streets and neighborhoods, enjoying a car-free route designed to showcase Philadelphia’s vibrant spirit and landmarks.
This annual event welcomes everyone—seasoned cyclists, families, and those simply seeking a fun outing. Riders of all skill levels can join the adventure, pedaling past famous sights and soaking up the energy of the city. With rest stops along the way offering snacks and water, and lively music filling the air, participants can expect a truly memorable experience in Center City and beyond.
Adding to the excitement, the ride encourages participants to decorate their bikes and dress in their most colorful gear. The finish line festival features local food vendors, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow cycling enthusiasts. Streets in Center City will be temporarily closed to traffic, so residents can step outside, cheer on the riders, or join in the festivities themselves.
Mark your calendar for October 18th and get ready to celebrate healthy city living, community, and Philadelphia’s cycling culture. For route details, registration, and event updates, visit here to learn more. Don’t miss out on this beloved fall tradition—whether you ride, cheer, or simply enjoy the city’s lively spirit!
| | Take the Phila Police Dept Survey | | |
The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is launching a collaborative process to develop its first-ever Five-Year Strategic Plan. This plan will guide the PPD priorities and strategies from 2026 to 2030. Commissioner Bethel has said that to understand the community's needs, “we have to stop telling the community what we want and start asking the community what they need.” Take the survey here.
And if you’re interested in the latest local crime report, see below.
| | Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | | Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Annual Preston & Steve Food Drive Returns | | |
Give what you’ve got! The Preston and Steve Show is “camping out” at Xfinity’s Mobile Arena, and consider this your invite to join their annual food drive, benefiting Philabundance. Become a donor by bringing your canned and dry goods to the Arena, or any of the Xfinity stores listed here. If you don’t have any canned goods to donate or would rather make an online contribution, you can do so by visiting their virtual donation page here. Every donation helps provide food to those in need. If you’d like to learn more about the food drive, click here.
When: Monday, November 10 - Friday, November 14
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena or your local Xfinity Store
| | Día de Los Muertos: Celebrate Philly-Style All Month! | | |
Día de Los Muertos: Celebrate Philly-Style All Month! Get ready, Philly—Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is coming to town with a burst of color, music, and all-out celebration! This age-old tradition blends Aztec and Catholic influences, turning remembrance into a citywide fiesta where everyone’s invited.
All October long, Bar Bombón near Rittenhouse Square invites you to bring a photo of a loved one for their special remembrance wall—and you’ll score a 10% dinner discount. Want to get crafty? The Free Library’s got you on October 23 with a free, hands-on bilingual sugar skull workshop. Then, on October 25, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens hosts a Day of the Dead Crafting Party—think sugar skulls, paper flowers, and a scavenger hunt with instructions in both English and Spanish. When evening rolls in, head over to the FDR Park Boathouse for music, dancing, tasty bites, and local artists showing off their goods.
The party keeps rolling with Rosa Mexicano’s Costume & Cocktail Class on October 30, where you can shake things up with the pros and maybe win a costume contest prize. Come back on Halloween for an extended happy hour and another round of costumes. November 1 brings even more, from the family-friendly gathering at Fleisher Memorial, to a wild bar crawl (skull face paint encouraged!), and Culturefest! at the Penn Museum, packed with crafts, performances, and an ofrenda (that’s a special altar) worth checking out.
November 2 is jam-packed: South 9th Street lights up with a massive block party—think live music, face painting, and a moving altar for honoring migrants. Cantina la Martina’s “Celebration of Life” promises great eats, kid-friendly crafts, and a community altar for your family’s photos. And if you’re not ready to call it a night, hop on the Moshulu boat for a dockside dance party featuring DJs, party decks, and high-energy vibes till late.
Dive into Philly’s Day of the Dead festivities—whether you’re making sugar skulls, dancing in the streets, or just soaking up the culture, there’s something for everyone. Come out, make memories, and celebrate the people who make life so sweet! Get more details here.
| | Shutterbugs: Save Our Signs | | |
The Save Our Signs project, created by librarians and historians, is building a public photo archive of National Park Service interpretive signs. These signs share important historical and scientific information at parks and historic sites nationwide. Anyone can contribute by photographing signs and submitting them here. The goal is to preserve these taxpayer-funded educational resources for future generations and ensure continued public access.
Lynda Kellam, Ph.D., Snyder-Granader Director of Research Data & Digital Scholarship, University of Pennsylvania Libraries is one of the founding members of the Save Our Signs campaign and the Data Rescue Project.
| | Real Time Real Estate: This Month | | |
Walk a few blocks in any direction from Rittenhouse Square and you’ll see what really gives our neighborhood its charm. It’s not just the historic brownstones or gleaming high-rises; let’s not forget it’s the cafés, boutiques, and small businesses that keep the streets really buzzing. The line at La Colombe, the brunch crowd at Parc, the florist who knows your dog’s name: these are the everyday moments that make Rittenhouse feel like home. Inventory is slightly on the rise, yet still modest, limiting home purchase choices for buyers. Location, condition, and price always lend to selling quickly, while an average home takes longer these days.
I will tell you proximity to cornerstone establishments like these noted above does add value for sure, yet existing residents also know it’s about something deeper: connection and community. Not all new cornerstones of the neighborhood are made of brick and mortar; they’re built on conversations over coffee, shop owners who wave from their windows, and the shared rhythm of city life.
Over the past few years, Rittenhouse has continued to evolve. Instead of big, flashy developments, we’re seeing small, thoughtful changes — indie fitness studios in traditional rowhouses, cozy wine bars above ground level, creative shops tucked on side streets, along with the lovely renovated brownstones and shiny condo conversions. Each one reshapes its block just a bit, adding texture and personality.
As Fall settles in and the park fills with farmers’ markets and dogs chasing leaves, it’s clear what keeps Rittenhouse so magnetic. The Park -- always the Heart, from weekend picnickers to early evening dog meetups -- Rittenhouse Square remains the neighborhood’s unofficial living room - and our greatest shared asset. From your living room to our collective living room in the square, here’s to an outstanding Fall season.
| | Community News and Events | | Handmade Happens: The Rittenhouse Fine Craft Fair Returns | | |
October 10–12, 2025 – Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square will be looking extra artsy this weekend when the Fine Craft Fair rolls into town. More than 150 artists will fill the perimeter of the park with everything from gleaming glass and bold ceramics to jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, and more—all proving that “handmade” still means made by actual hands. It’s free to stroll through, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6, and Sunday until 5—rain or shine. You can browse, buy, or just enjoy the creativity and people-watching (including the occasional confused tourist wondering whether they’ve accidentally took the train to NYC). Grab a coffee, wander the paths, and soak up the fall atmosphere. See you under the trees—with a latte in one hand and something handmade in the other.
| | Tongue & Groove Performance | | |
Sidequest Theater, located at 2030 Sansom Street, is Philadelphia's home for adventurous comedy. The theatrical troupe Tongue and Groove is unveiling a new show titled Who. The troupe asks the audience to participate by writing the answer (anonymously) to one question: “beneath typical identifiers, and in just one sentence, who are you?” These answers will inspire an improv performance all about you, the theatergoers.
The event is 65 minutes (no intermission), ages 18+, and it is BYOB!
Get your tickets here for the Who performances on Fridays, October, 10, 17, and 25 at 8pm
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Break out the lederhosen and dirndls, as it’s time for the 7th annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest celebration, running from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 11, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. both days at 22 S. 23rd Street. Billed as “Philadelphia’s most authentic Oktoberfest experience,” this popular event, which draws around 4,000 attendees, is sure to sell out.
If you want to enjoy Hofbrau beer and an array of German foods and entertainment, click here for more information and tickets, which start at $35.
| | Calder Gardens: An Innovative Attraction on the Parkway | | |
By Bonnie Eisenfeld
Photo by Sue Eisenfeld
There is not much I can add to the spectacular reviews of Calder Gardens by Inga Saffron in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Adam Gopnik in the New Yorker, Andrew Russeth in the New York Times, and Oliver Wainwright in the U.K. Guardian. Saffron calls it “the Parkway’s luminous, magical spirit cave.” Gopnik calls it a “garden of unearthly delights.” It’s a tribute to Alexander “Sandy” Calder, a third-generation Philadelphia artist.
One enters Calder Gardens at 21st and Parkway and meanders through a large flower garden toward a building that reflects the trees on the Parkway. Inside the spacious multi-story building are Calder’s famous multi-dimensional mobiles, both large and small, colorful and monochrome, hanging from the ceiling, reflecting on the walls, and moving slightly so the visitor feels like a participant not just a spectator. There are also large fixed stabiles and some paintings by Calder and a small section devoted to his father, Alexander Milne Calder, who sculpted William Penn atop City Hall, and grandfather, Alexander Stirling Calder, who sculpted the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle.
Barnes Members, teachers, a few other groups- free, but you still need a timed ticket. All others, meander here.
| | Lights, Camera, Philly: Film Lovers, Rejoice! | | |
The 34th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival is back from October 16 through October 26, transforming the city into a buzzing hub of movie magic. For these ten jam-packed days, Philly’s streets and theaters will be abuzz as filmmakers, actors, and fans celebrate the best in international and local cinema. Whether you’re a hardcore film buff or just looking for a fun night out, there’s no better place to catch the latest indie gems or star-studded premieres than right here in Center City.
This year’s lineup is a real blockbuster, featuring over a hundred films from around the globe. Screenings start most days as early as 12:00 p.m. and run late into the evening, so you can fit in a flick no matter your schedule. Special spotlight events bring some serious star power, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the creative process. Don’t forget the opening night gala on October 19—a perfect excuse to don your snazziest outfit and mingle with fellow cinephiles over cocktails and conversation.
The festival isn’t just about what’s on screen—it’s about the energy in the air. Pop by the festival’s home base at the Philadelphia Film Center (1412 Chestnut St) for panel discussions, workshops, and pop-up events where you can rub elbows with filmmakers and discover what’s next in the world of cinema. Neighborhood theaters like Ritz Five and PFS East light up with screenings, and special late-night showings add a dash of adventure for night owls.
With so many events on the docket, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re after Oscar contenders, under-the-radar indie films, or a quirky midnight movie with friends. Tickets and passes are available online, so grab yours soon, map out your must-sees, and get ready for a cinematic journey through the heart of Philadelphia. For more info, schedules, and tickets, click here click here — your ticket to movie magic. See you at the movies!
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What’s autumn without pumpkins and scarecrows and Maze Days at City Hall? This family-fun program brings the farm to the heart of the city at Dilworth Park on the 15th Street side of City Hall. Running from Oct. 15-31, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., on the Albert M. Greenfield lawn, this event will feature children’s story times, live music, fall treats like apple cider, and an outdoor movie screening, and, of course, the a-mazing maze!
For a schedule of events and more information, click here.
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Meet City Institute’s New Librarian | |
A big welcome to Karla Kaufman, the new Supervising Librarian at PCI Library. Karla is a veteran librarian who has worked in public libraries, medical libraries, and special libraries. She is a multi-talented person with an extensive background in library work and a love for reading and creating programs and exhibitions. She loves being outdoors and is a licensed scuba diver and has enjoyed skydiving twice.
Kaufman is looking forward to the challenge of working in the Philadelphia City Institute Library on Rittenhouse Square, the busiest library in the Philadelphia Free Library system, and getting to know the neighborhood people. She looks forward to creating programs such as a Spanish language class, a nonfiction reading group, and a new book club in which people would read a book of their choice and discuss it with the group.
By Judith Everitt, President of Friends of PCI; edited by Bonnie Eisenfeld
| | Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program | | Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification. | | CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
