Center City Residents' Association

1900 Market St, FL 8, Philadelphia, PA 19103

PH: 215-546-6719 Email: centercity@centercityresidents.org

January 30, 2025

Join CCRA Today!

CCRA Public Zoning Committee

On Tuesday, January 28, CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting. If you've missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel.

Click here to see the report.


The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25 via Zoom.

Panda Festival 

Dilworth Park (1 S 15th St)

Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 17

Panda Fest is a vibrant outdoor Asian food and cultural festival, featuring 300+ mouth watering street food options, live performances, and artisanal crafts. Enjoy traditional music, dance, contemporary Asian pop, and even a 15-foot inflatable panda. Don’t miss this celebration of Asian flavors and traditions! Learn more here. 


Tickets go on sale 2.3.25, They'll sell out fast.

Art Battle Philadelphia

SPIN Philadelphia (211 South 15th Street)

Friday, January 31 | 6 – 10 pm, 21+ after 9 pm

Join SPIN Philadelphia for the Art Battle Philadelphia. This live event features artists competing in rapid-fire painting sessions, with attendees voting to crown the champion. Each artwork created will be auctioned off, offering a unique opportunity to acquire original pieces. More information and tickets can be found here. 

Walk a Little to Save A Lot on Parking

Covered Off-Street Parking Only $150 per Month!



Can't find parking anywhere? Don't drive often, but want a guaranteed parking space at an affordable rate? Have friends or family visiting, and don't have anywhere they can safely park?


Located at Front & Christian Streets, the Queen Village Neighbors Association (QVNA) lot offers below-market rates and supports many of the services they provide the neighborhood and surrounding areas.


So, stop driving around, looking for parking and help over fellow civic organization in the process! Sign up here.

The Grammy’s Drag Brunch

City Winery (990 Filbert Street)

Saturday, February 1 | 12 pm

Join Riot Nerd and Henn House Events, along with City Winery, the day before The Grammys, as they celebrate all the nominees with a drag brunch. You'll hear some of your favorite music from nominees such as Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Ariana Grande, and more! For information and tickets, go here. 

Trinity @ 22nd Music Sessions 

2212 Spruce Street

Sunday, February 2 | 4 pm

Tom Wilson Weinberg is a singer-songwriter and playwright whose work, including Get Used To It! and Oscar Visits Walt, has amplified LGBTQ+ voices through music and theater. Get tickets to see this passionate storyteller perform here.

Black History Month in Philly

Philadelphia is a city rich in Black history and culture, and there’s no better time to explore it than during Black History Month. February comes alive with Black History Month events, exhibits, and historic landmarks. 


Honor Black heritage by visiting the African American Museum, support Black-owned businesses, and explore the city's vibrant culture. Read the full article on Philly's Black History celebrations here.

Food Insecurity

The Philadelphia Citizen's article "How to Fight Food Insecurity in Philly" offers practical steps to combat hunger in the city. Suggestions include donating non-perishable items like peanut butter, organizing food drives, and volunteering to sort donations.


The piece emphasizes that even small actions can make a significant impact on the lives of food-insecure residents. Read more here. 

Science on Tap

National Mechanics (22 S. 3rd St.)

Monday, February 10 |  6–7 pm

Join the Science History Institute for "Animals in Historic Philadelphia: Food, Labor, and Industry." Zooarchaeologist Katherine Moore will explore the vital roles animals played in 19th- and early 20th-century urban life.


Free admission, first-come, first-served. More information here.

Art Exhibition Closing Reception at the Cosmopolitan Club

Cosmopolitan Club Philadelphia (1616 Latimer Street)

Wednesday, February 12 | 4-6 pm 

Apologies for the “members only”  link in last week’s newsletter. Below, you’ll find the correct general public link, so you can enjoy local artist James Dupree’s unique designs. 

The Cosmopolitan Club's Gallery Committee showcases rotating exhibitions featuring fine art and crafts in diverse media. Tickets for this free event can be found here.


Tickets for this free event can be found here.

Music for Food and Sunday Love Project 

Curtis Institute of Music (1726 Locust Street)

Tuesday, February 18 | 7:30 pm

Join the Curtis Faculty and students as they perform to benefit The Sunday Love Project. Music for Food is a musician-led initiative to fight hunger in our local communities.


In the 2022-2023 season, Music for Food concerts raised more than $110,200 for food pantries in 22 cities across the nation. For tickets, click here

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we feature Merchant Partner Sandcastle Fun Co!


Merchant Partner Sandcastle Fun Co. Brings the Fun!


Have you seen the groups of young children in Rittenhouse Square being led in music and games by enthusiastic teachers and wonder what that was? Wonder no more, as that was none other but our newest Merchant Partner, the Sandcastle Fun Co.!


Sandcastle Fun Co. is a dynamic collective of performing artists – many with BFA’s from The University of the Arts -- providing educational and entertaining programs for children from infancy to six years old. Their innovative classes – outdoors in the Square and indoors at the Ethical Society -- create fun and educational experiences that inspire young minds to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories. They even offer fabulous customizable birthday party packages for children and families to enjoy.


And, for CCRA members: After taking a free demo class, any CCRA member who presents proof of membership will receive 15% off their first purchase of a bundle of classes and will be eligible for 10% off their birthday party or private event! So whether the little ones in your life are children, grandchildren or beyond, let Sandcastle Fun Co. bring the fun to YOU!

CCRA Members Receive Discounts at the following Merchant Partners:

Arts and Entertainment


Academy of Vocal Arts

Curtis Institute of Music

Estelle Carraz-Bernabei

Interact Theatre Co.

Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Theatre Co.

The Philly Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill

Sandcastle Fun Co.

Violet Alexandre


Computers and Technology


Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 

Mr FIX


Home, Retail, and Lifestyle


1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift

Blue Sole Shoes

Dom's Shoe Repair

FrameWorks Studio & Gallery

PhotoLounge

Rittenhouse Hardware,

The Rounds

Urban Tree Finishing & Interior Painting

William Schwartz Jewelry

Hotels, Travel, and Accommodations


Excursions from the Square

Loews Hotel Philadelphia

The Franklin


Health and Fitness


Balance Health Care Center

City Fitness

Eye Candy Vision


Food and Drink


12th Street Catering

DiBruno Bros.

Jeni's Ice Cream

Osteria Ama Italian Restaurant

The Bake Shop on 20th, 

Seafood Unlimited 

Veda Modern Indian Bistro

 

Other 

 

Philly Bike Tours

The River Boat Tours



Pets and Pet Care


Liberty Pet Vets

CCRA assumes no responsibility and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner.

Facebook  Instagram  X  YouTube