Just like your favorite beach chair, the CCRA newsletter is folding up for the summer! We're taking a well-deserved break from Memorial Day to Labor Day to recharge, soak up some sun (or at least some Wi-Fi-free time), and perfect our grilled chicken technique. Don’t worry—we’ll be back in September, relaxed, rested, and bursting with news hotter than a sidewalk in July. Until then, enjoy your summer and try not to miss us too much! | | |
Office Closure and Trash Collection
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, CCRA is closed from Friday, May 23, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 27.
In addition, there will be no trash collection on Monday, May 26. Collection will resume on Tuesday, May 27.
| | OTIS Wants to Hear From You! | | |
Over the last decade, the City of Philadelphia and its partners have been working towards improving the Market Street and JFK Boulevard corridors. OTIS, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, is collecting public feedback to hear challenges and successes on W Market Street, JFK Boulevard, and the stretch of 20th St between the two. More information on the project can be found on the project page. Direct link the survey here.
| | Who’s Philly’s Phunniest? Maybe Someone You Know | | |
Late every Spring the Helium Comedy Club on Sansom Street fires up its annual “Philly’s Phunniest” standup comedy competition. If you’re not familiar, it’s kind of like March Madness: the winners of the first round move on to the second round, and on and on to the championship round. It’s a regular riot, the crowd loves it, and all genres (and then some) of standup are represented.
And this year? CCRA Executive Vice President Richard Vaughn (stagename: Earle Kennedy) has entered, and will be killing it on the evening of June 17. So if you’re not busy that night, come on out and root for (and vote for) Our Boy!
Laugh all the way to the details here.
| | |
Don't Forget To Support CCRA This Spring!
CCRA is a nonprofit, community organization primarily run by dedicated volunteers. But we have expenses, and we are not immune from inflation. We receive no government funding and therefore depend on the generous support of our members and friends.
In these uncertain times, there is one thing that you can be certain of: For over 75 years, CCRA has worked tirelessly to make Center City West - our neighborhood - a better place to live, work, and visit. Here’s how we do it:
-
We negotiate with real estate developers and city planners for smart development that improves our neighborhood
-
We protect the historic fabric of our neighborhood by nominating buildings and neighborhoods for inclusion in the City’s Register of Historic Places
-
We clean the sidewalks on trash days
-
We combat crime and lawlessness by working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department
-
We green the neighborhood by planting and tending to street trees and operating the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden
-
We advocate for policies and programs that keep our neighborhood cleaner, safer, and greener
-
We promote culture through collaboration with arts organizations
-
We bolster local businesses
-
We create community through publications, forums, and opportunities to meet and talk with neighbors
-
We collaborate with others who share our objectives
Please consider donating today. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
| | |
Event Postponed: Ballet On the Square
Now: Friday, May 23, 2025 ( 4 – 6 pm)
Rittenhouse Square
| | |
Twilight in the Gardens
Friday May 23, 2025 (7 – 10 pm)
Magic Garden Museum
1020 South Street Philadelphia, PA
On Friday, May 23, enjoy an evening under the mosaics at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens from 7 – 10 pm.
Jeremy Adam & The Bad Madams will perform while you explore the mosaicked space and make hand-bound journals with artist Emily Love. BYOB. Secure your spot here.
| | |
Fridays in Full Bloom at Rodin Museum
Fridays, May 23 – August 29 (4 – 8:30 pm)
Rodin Museum
2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Unwind at the Rodin Garden Bar, open on Fridays throughout the summer starting tomorrow from 4–8:30 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, small plates, live music, and a stroll through the lush garden oasis—all in the heart of the Rodin Museum. Family and furry friends are all welcome, but keep in mind seating is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Go here for more info.
| | SUN. May 25 – Spruce/Pine Bike Lanes Clean-Up | | |
Please join CCRA and Philly Bike Action on Sunday, May 25 to clean the Spruce/Pine bike lanes as a part of CCRA Month! We'll be meeting at the corner of 22nd and Spruce St at 11am and expect to finish by 1pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring brooms, rakes, shovels, and/or gloves, but such items will also be provided. Come on out, meet your neighbors, and help make our neighborhood a little more beautiful!
| | |
Pride & Play: Family Festival at PMA
Sunday, June 1 (10 am – 3 pm)
Philadelphia Museum of Art (Main Building)
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Kick off Pride Month with a rainbow-themed celebration of fashion and creativity. This event is part of the museum’s Art Kids Summer Series.
Guests are invited to craft wearable art inspired by the museum’s textile collection, enjoy performances by drag diva Brittany Lynn and folk duo Ants on a Log, and participate in a playful runway show inspired by designer Patrick Kelly. Admission is Pay What You Wish, and all ages are welcome. Learn more here.
| | |
Jazz Nite for the Benefit of the Nationalities Service Center
Sunday, June 1, 2025 ( 4:30 – 7 pm)
Trinity@22nd
2212 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA
| | |
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show – June 6–8, 2025
Friday and Saturday 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
Rittenhouse Square
| | Get ready for the 98th Annual Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show taking place June 6–8, 2025. Stroll around the park and explore original works from over 140 juried artists, showcasing paintings, sculptures and more. This free, open-air show is a beloved Center City tradition—perfect for art lovers, collectors, and anyone seeking inspiration. Go here for more info. | | |
Wissahickon Trail Classic: Run or Walk for the Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 8:30 am
W. Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Join the 16th annual Wissahickon Trail Classic on Saturday, June 7, at 8:30 am.
Choose between a challenging 10K trail race or a 1-mile family-friendly nature walk through the scenic Wissahickon Valley Park. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Wissahickon, supporting the preservation of this premier trail system. Lace up your shoes and sign up here.
| | |
The 2025 Gardens of Society Hill Tour
Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, from 1 to 4 pm
Tour headquarters at old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard Street
| | |
Join fellow garden enthusiasts for a delightful, self-guided walking tour of approximately 18 gardens in the beautiful and historic Society Hill neighborhood. Step into lush urban gardens and outdoor spaces often not in view from the street.
Come and get ideas for your own garden! This tour is Society Hill Civic Association’s only annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the tour benefit neighborhood improvement and beautification.
Dates are Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, from 1 to 4 pm.
For tickets and info, dig here.
| | |
Odunde Festival
Sunday, June 8, 2025 (10 am – 8 pm)
23rd & South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Get ready to celebrate a golden milestone — the ODUNDE Festival turns 50! Experience the richness of African and African American culture with a massive street festival on Sunday, June 8, spanning 16 city blocks around 23rd and South Streets.
This free, family-friendly festival not only entertains but also contributes significantly to Philadelphia's cultural landscape. For more info, visit odunde festival.org.
| |
Beta HiFi: Philly Artist Showcase at World Cafe Live
July 23 – 26 at 8 pm
The Lounge at World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Beta HiFi returns to The Lounge at World Cafe Live from July 23 – 26 at 8 pm, for a free multi-night festival spotlighting emerging Philly artists. Three local musicians perform short sets for a rotating panel of judges, with nightly winners advancing to Saturday’s finale.
Doors open at 6 pm for food and drinks. Admission is free, but table reservations are strongly encouraged. View here for details.
| | 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 spotlight the Rittenhouse framing emporium Frameworks Studio.
Frameworks Studio Brings the Art of Framing
Frameworks Studio at 21st & Walnut Sts., is not just another framing house. How so? Well, for one, the framers are artists themselves, complete with Fine Arts degrees.
For another, there is an active on-site gallery which offers seasonal exhibitions featuring the works of local artists.
And finally, as a CCRA Merchant Partner, FrameWorks offers CCRA members 10% off on all framing. So do please stop by at 21st & Walnut and say hello to FrameWorks!
| | 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. | | | | |
