U. S. Sen. Bernie Sanders brought his national resistance tour to Philly Thursday, drawing a crowd of well more than 1,000 people to City Hall. The event was sandwiched between smaller May Day rallies and protests in Center City and across the region and a post-event march.
Billy Penn spoke to area residents, a union official and activists about what brought them out. Continue reading …

This Sunday is “May the Fourth,” The punniest time of the year for Star Wars fans and the unofficial holiday for the epic space opera. Instead of dusting off a VHS tape of 1977’s “A New Hope” or streaming the latest episode of “Andor,” here are some events and sales around the city and region to help you celebrate the tales from a galaxy far, far away with other fans.
There’s everything from “wookie cookies” and Baby Yoda paint ‘n sip to a Sith lord’s haunted house and a Galactic Empire show. Continue reading…

RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Center City has bounced back from pandemic, really, says the local business association in their new report. [Billy Penn]
• The UK’s Prince Edward honored Philly students for their after-school work. [WHYY]
• A Philly Judge faces ethics charges over promoting his wife’s cheesesteak business. [AP]
• Chester County officials are hot over SEPTA’s proposed end of the Paoli/Thorndale Line. [WHYY]
• Expanded Hep-C testing leads to more Vietnam War vets being cured — 50 years after conflict ended. [WHYY]
• For some, nature can be a pathway to healing from gun violence. [Green Philly]
• Schoolly D and Janis Ian are among new inductees in Philly’s Walk of Fame. [WHYY]
• Yes, Philly has an urban mushroom farm. Here’s a peek. [Philly Mag]
Philly DA Race
Candidate appearances:
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Friday.

ON THE CALENDAR
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
🌠 May the Fourth be with you: where to celebrate
🧀🥩 Nihonbashi Philly cheesesteak pop-up: May 5
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, May 2: First Friday at Arch Enemy Arts
Check out the space’s 13-year anniversary exhibition for one more week while enjoy work from three new solo artists. (5 to 9 p.m.)
Friday, May 2: Premiere of ‘Memory Futures: Desi Transcendence’
An evening of art, live music, cocktails, and light fare at the Barnes’ monthly First Friday mixer. Plus: the premiere of this collab between Usiloquy Dance Designs and Grammy-nominated composer Rini Raghavan. This interdisciplinary performance, presented in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, blends Indian classical dance traditions with contemporary dance and music. $35 tickets include access to the ‘Cecily Brown’ exhibit. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, May 2: Pitch-A-Friend
Wissahickon Brewing is the latest stop for this live dating show/social. (8 p.m.)
Friday- Sunday, May 2-4: Warship Olympia Tattoo Arts Festival
The Independence Seaport Museum hosts this 5th annual event where you can get tattoos, enjoy live music and cocktails, and a sense of community all aboard a historic warship on the Delaware River. $20 per day; $40 3-day pass.
Saturday, May 3: Vegan Seafood Popup
Come SEA and taste your favorite nostalgia seafood dishes at Philadelphia Brewing Company, all 100% vegan. From fish and chips to lobster mac, crabby cakes to buffalo shrymp and more. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: reFlea Vendor Market (Spring ’25)
The Resource Exchange’s reFlea Vendor Market features local remakers, vintage & secondhand refurbishers, upcyclers and DIY creatives. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Rittenhouse Row Spring Fest
Celebrate and enjoy highlights from local businesses and vendors at this annual outdoor festival. Rain or shine. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3: Philly Soul Club
Enjoy a special Daptone edition of this celebration of rare soul, vintage r&b and northern soul magic. Expect the best at original 45 rpm. In Old City. RSVP for free. (9 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4: Spring Tree ID Walk ‘N Talk
Learn how to identify trees at this seasonal workshop at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. This spring, they will be focusing on tree buds and other signs seen in the springtime. This workshop starts in the classroom for an hour, then goes on a walk to try your new skills in the field. Dress in layers with sturdy shoes. (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4: BITES, BEATS & STREETS – East Market’s Food Truck Festival
Fuel up after/during the Broad Street Run at Jefferson Plaza at 12th and Chestnut for this event featuring El Tlaloc, Philly Fry, Ali’s Smash & Smoothies, SaiJai Thai, Pink’s Cold Treats, BBQ Clubhouse and Becks Cajun Food. Plus live music. games, salsa classes, and a public vote for your favorite food truck (12 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4: Riso Expo Philly
A market and exhibit of print art and risography, all in West Philly’s Rotunda. Presented by the Soapbox Community Print Shop and Zine Library and the Philly Zine Fest. (12 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4: El Chingon’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party
Live music, food and margaritas at Chef Carlos Aparicio’s popular Mexican restaurant in South Philly. (12 to 8 p.m.)
Through May 31: Cherry Street Pier Studio Artists and Programming Partners Showcase
Visit the exhibition to see the distinctive practices from the resident artists and programming partners. Mediums include video and new technology, painting, fiber and illustration, and highlight the talents of the artists at the Pier. Opening reception from 4 to 9 p.m.
Catch up on the previous week
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