Day: January 13, 2020

NJBIA Calls for Re-authorization of Tax Incentive Program in Support of Film Credit Expansion Bill

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association testified  in support of a bill that extends the film tax credit, while calling for the urgent need to re-authorize a comprehensive tax incentive program.

New Jersey has been without a tax incentive program, a fundamental tool in most states\’ economic development strategies, since July 1.

NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Emigholz said that bill S-3842 (Weinberg, D-37; Sarlo, D-36), which was released by the Senate and Budget Appropriations Committee today, could ultimately be included in a broader tax incentive program.

\”It has now been more than half a year that New Jersey has been without a tax incentive program,\” Emigholz said. \”Without this tool, we continue to put future job creation, economic development and prosperity at risk.\”

The film tax credit bill would extend by five years the availability period for tax credits to offset expenses incurred for the production of films and digital media content in New Jersey. Emigholz added that the bill increases the caps for this film credit program without a formal net benefit test in place.

\”NJBIA believes that increasing these caps is a good first step, but caps are unnecessary for tax incentive programs as long as there are strong net benefit tests to protect taxpayer dollars,\” Emigholz said.

\”The goal should be not to cap success, but allow incentive programs shown to be successful through net benefit tests to create as many jobs as possible. We believe the broader tax incentive program should follow that theme wherever possible of greater flexibility with enhanced accountability,\” Emigholz said.

Two Philadelphia Residents Charged with Pharmaceutical Delivery Trucks Robberies

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Darryl Goodman, 55, and Nieem Cann, 26, both of Philadelphia, PA, were arrested and charged by Indictment for a series of violent robberies across the Delaware Valley over a four month period early last year.  The ten-count Indictment charges Goodman and Cann with various offenses including conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm, carjacking, and possession of fentanyl

with intent to deliver.

Between February and May 2019, the defendants are alleged to have perpetrated a string of violent robberies and attempted robberies of delivery workers and drivers for a pharmaceutical supplies company, TXX Services.  The defendants’ alleged attacks on TXX drivers spanned a large geographic area that includes the City of Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County and into New Jersey.  For each robbery, the defendants—working with other co-conspirators—would travel to TXX Services’ warehouse in Cherry Hill, NJ in the early morning hours and then follow a delivery van along its route.  Goodman and Cann would then assault the driver in the course of a delivery, carjack the delivery van and abduct the victim, and drive the van to another location in order to raid its supplies and resell them on the street.  In one of the incidents alleged in the Indictment, the robbery of a TXX delivery worker at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in March 2019, the defendants managed to steal over $140,000 worth of controlled substances and hospital supplies, including numerous vials of fentanyl citrate, a highly addictive opioid pain medicine.

“The allegations here are appalling, as the defendants ruthlessly stalked their victims before violently assaulting them,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The TXX employees were simply doing their jobs, delivering much-needed medicine and supplies to healthcare centers, and of course should not have had to worry about having a gun pointed at them.  It takes a special kind of depravity to steal medicine and hospital supplies in this manner.  We will continue to work relentlessly to hold dangerous criminals accountable and get them off of the streets.”

“Not only did these defendants allegedly commit a string of brazen, violent carjack robberies, they did so in order to steal and sell controlled pharmaceuticals, including fentanyl, on the street,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI\’s Philadelphia Division. “Know that the Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force is working each and every day to stop dangerous criminals who have decided to make their money preying on the public.”

If convicted, both defendants face a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Solow.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Letter of Disappointment To Jersey City Council From Jersey City Educator

January 11, 2020, 8:52 am | in

Franky Maldonado – McNair Educator

JCEA – 1600 Kennedy Blvd.

Jersey City NJ 07305

I am writing this email as a taxpayer, voter, educator, and parent. When Mayor Fulop announced that he was presenting a resolution for a Mayor-Appointed School Board, I immediately thought of Mayor Frank Hague’s consolidation of power in Jersey City from 1917-1947. As Mayor of Jersey City, Mayor Hague created a system of political patronage and cronyism, turning Jersey City into a “Nefarious Political Machine.”

According to a NJ historian, “you couldn’t attain any job in that city unless you had something to offer Hague.” Additionally the historian goes onto to say, “Jersey City politics was so overtly corrupt that even President Franklin Roosevelt funneled [New Deal] funds to Hague for favors and votes.”

This type of top-down city corruption was eventually targeted by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, the NJ State Prosecutor’s office, and progressive-minded political reformers who sought to wrestle power away from political machines. After Hague’s tenure, others attempted to mimic the precedent he set; however, most if not all Mayors failed in their attempts to rule “with an Iron Fist.”

Today, in 2020, we have the reincarnation of Mayor Hague in the form of Steven Fulop. There are many differences between these two men, both in terms of upbringing and experiences however, their unsaturated thirst for power are very similar.

Both men have used their power to bend the will of city commissioners and elected council members.

Both men have created intra-city emergencies and crises to strengthen their positions in the eyes of the public.

Both men have manipulated, cajoled, and undermined true reforms by hijacking the democratic process.

Both men have behaved as if they do not have to answer to the taxpayer and voter.

As a matter of opinion, I believe that both men have convinced themselves that they are smarter than the voter, thus taking on a paternalistic approach to politics proclaiming themselves as “Savior” or “Anointed One.” This unchecked hunger for political power is both dangerous and poses a threat to our democracy. Then on Wednesday’s January 8th council meeting, after many people expressed their opinions (resounding no), most of you (with the exception of Mr. Boggiano whom voted NO & Mr. Lavarro whom ABSTAINED) voted to enact his “master plan.”

What do you have to gain from this?

What does the taxpayer gain from this? How will the students benefit from this? Did you do your due diligence in researching how an appointed Board got Jersey City State-Controlled Schools?

Mayor Fulop attempted to exert influence over the schools with Dr. Lyles and Board members that he once upon a time supported. What did they do to the schools? They left them underfunded and understaffed! Now he is asking you for the schools and you hand him the keys with your resounding vote. Jersey City: Make It Yours! Meanwhile, people are being priced out of their homes due to high taxes. Developers are coming in and bulldozing traditional communities in favor of luxurious condos for New Yorkers.

These developers get all sorts of “perks” but the traditional taxpayer gets shafted. Gentrification is suffocating our communities. Invest in what you have here! Stop pandering to the developers and their cronies. Leave our schools alone! We all know once the Mayor gets his hands on the schools he is going to consolidate them (especially in the South Ward) just like the failed Newark One Plan and he is going to give the schools away.

Just look at what Senator Booker did in Newark while he was Mayor.

In closing, what you did cannot be undone. Some of you put your interests above what is best for the taxpayers and our children. Maybe you were naive about what the Mayor was asking. Maybe you were not paying attention because you have a life outside of council chambers and a phone in your hand. If you want to reconcile your position before the community start by opposing the Mayor. Speak out against his power grab and maybe then we will believe in you. I had a dream last night that I was in a dense fog. I was frightened and lost. Then I heard a loud voice calling onto me. I thought it was God. So I searched for the voice in the fog. As I got closer and closer the voice became stronger and louder. The fog began to dissipate as I neared the source. As the fog disappeared I found a mirror, and in the mirror I saw my reflection. It was my conscience reminding me that I am only human and I can make mistakes.

Don’t let this MISTAKE define your tenure and career as a City Councilperson of Jersey City. All the Best for the Year,

Sincerely,

Franky Maldonado

GUEST OPINION: LIKE OR NOT, HE\’S OUR PRESIDENT

by George Roof, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Retired)

Because I am a \”lifer\” in the military, I\’ve seen the impact of a president more than many of you can imagine. I enlisted with LBJ and saw just what a Democrat cluster flock was all about. I went to Vietnam and saw how we were constantly and incessantly bombarded with micromanagement from Washington that got thousands of military people killed. I sometimes wonder if I\’ll get to heaven, but if I go to hell, I\’m sure I\’ll still be a few hundred floors above that bastard Robert McNamara, LB Johnson, John Kerry, Jane Fonda, and yes, even the \”hero\” John McCain.

After Johnson \”abdicated\” rather than having his a** waxed, I lived through Nixon who was hawkish but allowed the generals (and there WERE a few real generals back then versus now) run the show. Nixon was so out of touch that he never knew North Vietnam was about to surrender when the Paris Accord was presented.   .

Only God could help us after Gerald Ford was beaten by Jimmy \’Peanuts\’ Carter who\’d been funded by Saudi money. The military was turned into Section 8 and even the White House suffered the austerity.

Then the light began to shine and Ronald Reagan swept into the fray. He not only loved the country and the military, they l loved him back. Esprit d\’corps was off the scale during his presidency. The Liberals were slowly turning into socialists, however, and about this time all the draft dodgers of the 1960\’s who\’d been given amnesty by Jimmy \’Peanuts\’ were turning out college graduates with degrees in socialism. Bush 1 was an enigma from the CIA and though he never did much either way, he NEVER DID MUCH EITHER WAY.

Welcome to Bill Clinton.  Clinton spent most of his two terms wagging the dog and creating the \’Oral\’ Office, sending a bomber to blow up Quaddafi\’s tent and killing a goat or two, while allowing the UN to set up the infamous Black Hawk Down situation He made history by becoming only the second president to be impeached.

I actually felt sorry for Bush 2. He was doomed to infamy from the start. He thought most of America was still the rah rah patriots of WWII when they were \’simply socialists\’ waiting to feed him to the sharks.

Then there came the Manchurian Candidate Obama with a faked (OK Democrats, let\’s say \”of questionable origin\” to assuage your PC brains) birth certificate, who\’d gotten a free ride through college under a foreign student exemption, and whose college records and complete life history had been \’sealed.\’ (We know more about Thomas Jefferson\’s bastard children than we do about Obama, Michelle , OR their two faked kids.)

From his inaugural address, he slandered America and within days had begun to encourage dissension of the races as well as slandering police who \”acted stupidly.\” That was mild to the crap that would come in doubling the national debt from what had been built by ALL THE PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED, feeding us bullshit about how Muslims built this country, and nationalizing American industries.

Paragraph 9: Fueled by George Soros\’ money and using the Air Force fleet as his personal charters, he appointed malcontents and traitors into positions of authority. He trashed the Constitution by installing \”czars\” (interesting he chose a title like that) to bypass Congressional authority. By that time, Congress was completely corrupt on both sides of the aisle. No one had balls to impeach this charlatan Obama.

Mysteriously, the lone outspoken conservative Supreme Court Justice Scalia suddenly dies in his sleep at an Obama pal\’s hunting lodge and the Supreme Court is evenly split. Finally, Congress shows some balls and rejects Obama\’s Supreme Court, Justice nomination. The Libertards aren\’t worried because the fix is in. Soros \’has paid\’ demonstrators to cause turmoil at all the Republican gatherings.\’ Obama concedes that illegal aliens should vote as they won\’t be prosecuted, and Soros-manufactured voting machines are caught switching votes in certain precincts Hillary has cheated her way to the nomination and her lies are completely ignored by the brainwashed minions of sycophants who follow her.

But a shocking thing happened on the way to the forum.

Middle America had had enough and although the pollsters and the pipers tried to convince middle America not even to bother to vote, they were fed up with the denizens of the swamp. It was time. Florida was designated a \”swing\” state ignoring that all those old retirees living in St. Petersburg, and the fed up Cuban Americans of Miami weren\’t interested in their platform. Ohio and Pennsylvania, where coal production was blacklisted and where Obama had ridiculed them for \”clinging to their Bibles and their guns,\” lay awaiting this supposed \”landslide\” Hillary vote,…. and creamed it.

The Socialist world of the Democratic Party disintegrated. An American who expressed unbridled love of country and respect for police, firemen, and military steamrolled across the heartland and the liberals realized their scheme was trashed. A CONSTITUTIONALIST would be nominated to the Supreme Court and if the old hag Ginsburg who\’d claimed to retire if Trump were elected would actually retire and leave, the Supreme Court would have a massive majority of CONSTITUTIONALISTS for the next 40-50 years.

Now, the same party who\’d ridiculed Trump on his comments about the election being rigged, started screaming that the election \’was\’ rigged. They even advocated having the election repeated. They created mobs that burned and pillaged, stopped traffic, threatened murder, battery and rape of Trump supporters, and became the anarchists that the socialist dream thrives upon. They run like castrated pigs for safe zones and use diaper pins as their national symbol.

This is exactly what happens when political correctness takes over and participation trophies are awarded to everyone. They can\’t conceive how disgusting and subservient they have become.

Donald Trump may NOT be the best person for the job, but he\’s such a welcome respite from the candy-assed wimps who\’ve been running the swamp that it\’s refreshing to see. At the very least, Donald Trump derailed the Socialist train and bought us precious time. If he only does half of what he\’s promised, we\’ll still be legions ahead of where Obama has dragged us. Already countries who held us in contempt are lining up to be found in the favor of America. Donald Trump has done more in his short time in the public eye..he prevented Hillary Clinton from becoming president!

So for you liberal lurkers and you half-assed fence-sitters, Tough shit! You had your big hurray and now your party is over. For you staunch Republicans in office, don\’t gloat so much yourselves. You\’ve been put on notice by the American people that we\’re fed up with

ALL YOU BASTARDS

and if you don\’t start putting America first, you do so at your own peril. You might want to buy a copy of George McGovern\’s autobiography and see how shocking and humbling it can be for a professional politician to have to try to find legitimate work once he falls from grace.

This election was pure, unadulterated AMERICAN!!! Hillary was beaten  and AMERICA WON THE ELECTION. You can claim he\’s not \”your president\” all you want, but unless you \’forfeit\’ your American citizenship, ….

HE IS YOUR PRESIDENT!!!

Go cry a river some place they need water.

EDITOR\’S NOTE: This article was first published in 2016. It was submitted last week to CNBNews for publication by Frank K.

Philadelphia & The Countryside Calendar Of Events

Festivals, Exhibitions And Events In The Greater Philadelphia Region Now Through

JANUARY 2020

Two men pose in front of a Philadelphia mural of Martin Luther King Jr. The region is home to the U.S.\’s largest day of service honoring the civil rights hero, with tens of thousands of volunteers participating each January. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, January 21, 2020   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Through January 19, 2020

JACOBLY SATTERWHITE: ROOM FOR LIVING.

A multidisciplinary artist embraces the role of provocateur with performance, music and animation at the

Fabric Workshop and Museum.

As a queer African American man, Satterwhite addresses issues that affect his personal experience and explores issues of nostalgia, family, and music. (215) 561-8888,

fabricworkshopandmuseum.org

Through January 20, 2020

DINOSAURS AROUND THE WORLD.

An exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

shows how sea level fluctuations and volcanic activity caused dinosaurs to disperse all over the globe. Interactive components allow guests to touch fossil casts, name their own dinosaur and investigate what dinosaurs may have looked like millions of years ago. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

January 1, 2020

MUMMERS PARADE.

Thousands of festooned strutters kick off the New Year by marching along

Broad Street

in this festive daylong event. One of the Mummers divisions, the Fancy Brigades, puts on two elaborate, Broadway-style performances for ticket holders at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center.

phillymummers.com

January 7

–

19, 2020

THE BAND’S VISIT.

One of the most Tony-award winning musicals in history makes a stop at the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 10 & 11, 2020

DRUMLINE LIVE.

The energy, rhythm and musicality of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands hit center stage at the

Merriam Theater.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 14 – 19, 2020

32

nd

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL OF BLACKS IN DANCE.

The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) continues its 50th anniversary celebration by hosting this event at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater and SEI Innovation Studio, the DoubleTree Philadelphia, Cambria Hotel Philadelphia and The University of the Arts. (301) 755-0831,

iabdassociation.org

,

philadanco.org

January 17 – 19, 2020

HAMLISCH: WITH LOVE.

In dedication and tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, The Philly POPS perform renditions of his award-winning songs from Broadway (

A Chorus Line

) and Hollywood,

The Way We Were

, with help from vocalist Ashley Brown. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

January 18 – March 22

, 2020

ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens

creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

January 21, 2020

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE.

Greater Philadelphia holds the country’s largest day of service every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with tens of thousands of volunteers doing community projects throughout the city and region.

mlkdayofservice.org

January 21–26, 2020

RIVERDANCE – NEW 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW.

This brand-new production reinvents the Irish and international dance and music stylings of the worldwide sensation at the

Merriam Theater.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 23 – February 8, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos. January performances take place at the

Academy of Music;

February performances occur at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

January 25, 2020

JERRY BLAVAT DISCO, ROCK N’ ROLL AND SOUL.

The Boss with the Hot Sauce hosts a show in

Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

featuring musical acts Peaches & Herb, The Trammps and Gary U.S. Bonds, among others, and a tribute to the late Johnny Maestro. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 25, 2020

LUNAR NEW YEAR.

The celebration of the Year of the Rat includes a parade through

Chinatown,

midnight lion-dance performances and special events at

Reading Terminal Market,

the

Independence Seaport Museum

and

The Rail Park.

January TBA, 2020

CENTER CITY RESTAURANT WEEK.

Select restaurants in the

Center City District

will offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person, and three-course lunches for $20 per guest.

ccdrestaurantweek.com

FEBRUARY 2020

Philadelphia Auto Show, February 8-17, 2020   — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Through February 8, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Through February 23, 2020

THE ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS ICE RINK AND CABIN AND WINTERGARDEN.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Skating Rink, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and Wintergarden finish their seasonal run at

Dilworth Park,

City Hall’s front yard. (215) 440-5500,

centercityphila.org

Through February 29, 2020

BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

Major attractions across the city—including

The African American Museum in Philadelphia,

the

National Constitution Center,

the

Free Library of Philadelphia

and more—celebrate the month throughout February with events and special programming.

visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/black-history-month-in-philadelphia

February 1, 2020

AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR.

One of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children’s books in the country, the 28th annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the

Community College of Philadelphia

features nationally known and bestselling authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books, and activities that promote the power and joy of reading.

theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

February 1–16, 2020

GETAWAY AT THE GREENHOUSE.

Fairmount Park Horticultural Center

celebrates summer in winter, setting up a giant sandbox, live music, food trucks and

Gaia, The Traveling Artwork

, British artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular giant globe of the Earth featuring detailed NASA photography. (215) 685-0096,

myphillypark.org

,

my-earth.org

February 1 – June 7, 2020

VOTES FOR WOMEN: A VISUAL HISTORY.

The

Brandywine Museum of Art

commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote using drawings, illustrations and posters expressing the message of the suffragists, as well as costumes, clothing, sashes and emblems worn by the women activists. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 1 – June 14, 2020

WITNESS TO HISTORY: SELMA PHOTOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN SOMERSTEIN.

This exhibit on display at the

Brandywine Museum of Art

documents the historic 54-mile march for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 6–16, 2020

PHILLY THEATRE WEEK.

A 10-day regional theatrical festival promises 100 events, including panels, concerts, meet-ups and loads of live theater. (267) 761-9950,

theatrephiladelphia.org

February 7–9, 2020

NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC.

Friends from

Bubble Guppies

,

Paw Patrol

,

Dora the Explorer

,

Shimmer and Shine

,

Blue’s Clues and You

,

Blaze and the Monster Machines

, and

Top Wing

lead a singing-and-dancing adventure at the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 8–17, 2020

PHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW.

The automotive industry’s latest creations are on a 750,000-square-foot display at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center,

the showplace for more than 700 pre-production, classic, luxury and exotic cars.

phillyautoshow.com

February 14–16, 2020

ARETHA: RESPECT.

To honor the Queen of Soul, The Philly POPS features Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and R&B singer Ryan Shaw in a program that includes renditions of

Bridge Over Troubled Water

,

Respect

and

Chain of Fools

. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

February 15 – September 20, 2020

SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST.

Survival strategies of sloths, iguanas and pancake tortoises, among other animals that are slow and small, are explored in this exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

(215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

February 16, 2019

MUMMENSCHANZ: YOU & ME

. The mesmerizing Swiss theatrical troupe performs their brand-new show at the

Annenberg Center

creating shapes, forms, sounds and stories that delight audiences of every age. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 19 – March 1, 2020

HELLO, DOLLY!

Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 21 – March 14, 2020

#GLASSFEST.

This three-week festival presented by the

Annenberg Center

celebrates Philip Glass’ career and includes the Philadelphia premiere of the composer’s

Music in Twelve Parts

and the world premiere of

The White Lama

, a theatrical piece by Nikki Appino that features a score by Glass. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 23

–

May 10, 2020

MARIE CUTTOLI: THE MODERN THREAD FROM MIRÓ TO MAN RAY.

Cuttoli, a modern art pioneer, commissioned international modernist artists to design pieces that were woven into tapestries, as seen in this

Barnes Foundation

exhibit. (215) 278-7200,

barnesfoundation.org

February 29 – March 8, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.

The annual gardening celebration at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,

theflowershow.com

February TBA, 2020

EAST PASSYUNK RESTAURANT WEEK.

Three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners are available (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included) at various restaurants in the South Philly neighborhood.

eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com

MARCH 2020

Philly Wine Week, March 30-April 6, 2020   — Photo courtesy Philly Wine Week

March 2020

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.

March marks Women’s History Month, a time when attractions and venues across the city welcome guests for special events, tours and presentations oriented around the month-long celebration.

Through March 1, 2020

HELLO, DOLLY!

Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

Through March 1, 2020

IN CONVERSATION: VISUAL MEDITATIONS ON BLACK MASCULINITY.

Fifty-five female and non-binary photographers of African descent present an exhibition at the

African American Museum in Philadelphia

exploring the notions of Black men, masculinity, sexuality and gender identity. (215) 574-0380,

aampmuseum.org

Through March 8, 2020

DESIGNS FOR DIFFERENT FUTURES.

The future feeds designers’ inspiration and this exhibit at the

Philadelphia Museum of Art

shares examples of what creators think the years ahead hold. (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

Through March 8, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.

The annual gardening celebration at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,

theflowershow.com

Through March 17, 2020

COST OF REVOLUTION.

This 5,000-square-foot exhibition at the

Museum of the American Revolution

chronicles the untold story of Irish soldier Richard St. George who, after an injury at the Battle of Germantown in 1777, returned to his native country to find it energized by the revolutionary spirit. (215) 253-6731,

amrevmuseum.org

March 22, 2020

ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens

creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

March 1, 2020

FRANKLIN SQUARE.

The carousel resumes to turning and Square Burger gets back to making Cake Shakes, as Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Franklin Square fully reopens after a winter break. (215) 629-4026,

historicphiladelphia.org

March 1 – September 20, 2020

SEAT AT THE TABLE

.

A free, seven-day-a-week, interactive art exhibition by Dome Collective at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

invites the public to experience women’s representation in places of power (seats at tables) through 3D infographic furniture, while a wall of interactive screens introduces pioneers in women’s history. (215) 893-1999,

domecollective.com

March 5–7, 2020

PORGY AND BESS.

Conductor Marin Alsop leads The Philadelphia Orchestra and a cast including soprano Angel Blue, baritone Lester Lynch and the Morgan State University Choir in George Gershwin’s American classic that shares a story of heartbreak and hope along Charleston’s Catfish Row. (215) 893-1999,

philorch.org

March 6–8, 2020

POPS ROCKS PHIL COLLINS.

Philadelphia salutes the only performer to play both London and Philly for Live Aid in 1985 in this tribute performance to Phil Collins at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,

featuring hits such as

Easy Lover

,

One More Night

and

Two Hearts

. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

March 7, 2020

PHILLY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL.

Called “one of the top 10 beer festivals in America” by

Forbes Traveler

, the festival features national and international breweries, food trucks and a VIP session with rare brews at the

Philadelphia Navy Yard.

(631) 940-7290,

phillycraftbeerfest.com

March 7–29, 2020

ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL. The Israeli Film Festival,

Philadelphia’s annual showcase of the best in Israeli film, returns with a powerful lineup of documentaries, dramas, films and more. (484) 904-5421,

iffphila.com

March 7 & 8, 2020

PALEOPALOOZA.

Visitors get up-close-and-personal with rare fossils from the collection of the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

, talk to paleontologists and participate in a number of activities planned for dinosaur fans of all ages. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 12, 2020

BALLET FOLCLÒRICO NACIONAL DE MÉXICO DE SILVIA LOZANO.

This nearly 60-year-old institution brings the culture of Mexico to the

Merriam Theater

through folklore, dance, music and costumes. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 12 – April 5, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The second of two epic celebrations marking Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday sees the Philadelphia Orchestra at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

juxtaposing the composer’s nine genre-transforming symphonies with contemporary works from composer-in-residence Gabriela Lena Frank and her diverse composers from the Creative Academy of Music. (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

March 14–22, 2020

THE WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL.

It’s year five for this empowering, Philly-grown, women-centric festival that celebrates women’s roles behind and in front of the camera.

thewomensfilmfestival.org

March 15, 2020

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE.

Marching bands, decorated floats, music and dance groups, youth groups and Irish associations march down Broad Street to City Hall and from City Hall to Market Street to Penn’s Landing.

philadelphiastpatsparade.com

March 17

–

29, 2020

LES MISÉRABLES.

The Broadway Philadelphia series brings the Tony-Award winning musical classic with its inspiring tale to the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 21, 2020

FOUNDERS DAY.

Visitors pay what they wish at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

to celebrate the founding day in 1812 of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 21, 2020

SIMPLE GIFTS WITH ORGAN: THE CASHORE MARIONETTES & ORGANIST MARVIN MILLS.

The music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland fills

Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,

while the Cashore Marionettes express touching scenes of everyday life. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 29 – May 3, 2020

SPRING BLOOMS.

Visitors take in the sights and smells of spring’s arrival at

Longwood Gardens

with 240,000 tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and more. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

March 29 – August 23, 2020

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR.

This exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

, organized and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, displays 100 stunning images of nature and wildlife. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 30 – April 6, 2020

PHILLY WINE WEEK.

The annual eight-day festival returns for another year of wine-centric events, tastings, pairings and specials at bars and restaurants throughout Philadelphia.

phillywineweek.org

Through March 2020 (date TBA)

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST.

Penn’s Landing’s

wintertime ice-skating rink and Winterfest wonderland, complete with a lodge, arcade and confectionery cabin, enjoy their seasonal run. (215) 629-3200,

riverrink.com

March 2020 (TBA)

QFLIX PHILADELPHIA.

This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the LGBTQ communities, with venues TBA.

qflixphilly.com

Spring 2020 (TBA)

RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S OPENING.

The site of Bucks County’s beloved cabaret greets a similarly-spirited 38-room boutique hotel overlooking the Delaware River. (215) 682-2022,

riverhousenewhope.com

APRIL 2020

Philadelphia Science Festival, April 17-25, 2020   — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Science Festival

Through April 5, 2020

AMERICAN VOYAGER: HERMAN MELVILLE AT 200. The Rosenbach

marks what would be Melville’s 200th birthday with an exhibition of first editions and rare manuscripts (including

Moby-Dick

), examined through the lenses of LGBTQ environmental conservation and other contemporary issues. (215) 732-1600,

rosenbach.org

Through April 5, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The second of two epic celebrations marking Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday sees the Philadelphia Orchestra at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

juxtaposing the composer’s nine genre-transforming symphonies with contemporary works from composer-in-residence Gabriela Lena Frank and her diverse composers from the Creative Academy of Music. (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Through April 6, 2020

PHILLY WINE WEEK.

The annual eight-day festival returns for another year of wine-centric events, tastings, pairings and specials at bars and restaurants throughout Philadelphia.

phillywineweek.org

Through April 19, 2020

THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL EXPERIENCE.

This world premiere exhibit at

The Franklin Institute

allows visitors to use their savvy science skills to escape dangerous real-life occurrences. (215) 448-1200,

fi.edu

April 2 – 5, 2020

PHILADELPHIA ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL.

This event at

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

offers a cutting-edge roster of smart eco-first films from around the world. (215) 247-3105,

philaenvirofilmfest.org

April 2 – 5, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FINE ARTS FAIR.

Forty Philadelphia art galleries and institutions — including the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Art—present contemporary works at the

23rd Street Armory for

in a ticketed event to raise funds to help preserve the ctiy’s public art.

philfineartfair.com

April 4, 2020

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS.

Humorist Sedaris brings his wit and observations to the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

April 4 – 12, 2020

SUBARU CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL.

Sakura Weekend (April 4 & 5) begins a springtime tradition at

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, featuring film screenings, kimono dressing, demonstrations of

nihon buyo

, traditional dance and martial arts. (267) 237-3550,

japanphilly.org

April 8

–

June 7, 2020

DR. SEUSS’S

A CAT IN THE HAT

.

Sally and her brother’s day turns upside-down with the arrival of Dr. Seuss’s beloved character. Part of the

Arden Children’s Theatre

series. (215) 922-1122,

ardentheatre.org

April 8–19, 2020

PEEPS

®

IN THE VILLAGE.

Pennsylvania’s most famous marshmallows descend upon creative displays in a new springtime tradition for Bucks County’s

Peddler’s Village.

(215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

April 9

–

11, 2020

THE SECOND CITY: SHE THE PEOPLE.

Chicago’s famed comedy troupe brings a new show with an all-female cast to the

Perelman Theater of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

April 11 & 12, 2020

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE SHOWCASE.

The annual event at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

includes private exhibits that have never been shown in museums, living legend history makers, documentary films, historical reenactments, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, visual artists and crafters, poetry readings, theatrical performances and historical musical concerts.

blackhistoryshowcase.org

April 12, 2020

89TH ANNUAL EASTER PROMENADE.

That song about Easter bonnets still applies along

South Street,

where best-dressed Easter celebrants continue the city’s decades-old tradition of competing for prizes and fun. (215) 413-3713,

southstreet.com

April 17–19, 2020

FAST FORWARD.

PHILADANCO looks at the future of choreography in a co-commission with Toronto’s Dance Immersion, Vietnam’s Thang Dao, Broadway’s Ray Mercer and choreographer Kathy Smith at the

Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 387-8200,

philadanco.org

April 17–25, 2020

PHILADELPHIA SCIENCE FESTIVAL.

With hands-on events for kids, sophisticated activities for adults and a carnival, this citywide event demonstrates the role science plays in everyday life. (215) 448-1397,

philasciencefestival.org

April 18, 2020

WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0 – ACTIVATE CREATURE POWER.

The Kratt brothers, Martin and Chris, appear live on stage at the

Merriam Theater

to share their knowledge and excitement about the world’s creatures. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

April 18 & 19, 2020

SPRING KIDSFEST.

This free event at

Peddler’s Village

promises hands-on experiences, educational opportunities and traditional kids’ activities such as live music, story times, animal presentations, crafts, face painting, balloon artistry, moon bounces and visits from police cars and fire trucks. Rain or shine. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

April 23–25, 2020

PENN RELAYS.

High school, college and professional track stars compete at

Franklin Field

during the Penn Relays, the oldest collegiate meet in the nation. (215) 898-6151,

thepennrelays.com

April 24–26, 2020

PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES & ART SHOW.

One of the most prestigious antique shows in the country, this event features fine and decorative arts, jewelry and furniture at

The Navy Yard,

with exhibitors showcasing Colonial to contemporary examples of form meeting function.

philadelphiaantiquesandartshow.com

April 24–25, 2020

PHILADELPHIA BLACK PRIDE.

This pioneering multi-day gathering of people of different races, ethnicities and sexual orientations traditionally coincides with the Penn Relays.

phillyblackpride.org

April 26, 2020

FAIRMOUNT AVENUE ARTS CRAWL.

Dozens of bars, restaurants and shops in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood turn into galleries, while live music, dancing, kids’ activities and demonstrations round out a festive day in the Art Museum neighborhood. (215) 232-4766,

fairmountcdc.org

April 30, 2020

DINING OUT FOR LIFE.

Approximately 200 regional restaurants donate 33% of every diner’s dinner check to local HIV/AIDS nonprofit action wellness. (215) 981-3367,

diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia

April 2020 (TBA)

EL

CARNAVAL DE PUEBLA

.

South Philadelphia’s vibrant pre-Cinco de Mayo procession showcases folk traditions from the Mexican state, the home of many Philadelphians, through a colorful parade and street fair.

carnavaldepuebla.com

April 2020 (TBA)

MANAYUNK RESTAURANT WEEK.

Manayunk Restaurant Week begins with vendors and food trucks joining Main Street’s lineup of restaurants for an all-day eat fest, the Spring STREAT Food Festivaland continues when Manayunk restaurants offer three-course meals at low fixed prices. (215) 482-9565,

manayunk.com

April–September 2020 (dates TBA)

PARKS ON TAP.

This popular warm-weather tradition brings barbecue and beer to iconic outdoor spaces, a different Philadelphia park each Wednesday through Sunday. (215) 568-1616,

parksontap.com

April 2020 (TBA)

SPRINGFEST.

The Philadelphia Film Society presents a shorter, mid-year version of its annual fall festival to showcase great independent and international films with spring/summer releases—shorts, features, documentaries, animated and guest-accompanied films—in theaters and venues around Philadelphia. (267) 239-2941,

filmadelphia.org

April 2020 (TBA)

TINY ROOM FOR ELEPHANTS.

The sixth year for this pop-up festival shows off some of the city’s best up-and-coming street artists and DJ’s, and includes a family day and exhibits open (without performances) through a later date, at

Cherry Street Pier.

cherrystreetpier.com

MAY 2020

Philly Tech Week, May 1-9, 2020   — Kevin Monko for Philly Tech Week

Through May 3, 2020

SPRING BLOOMS.

Visitors take in the sights and smells of spring’s arrival at

Longwood Gardens

with 240,000 tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and more. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

Through May 10, 2020

MARIE CUTTOLI: THE MODERN THREAD FROM MIRÓ TO MAN RAY.

Cuttoli, a modern art pioneer, commissioned international modernist artists to design pieces that were woven into tapestries, as seen in this

Barnes Foundation

exhibit. (215) 278-7200,

barnesfoundation.org

Through May 17, 2020

OFF THE WALL: AMERICAN ART TO WEAR.

More than 100 works of wearable art made by more than 50 artists, most collected by New York gallerist Julie Schafler Dale, tell of the uniquely American Art to Wear movement, born of the 1960s and ’70s, at the

Philadelphia Museum of Art.

(215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

May 1–9, 2020

PHILLY TECH WEEK.

Business leaders and other self-proclaimed tech geeks — and the technically challenged — participate in more than 100 events, including a variety of programs, interactive activities and workshops that celebrate and highlight emerging trends, advances and innovating uses of technology.

2020.phillytechweek.com

May 2, 2020

SOUTH STREET SPRING FESTIVAL.

Thousands of revelers take part in al fresco family fun, from Headhouse Square and along South Street in an annual event that includes a giant Maypole, a few dozen concerts, eating contests, a Kids’ Zone, nearly 200 vendors and

Maifest,

Brauhaus Schmitz’s German beer and dancing extravaganza.

southstreet.com

;

brauhausschmitz.com

May 3, 2020

BROAD STREET RUN.

The 40th annual run, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, spans 10 miles, from Olney to South Philadelphia. (215) 683-3594,

broadstreetrun.com

May 7–9, 2020

PHILADELPHIA CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL.

Acclaimed series of performances for children returns to the

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

May 8 & 9, 2020

ABERDEEN DAD VAIL REGATTA.

The world’s largest collegiate regatta takes place on the

Schuylkill River

and attracts more than 3,000 competitors from 125 colleges across the country and Canada. (215) 542 -1443,

dadvail.org

May 9, 2020

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE!

All of the beloved characters from the PBS series visit the

Merriam Theater

to take the audience on an adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

May 15 – June 7, 2020

ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,

the country’s oldest and largest art museum and school, previews the works of graduate and undergraduate art students during this 119th annual exhibition. (215) 972-7600,

pafa.org

May 15 – May 19, 2020

ELEKTRA.

Richard Strauss’ score hits center stage when Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra and a talented vocal cast including soprano Christine Goerke, who takes on the role of the daughter who seeks to avenge her father’s death by murdering his killer, her mother. (215) 893-1999,

philorch.org

May 15 & 16, 2020

STOTESBURY CUP REGATTA.

Philly’s largest sprint regatta has been held continuously on the

Schuylkill River

since 1927 and sees thousands of high school athletes participating, as it is also the world’s largest scholastic regatta.

stotesburycupregatta.com

May 16, 2020

RADNOR HUNT RACES.

In its 90th year, this annual horse race located in Malvern draws in crowds of 20,000, rain or shine, to watch six races throughout the day; funds benefit the Brandywine Conservancy.

radnorhunt.org

May 16 & 17, 2020

9

TH

STREET ITALIAN MARKET FESTIVAL.

The annual festival features live entertainment, games (including a greased pole-climbing contest) and food, plus the

9

th

Street Italian Market’s

dazzling array of homemade sausages, delicious cannoli, imported meats and cheeses, cappuccino, beef and poultry, specialty cookware and fresh pasta. (215) 545-4543,

italianmarketfestival.com

May 16 & 17, 2020

NEW HOPE CELEBRATES’ ANNUAL PRIDE FESTIVAL.

The festival begins with an Equality Flag ceremony and continues with a weeklong celebration that culminates with Saturday’s Pride Parade and Fair, which crosses the bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey to New Hope, site of outdoor performances and events.

newhopecelebrates.com

May 16 & 17, 2020

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.

Strawberries of all sorts, live entertainment and pie-eating contests are just a few of the festivities at this free annual event at

Peddler’s Village.

(215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

May 17, 2020

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS.

The acclaimed big band and jazz orchestra with its 15 musicians performs original and historic compositions at the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

May 21–31, 2020

DEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR.

At 125 years young, Devon is the country’s oldest and largest event of its kind, featuring equestrian disciplines, exhibitions and an old-fashioned country fair at the

Devon Show Grounds.

(610) 964-0550,

devonhorseshow.net

May 23–25, 2020

BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM OF ART ANTIQUES SHOW.

Outstanding furniture, glass, metalware, ceramics, folk art, quilts and other fine antiques from across the nation go on display at the

Brandywine River Museum of Art.

(610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

May 23 – September 7, 2020

GARDEN RAILWAY.

Every day from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day,

Morris Arboretum

runs its G-scale model along a quarter-mile track with 12 rail lines, seven loops and tunnels, two cable cars and nine bridges. (After Columbus Day, the Garden Railway operates on weekends only.) (215) 247-5777,

morrisarboretum.org

May 28–31, 2020

YUJA WANG AND THE BRAHMS PIANO CONCERTO.

Curtis Institute of Music graduate Yuja Wang joins Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra for a performance of Brahms’ two piano concertos. (215) 893-1999,

philorch.org

May 29 – June 7, 2020

PHILLY BEER WEEK.

The 13th annual celebration of the city’s vibrant beer culture features events ranging from tastings of locally crafted brews in cozy neighborhood taprooms to educational offerings such as guided tastings, lectures and prix-fixe beer-pairing dinners.

phillylovesbeer.org

May 30 & 31, 2020

DRAGON BOAT MINI CAMP.

Coaches Pat and Liz Bradley, winners of 11 gold medals at the 2019 International Dragon Boat Festival World Championship, lead rowers of all levels in Philadelphia’s first camp of its kind. (610) 642-2333,

philadragonboatfestival.com

May 2020 (TBA)

BOLD WOMEN & BEER FESTIVAL. Love City Brewing

hosts Philadelphia’s second women-centric beer festival, featuring more than 30 breweries, plus food trucks, live entertainment and talk of leadership.

boldwomenandbeer.com

May 2020 (TBA)

KENSINGTON KINETIC SCULPTURE DERBY AND ARTS FESTIVAL.

People stroll the streets of Kensington and Fishtown to find an eclectic mix of local artists, musicians and food; the derby portion of the day celebrates human-powered transit as fanciful mobile sculptures parade along a three-mile urban obstacle course.

kensingtonkineticarts.org

May 2020 (TBA)

MEXICAN RESTAURANT WEEK.

To celebrate Philadelphia’s Mexican cuisine, participating restaurants including Adelita, Philly Tacos, El Rey, Mole Poblano, Tamalex, San Lucas, South Philly Barbacoa, Cafe Ynez, Taqueria Atexquita and Los Tacos offer $20 meals during one week only. (215) 592-0410,

mexicanculturalcenter.org

May 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN FRANKLIN SQUARE.

With giant, light-up silken sculpture, this beloved festival returns to

Franklin Square,

as do live nightly performances, Chinese crafts and cuisine and the Dragon Beer Garden. (215) 629-4026,

historicphiladelphia.org

May 2020 (TBA)

PHILLY TANGO FEST

.

Tango dancers, aspiring tango dancers and music lovers alike enjoy tango inspiration for four days and nights, with more than 600 dancers from across the nation and world at the

Lithuanian Music Hall Association.

(617) 291-3798,

philadelphiatangofestival.com

May 2020 (TBA)

RITTENHOUSE ROW SPRING FESTIVAL.

Shopping and dining venues in the Rittenhouse neighborhood come together for a public street fest and a day of music, outdoor shopping, fashion events, international entertainment and food from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants.

rittenhouserow.org

May 2020 (TBA)

SEMANA MEXICANA (MEXICAN WEEK).

A week dedicated to Mexican culture begins with the raising of the

bandera de México

at Philadelphia City Hall, includes Cinco de Mayo parties in Center City and Kennett Square (in Chester County) and continues with Mexican Restaurant Week. (215) 592-0410,

mexicanculturalcenter.org

May 2020 (TBA)

SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK.

Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio games, an arcade, mini-concerts and tasty treats while strolling the boardwalk on Philly’s waterfront.

sprucestreetharborpark.com

SUMMER 2020

19TH AMENDMENT.

The National Constitution Center commemorates the granting of the right to vote to (many) American women with an exhibit that explores constitutional arguments for and against women’s rights and offers fascinating historical context, spotlighting multiple generations of advocates and exploring the complex debates surrounding rights for African Americans versus rights for women. (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

JUNE 2020

Odunde Festival, June 14, 2020   — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH.

The 30-day-and-night celebration originally and commonly known as “Black Music Month” fetes its 41st anniversary in the city where the idea began — Philadelphia.

Through June 6, 2020

WOMENNOW CONCERT SERIES.

Women who are composers, conductors, instrumentalists and vocalists star throughout the Philadelphia Orchestra’s season. (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Through June 7, 2020

ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION.

The

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,

the country’s oldest and largest art museum and school, previews the works of graduate and undergraduate art students during this 119th annual exhibition. (215) 972-7600,

pafa.org

Through June 7, 2020

DR. SEUSS’S

A CAT IN THE HAT

.

Sally and her brother’s day turns upside-down with the arrival of Dr. Seuss’s beloved character. Part of the

Arden Children’s Theatre

series. (215) 922-1122,

ardentheatre.org

Through June 7, 2020

PHILLY BEER WEEK.

The 13th annual celebration of the city’s vibrant beer culture features events ranging from tastings of locally crafted brews in cozy neighborhood taprooms to educational offerings such as guided tastings, lectures and prix-fixe beer-pairing dinners.

phillylovesbeer.org

June 3

–

7, 2020

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY.

Dixie Longate, the drag persona of actor Kris Andersson, brings laughter and kitchen accessories to the forefront with her Tupperware party for adults only at the

Perelman Theater of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

June 4–7, 2020

LATINO FILM FESTIVAL.

For one weekend, film fans view works by established and emerging Latino and Latin American filmmakers, a lineup that includes feature films, shorts, animations and documentaries, in English or Spanish with subtitles, along with workshops and discussions.

phlaff.org

June 14, 2020

ODUNDE FESTIVAL.

The largest African American street festival on the East Coast comes to

West South Street

during this annual event that features cultural, historical and family-friendly events. (215) 732-8510,

odundefestival.org

June 14, 2020

PRIDEDAY LGBT PARADE AND FESTIVAL.

Rainbow flags fly high during a day filled with live music, food, drinks and an annual parade that marches from 13th and Locust streets to Penn’s Landing. (215) 875-9288,

phillygaypride.org

June 16, 2020

BLOOMSDAY.

James Joyce fans spend the day outside the historic

Rosenbach Museum & Library

to hear some of Philadelphia’s most interesting personalities read

Ulysses

during this open-air festival. (215) 732-1600,

rosenbach.org

June 19–20, 2020

SHE LEADS ROAD RALLY.

Race car drivers pull an all-night, round-trip road trip from

Drexel University College of Medicine

in East Falls to Seneca Falls, NY, site of the first Women’s Rights Convention. (Buses also available.

)

women100.org

June 20, 2020

JUNETEENTH.

Historic Germantown honors the ratification of the 13th Amendment with a parade along the Avenue, and a day of historical reenactments, tours, children’s activities and food and drink at the

Johnson House Historic Site.

(215) 844-1683,

freedomsbackyard.com

June 20, 2020

PHILADELPHIA JUNETEENTH PARADE & FESTIVAL.

Philadelphia marks African Americans’ emancipation from slavery with two days of reenactments, entertainment, an African children’s village, a cultural marketplace and a parade.

juneteenthphilly.org

June 23–28, 2020

KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP. Aronimink Golf Club

hosts one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour for the first time ever, a historic tournament in its 66th year. (610) 356-8000,

KPMGWomensPGA.com

June 27 & 28, 2020

MANAYUNK ARTS FESTIVAL.

Featuring artists from around the country, along with crafts, food and music, this two-day festival runs along

Main Stree

t in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood. (215) 482-9565,

manayunk.com

June 2020 (TBA)

ART IN THE VILLAGE.

Peddler’s Village celebrates the summer with a new, three-week exhibit of outdoor art on display and live music on select days, culminating in a new Art and Wine Festival. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

June 2020 (TBA)

BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK PHILADELPHIA.

A number of the city’s top Black-owned restaurants highlight African American, African and Caribbean cuisine in Philadelphia.

phillybrw.com

June–August 2020 (TBA)

CENTER CITY SIPS.

Wednesday night in the summer means happy hour deals at multiple bars in the

Center City

neighborhood. Bars participating in Center City Sips serve up discounted cocktails, wine, beer and half-priced appetizers.

ccdsips.com

June 2020 (TBA)

FETE DAY.

For nearly a century, residents of historic

Elfreth’s Alley

have opened their doors for one afternoon in June, offering a rare opportunity for ticketed visitors to step into these private homes and to learn about how generations have protected the structures while adapting them to modern living.

elfrethsalley.org

June–September 2020 (TBA)

PECO MULTICULTURAL SERIES.

Penn’s Landing

celebrates the diverse cultures that make Philadelphia distinctive through free festivals.

delawareriverwaterfront.org

June 2020

(TBA)

PHILADELPHIA DYKE MARCH.

Dyke-identified people and their allies hit the streets with protest signs and raised voices calling for more visibility and equality for marginalized queer voices in the pride community; the march begins and ends at

Louis I. Kahn Park.

facebook.com/philadelphiadykemarch

June 2020

(TBA)

ROOTS PICNIC.

Philly’s The Roots perform and bring other musical performers to join them for a daylong concert at Fairmount Park’s

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts.

(800) 745-3000,

rootspicnic.com

June 2020

(TBA)

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. Historic Strawberry Mansion

opens its orchards for berry-picking, beekeeping demonstrations and crafts for kids. (215) 228-8364,

historicstrawberrymansion.org

June TBA-July 4, 2020

WAWA WELCOME AMERICA.

Celebrating the nation’s birthday for the 28th year in a row, Wawa Welcome America is a multi-day party with free events for all ages throughout the city — including concerts, a parade and fireworks.

welcomeamerica.com

Summer 2020

THE HYATT CENTRIC HOTEL OPENING.

This new construction one block from Rittenhouse Square offers 13 stories and 332 rooms of rustic modern design by Philadelphia firm DAS Architects.

hyatt.com

JULY 2020

Oval+, July 2020   — Photo by A. Yee for Fairmount Park Conservancy

July 10–12, 2020

BLOBFEST.

The 21st anniversary of a three-day extravaganza in Phoenixville centers around the horror/sci-fi flick

The Blob

and includes screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of the pivotal scene where hundreds of scared townspeople flee the

Colonial Theatre.

(610) 917-1228,

thecolonialtheatre.com

July 18 & 19, 2020

BLUEGRASS AND BLUEBERRIES FESTIVAL.

Live country and bluegrass music and berries combine for a weekend-long midsummer celebration at the summer festival at

Peddler’s Village

in lovely Bucks County. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

July 30 – August 2, 2020

BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL.

Hailed by

Ebony

magazine as “the Black Sundance,” this

International House-

based event showcases artistically excellent independent films about the global Black experience and films by people of color.

blackstarfest.org

July 31 – August 2, 2020

XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL.

WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers along the Camden waterfront at

Wiggins Waterfront Park

and

BB&T Pavilion.

(215) 898-6677,

xpnfest.org

July 2020 (TBA)

CELEBRATION OF BLACK ARTS.

One of the oldest African American literary events comes to Philadelphia each year, bringing conferences with performing and literary artists, including acclaimed journalists, writers, singers and more from across the United States. (215) 232-4485,

artsanctuary.org

July 2020 (TBA)

EAST PASSYUNK CAR SHOW AND STREET FESTIVAL.

The annual showing of look-but-don’t-touch vintage classics, hot rods and more line South Philly’s

East Passyunk Avenue,

as do food trucks and craft vendors.

visiteastpassyunk.com

July 2020 (TBA)

NUEVOFEST.

A free, alt-Latin music festival, a production of WXPN’s Latin Roots Live series, showcases artists who represent the new sounds of Latin America.

xpn.org

July 2020 (TBA)

THE OVAL+.

The summertime pop-up park returns to

Eakins Oval,

bringing with it outdoor reading and music rooms, free Friday night movies, art installations, spray garden, giant sandbox, basketball court, tether ball, badminton, ping-pong, plus food trucks and loads of free entertainment and programming. (215) 607-3477,

theovalphl.org

July 2020 (TBA)

UNIVERSITY CITY DINING DAYS.

University City residents and visitors can enjoy multi-course meals for $15 to $35 (depending on the restaurant) in some of the neighborhood’s popular dining spots.

universitycity.org

July 2020 (TBA)

XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL.

WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers along the Camden waterfront at

Wiggins Waterfront Park

and

BB&T Pavilion.

(215) 898-6677,

xpnfest.org

AUGUST 2020

BlackStar Film Festival, August 2, 2020   — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

Through August 2, 2020

BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL.

Hailed by

Ebony

magazine as “the Black Sundance,” this

International House-

based event showcases artistically excellent independent films about the global Black experience and films by people of color.

blackstarfest.org

Through August 2, 2020

XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL.

WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers along the Camden waterfront at

Wiggins Waterfront Park

and

BB&T Pavilion.

(215) 898-6677,

xpnfest.org

Through August 23, 2020

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR.

This exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University,

organized and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, displays 100 stunning images of nature and wildlife. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

August 7–9, 2020

PEACH FESTIVAL AND SIDEWALK SALE.

If it’s in season, it’s celebrated at

Peddler’s Village,

and August means peach pie, peach ice cream, peach preserves — and a summer sale to boot. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

August 13–16, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL.

Philadelphia’s answer to Woodstock, now in its 59th year, attracts musicians, storytellers and craftspeople for a weekend of song and merriment at

Old Pool Farm

in Schwenksville. (800) 556-FOLK (3655),

pfs.org

August 23, 2020

UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL.

Tryzub, the

Ukrainian American Sport Center

in Horsham, celebrates the country’s independence with a full afternoon and evening of folk dancing (

hopak

), folk music, kids’ activities and homemade Ukrainian foods. (267) 664-3857,

tryzub.org

August 26, 2020

TOAST TO TENACITY™. Independence Hall

becomes the backdrop to a centennial celebration—exactly one hundred years to the day when the 19th Amendment was ratified, giving American women the legal right to vote.

women100.org

August 28–30,

2020

CITADEL COUNTRY SPIRIT USA.

The Brandywine Valley’s three-day country music festival takes place at

Ludwig’s Corner House Show Grounds

in Glenmoore and features country music stars and includes attractions, food and drinks.

countryspiritusa.com

August 2020 (TBA)

2

nd

STREET FESTIVAL.

Northern Liberties, the neighborhood that helped launch Philly’s craft beer craze, closes down

North 2

nd

Street

for a family-friendly festival of beer gardens, food, workshops, art, street performances and two stages for live music.

2ndstfestival.org

August 2020 (TBA)

BUG FEST.

At the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University,

hundreds of live insects of all sizes, shapes and colors will be on display so that visitors can talk with scientists, learn about bugs from around the world, enjoy insect presentations and even taste a bug or two. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

August 2020 (TBA)

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Plenty of pet-friendly vendors and activities are on tap at the Levering Lot in

Manayunk,

as well as food trucks, pet adoptions and a Pup Crawl where businesses offer drink specials and activities for furry friends and their owners. (215) 482-9565,

manayunk.com

August 2020 (TBA)

PHILLY FREE STREETS.

Now in its fourth year, this popular Saturday event closes down a main city thoroughfare to vehicular traffic — this year, an eight-mile stretch of

North Broad Street

between City Hall and Erie Avenue — so people can bike, walk and play in the street. (215) 686-5552,

phillyfreestreets.com

August 2020 (TBA)

PHILLY NAKED BIKE RIDE.

Now in its twelfth year, this two-wheeled, 10-mile, clothes-free, car-free, citywide ride expects to attract thousands of participants — and more than a few onlookers.

philadelphianakedbikeride.wordpress.com

August 2020 (TBA)

MADE IN AMERICA.

Multi-headliner, two-day, pre-Labor Day outdoor concert, founded and organized by Jay-Z/Roc Nation, returns to Philadelphia for its ninth year.

madeinamericafest.com

SEPTEMBER 2020

Taller Puertorriqueño\’s Feria de Barrio always precedes Hispanic Heritage Month.   — Photo courtesy Taller Puertorriqueño

Thr

ough September 20, 2020

SEAT AT THE TABLE

.

A free, seven-day-a-week, interactive art exhibition by Dome Collective at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

invites the public to experience women’s representation in places of power (seats at tables) through 3D infographic furniture, while a wall of interactive screens introduces pioneers in women’s history. (215) 893-1999,

women100.org

Through September 20, 2020

SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST.

Survival strategies of sloths, iguanas and pancake tortoises, among other animals that are slow and small, are explored in this exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

(215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

September 10 – October 4, 2020

FRINGE FESTIVAL.

For nearly four weeks of artistic pleasure, avant-garde performance meets street theater throughout the city. (215) 413-9006,

fringearts.com

September 11–13, 2020

PHILADELPHIA HONEY FESTIVAL.

The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild organizes this annual event, now in its 11th year, featuring hive demonstrations, honey tastings and other family-friendly activities. Three historic locations (

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Wyck Historic House

and

Bartram’s Garden

) each hosts one day of the festival.

phillyhoneyfest.com

September 12 & 13, 2020

MUSHROOM FESTIVAL.

Kennett Square’s

35th annual Mushroom Festival puts the fun in fungi during a weekend of music, food, contests, exhibits and activities in the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” (610) 925-3373,

mushroomfestival.org

September 15 – October 15, 2020 (TBA)

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.

Philadelphia honors this national event with the Feria del Barrio in

El Centro de Oro

, a Mexican Independence Day Festival on

Penn’s Landing

and the Puerto Rican Day Parade on the

Benjamin Franklin Parkway,

among other civic occasions.

phila.gov

September 16, 2020

CELEBRATING WOMEN.

This celebration of American women at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

begins with a ceremony featuring music, performance segments and a salute to 100 women who have blazed trails for others to follow in a multitude of fields. (215) 893-1999,

women100.org

September 17, 2020

CONSTITUTION DAY.

The

National Constitution Center

offers free admission in honor of this national holiday, with special programming for students and visitors. (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

September 18 – November 7, 2020 (Select dates)

TERROR BEHIND THE WALLS.

Thrill-seekers celebrate the Halloween season by testing their nerves at

Eastern State Penitentiary’s

annual haunt, one of the country’s most popular, inside an abandoned prison. (215) 236-3300,

easternstate.org

September 19 & 20, 2020

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HALF MARATHON.

Popular 13.1-miler (and a 7.6-miler) hits the city streets for a run where earbuds are not required.

runrocknroll.com

September 2020 (TBA)

22ND ANNUAL MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL.

Each year, 15,000 attendees head to

Penn’s Landing

for one of the largest Mexican events in the city, replete with musical performances, great Mexican food, drinks, kids’ activities and more. (215) 592-0410,

mexicanculturalcenter.org

September 2020 (TBA)

ARDMORE OKTOBERFEST.

Bavaria hits the Main Line at

Schauffele Plaza

with beer, German food, live music, crafts, face painting and cookie and pumpkin decorating.

ardmoreoktoberfest.com

September 2020 (TBA)

BLOKTOBERFEST.

Several local organizations partner with nearby businesses to produce an outdoor celebration of neighborhoods, October, beer, food and music that stretches across the afternoon on west South Street.

bloktoberfest.info

September 2020 (TBA)

CENTER CITY RESTAURANT WEEK.

Select restaurants in the Center City District will offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person and three-course lunches for $20 per guest.

ccdrestaurantweek.com

September 2020 (TBA)

DOWNINGTOWN FALL FEST.

The Chester County Victory Brewing Company presents a day of live music, a variety of food and craft vendors and the Victory Beer Garden, all along blocked-off

Green Street

and

Pennsylvania Avenue.

(610) 269-1523,

downingtownfallfest.com

September 2020 (TBA)

EVIL GENIUS BIRTHDAY BLOCK PARTY.

The street in front of Fishtown’s Evil Genius taproom shuts down to celebrate nine years of beer making with music, games and Dougal, the brewery dog. (215) 425-6820,

evilgeniusbeer.com

September 2020 (TBA)

FESTIVAL O19.

Opera Philadelphia’s groundbreaking festival returns for an epic fourth year with company and world premieres of sung comedy, myth, tragedy and satire. (215) 732-8400,

operaphiladelphia.org

September 2020 (TBA)

GREENFEST.

The Clean Air Council presents the city’s largest environmental festival on

Bainbridge Street from 3

rd

to 5

th

Street

, featuring lots of fun, 100 eco-businesses, food, a beer garden, workshops, (even plogging, starting at 9 a.m. at 8

th

and Market streets)—and zero waste.

cleanair.org

September 2020 (TBA)

HARVEST FEST.

Pretzel Park and Main Street in

Manayunk

host a number of activities to celebrate autumn, including pumpkin carving, live music, food vendors and shopping specials. (215) 482-9565,

manayunk.com

September–October 2020 (TBA)

OKTOBERFEST AT CRAFT HALL.

Delaware Avenue’s

Craft Hall

takes on the German tradition by transforming its large space with banners, live entertainment and family-friendly activities

.

(267) 297-2072,

crafthallphilly.com

September 2020 (TBA)

OTSUKIMI FESTIVAL. Shofuso,

the Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park, hosts a moon viewing festival with a Friday evening cocktail party, followed by Otsukimi Family Weekend with arts and crafts, storytelling, rice dining and, on Sunday, a tea ceremony. (267) 237-3550,

japanphilly.org

September 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA BURGER BRAWL PRESENTED BY JIM BEAM. The Navy Yard

hosts the ninth annual brawl, where more than 60 restaurants compete to determine whose burger knocks out the rest; proceeds benefit the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. (215) 732-6622,

phillyburgerbrawl.com

September 2020 (TBA)

PHILLY AIDS THRIFT BLOCK PARTY.

This party celebrates Philly AIDS Thrift’s 15th anniversary and offers games, face painting, live performances, food trucks and a celebrity dunk tank among other activities at

5

th

and Bainbridge streets

.

phillyaidsthrift.com

September 2020 (TBA)

PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL PARADE.

This year marks the 58

th

anniversary of this music- and pomp-filled Puerto Rican procession of 1,500 marchers. The parade draws thousands to show island pride on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

elconcilio.net

September–November 2020 (TBA)

PUMPKINLAND. Linvilla Orchards’

annual celebration of all things fall includes hayrides, scarecrows, apple-picking — and lots and lots of pumpkins. (610) 876-7116,

linvilla.com

September 2020 (TBA)

SCARECROW FESTIVAL.

Throughout

Peddler’s Village,

over 100 larger-than-life scarecrow creations go on display during this annual event. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

September 2020 (TBA)

SOUTH STREET OKTOBERFEST.

German food, drink, dancers and decorations can all be found in front of

Brauhaus Schmitz

during this 12th annual event. (267) 909-8814,

brauhausschmitz.com

September 2020 (TBA)

UPTOBERFEST OKTOBERFEST.

Center City’s

Uptown Beer Garden

holds its fifth German fest where strong arms come in handy during the liter lift competition.

facebook.com/uptownbeergarden

September 2020 (TBA)

WALNUT2WALNUT RIVER CHALLENGE.

People paddle and row boats 15 miles, departing from waters at the Schuylkill Banks, down that river and up the Delaware River to Penn’s Landing Quay by the

Independence Seaport Museum.

(215) 413-8655,

phillyseaport.org

Fall 2020 (TBA)

CORE PROJECT COMPLETION.

The last phase of the

Philadelphia Museum of Art’s

redesign by architect Frank Gehry welcomes 23,000 square feet of new gallery space, reveals the renovation of the West Entrance and Lenfest Hall, creates a major gathering space called the Forum and reopens the southern portion of the Vaulted Walkway. (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

OCTOBER 2020

The International Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the Schuylkill River on October 3, 2020.   — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

October 2020

LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH.

Throughout the month, attractions and groups across the city celebrate the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer icons with festivals (Outfest) and other special events.

lgbthistorymonth.com

Through October 4, 2020

FRINGE FESTIVAL.

For nearly four weeks of artistic pleasure, avant-garde performance meets street theater throughout the city. (215) 413-9006,

fringearts.com

October 1 – November 15, 2020

AUTUMN’S COLORS.

Thousands of chrysanthemums — shaped into clouds, balls, spirals, columns, pagodas, a fountain and the astounding Thousand Bloom Mum — along with the more beautiful harvest-time plantings and colors are in

Longwood Gardens’

annual celebration of fall. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

October 3, 2020

REVOLUTIONARY GERMANTOWN FESTIVAL.

Inspired by true 18

th

-century events, the Germantown festival comes to life with costumed characters, live music, food and drink and a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within Philadelphia’s borders.

revolutionarygermantown.org

October 3, 2020

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.

More than 140 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the

Schuylkill River

in the 19

th

-annual fall event that draws thousands of participants and spectators. (610) 642-2333,

philadragonboatfestival.com

October 3, 2020

ROXTOBERFEST.

Food trucks, local beer, vendors and carnival games line Ridge Avenue for this well-loved Roxborough neighborhood tradition. (215) 508-2358,

roxboroughpa.com

October 7–18, 2020

DESIGNPHILADELPHIA.

The entire city celebrates the nation’s oldest festival of its kind, with events that highlight local designers, architects, and creative professionals demonstrating thoughtful design, collaborative business practices, and community engagement.

designphiladelphia.org

October 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25, 2020

BOO AT THE ZOO.

The

Philadelphia Zoo

hosts its annual, three-weekend trick-or-treat safari, welcoming costumed kids to explore the nation’s first zoo in search of animals, candy, hot apple cider, a hay bale maze and a giant pumpkin wall. (215) 243-1100,

philadelphiazoo.org

October 10 & 11, 2020

PUMPKIN DAYS.

Hayrides, scarecrow-making, plenty of kids’ activities and pumpkins bring fall to the forefront at

Tyler Arboretum

’s annual event. (610) 566-9134,

tylerarboretum.org

October 11, 2020

OLD CITY FEST.

Artists, crafters, designers, techies, entertainers and restaurateurs celebrate the creative spirit of the Historic District neighborhood along several blocks of activities, exhibits and programs that appeal to families as well as the over-21 crowd. (215) 592-7929,

oldcitydistrict.org

October 22

–

November 1, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL.

This annual festival showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema—shorts, features, animated and guest-accompanied films — in theaters and venues around Philadelphia. (267) 239-2941,

filmadelphia.org

October 24 & 25, 2020

HEAD OF THE SCHUYLKILL REGATTA.

In one of the nation’s largest and most festive rowing events, athletes of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to Olympic-level racers, meet and compete on the

Schuylkill River.

(215) 280-0483,

hosr.org

October 2020 – February 2021

JASPER JOHNS.

The

Philadelphia Museum of Art

and the Whitney Museum of American Art partner on simultaneous exhibitions by the man considered the country’s most significant living artist. (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

October 2020 (TBA)

23

rd

STREET ARMORY OKTOBERFEST.

The

23

rd

Street Armory

transforms into a

bierhall

for this annual Oktoberfest shindig, starring traditional fare, including homemade Bavarian pretzels, and German Hofbräuhaus beer. (267) 909-8814,

brauhausschmitz.com

October 2020 (TBA)

BRU FALL FESTIVAL (at Midtown Village Fall Festival).

Midtown Village’s BRU Craft & Wurst and U-Bahn present a full day of brats, pulled pork, pretzels, beer and music on the

1300 block of Chestnut Street.

(215) 800-1079,

bruphilly.com

October 2020 (TBA)

DAY OF THE DEAD.

The

Penn Museum,

in conjunction with Mexican Cultural Center, present the rich traditions of

Día de los Muertos

at this family-friendly afternoon of costumes, music, dance, storytelling, arts and crafts and a traditional Day of the Dead altar for dedications. (215) 898-4000,

penn.museum

October 2020 (TBA)

GIRARD AVENUE STREET FESTIVAL.

Live music, kids’ activities, food and artisans line

West Girard Avenue

between 26

th

and 29

th

streets during this annual event. (215) 232-4766,

fairmountcdc.org

October 2020 (TBA)

GREAT PUMPKIN CARVE.

An annual

Chadds Ford Historical Society

event offers hayrides, live music, a kid-friendly haunted trail and more than 70 carved pumpkins on view.

greatpumpkincarve.com

October 2020 (TBA)

THE HARVEST GATHERING.

This event at Wallingford’s

Community Arts Center

offers beer and cider, food, music, kids’ art activities and an art exhibition of works created at local farms and farmers markets. (610) 566-1713,

communityartscenter.org

October 2020 (TBA)

HARVESTFEST.

The annual Southwest community event at

Bartram’s Garden

features hayrides, cider press, face painting, cooking and canning workshops and more fun fall-related activities. (215) 729-5281,

bartramsgarden.org

October 2020 (TBA)

JACK’S PUMPKIN GLOW.

On select autumn evenings, visitors can stroll through hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lighting up

West Fairmount Park

while master carvers demonstrate their skills—and enjoy the beer and wine garden.

glowpumpkin.com/philadelphia

October 2020 (TBA)

LIBERTY MEDAL AWARD.

The

National Constitution Center

awards its highest honor to individuals who strive to secure liberty for people all over the world. (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

October 2020 (TBA)

MIDTOWN VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL.

The

Gayborhood

parties to an ultra-fun level with music, food, sidewalk sales and other festivities. (215) 733-0191,

midtownvillagephilly.org

October 2020 (TBA)

OCTOBERFEAST. Peddler’s Village

in Bucks County offers beer and brats (and other German food) in a family-friendly atmosphere at this annual event. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

October 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA FURNITURE SHOW.

Home furnishings ranging from innovative contemporary designs to adaptations of classical styles are on view at this nationally acclaimed event at the

23

rd

Street Armory.

(215) 387-8590,

philadelphiafurnitureshow.com

October 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA OPEN STUDIO TOURS (POST).

For the 21st year, art connoisseurs and neophytes visit local artists of all mediums in their studios in neighborhoods throughout the city. (215) 546-7775,

philaopenstudios.org

October 2020 (TBA)

OUTFEST.

The world’s largest coming out day features 10 blocks of drag shows, games, bar crawls, music, shopping and a high-heel race, with the main stage at

13

th

and Locust streets.

(215) 875-9288,

phillygaypride.org

October 2020 (TBA)

SOUTH STREET PUMPKINFEST. Headhouse Plaza

’s fall festival is a day of shopping, live music, seasonal bites and brews, straw bale maze, circus performances, horse and wagon hayrides, face painting and, along South Street or trick-or-treating for children 12 and under. (215) 413-3713,

southstreet.com

NOVEMBER 2020

Through November 1, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL.

This annual festival showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema—shorts, features, animated and guest-accompanied films — in theaters and venues around Philadelphia. (267) 239-2941,

filmadelphia.org

Through November 7, 2020 (Select dates)

TERROR BEHIND THE WALLS.

Thrill-seekers celebrate the Halloween season by testing their nerves at

Eastern State Penitentiary’s

annual haunt, one of the country’s most popular, inside an abandoned prison. (215) 236-3300,

easternstate.org

November 20, 2020

–

January 3, 2021

LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS.

Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform the indoor gardens, where concerts take place daily; outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

November 25, 2020

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART TREE LIGHTING.

Music by several artists accompanies the lighting of the tree atop the

Rocky

steps. (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

November 26, 2020

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE.

The 101st running of America’s first Thanksgiving Day parade, sponsored by 6abc and Dunkin’, wows crowds with Disney characters, fancy floats, giant balloons, marching bands and other festive entertainment along the

Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

6abc.com

November 26

–

December 24, 2020

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN PHILADELPHIA.

The German-style market returns to

JFK Plaza,

better known as

LOVE Park.

For the 13th year, more than 80 wooden booths of local and international merchants sell Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, Hernhut Stars, wintry apparel and all manner of edible and drinkable treats, while entertainment keeps things festive. (215) 268-7606,

philachristmas.com

November 26, 2020

–

January 1, 2021

THE COMCAST HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR. The Comcast Center

lobby’s super high-res LED display shows a magical sleigh ride over the city and a sing-along in 15 minutes of fun.

comcastcorporation.com

November 27, 2020

–

January 3, 2021

BRANDYWINE CHRISTMAS.

The train display and critter ornaments make their annual holiday-time appearance at the

Brandywine River Museum of Art.

(610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

November 27

–

December 31, 2020

(closed December 24 & 25)

GARDEN RAILWAY.

Over the winter holidays, from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve,

Morris Arboretum

presents G-scale model trains running along a quarter-mile track that features 12 rail lines, seven loops and tunnels, two cable cars and nine bridges. (215) 247-5777,

morrisarboretum.org

November 27

–

December 31, 2020

MACY’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW.

The Grand Court of the historic Wanamaker department store (now Macy’s) offers a free show of dancing lights, set to the famed Wanamaker Organ; performances every two hours during store hours. (215) 241-9000,

wanamakerorgan.com

November 27, 2020

–

January 1, 2021

WILD LIGHTS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL.

Norristown’s extra kid-friendly

Elmwood Park Zoo

illuminates its 16 acres, adds Santa and his reindeer, runs a vintage carousel and opens its zip line for early-evening fun. (800) 652-4143,

elmwoodparkzoo.org

November 28, 2020

–

January 1, 2021

MIRACLE ON SOUTH 13TH STREET.

A South Philly tradition brings neighbors along the 1600 block of South 13th Street together to decorate their homes with holiday lights and over-the-top decorations enjoyed by both pedestrians and car passengers.

facebook.com/themiracleonsouth13thstreet

November 2020 (TBA)

APPLE FESTIVAL.

At

Peddler’s Village

, visitors indulge in old-fashioned country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters, caramel-dipped apples and pie-eating contests. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

November 28, 2020–March (date TBA) 2021

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST.

Penn’s Landing’s

wintertime ice-skating rink and Winterfest wonderland, complete with a lodge, arcade and confectionery cabin enjoy seasonal run. (215) 629-3200,

riverrink.com

November (TBA)–December 23, 2020

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE FARM.

Media, Delaware County’s beloved Linvilla Orchards offers cut-your-own fir trees (also available pre-cut), December Saturday night Wassailing Hayrides, plus plenty to purchase to decorate and entertain over the holidays. (610) 876-7116,

linvilla.com

November 2020 (TBA)

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL.

Santa leads two days of Christmas Parades, and live entertainment pops up among the 60-some specialty shops and six restaurants of

Peddler’s Village

in Bucks County. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

November 2020 (TBA)

CRAFTNOW PHILADELPHIA.

This multiday event returns for its sixth year of featuring events showcasing work by many of the talented and hardworking craftspeople in and around Philadelphia.

craftnowphila.org

November 2020 (TBA)

CIRCLE OF TREES.

Chestnut Hill’s tree lighting comes complete with cocoa, cookies and live music outside historic

Woodmere Art Museum.

(215) 247-6696,

chestnuthill.org

November 2020 (TBA)­–January 1, 2021

DECK THE HALL HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW.

The western façade of

Philadelphia City Hall

serves as the backdrop for a nightly light display synchronized to holiday music.

dilworthpark.org

November 2020 (TBA)

FIRST PERSON ARTS FESTIVAL.

Venues throughout the city host the only event in the world dedicated exclusively to art based on personal experiences, a multidisciplinary festival featuring storytelling shows, memoir readings, film screenings, performances, experiential tours and workshops. (267) 402-2055,

firstpersonarts.org

November (TBA)–December 31, 2020

FRANKLIN SQUARE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL FEATURING ELECTRICAL SPECTACLE: A HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW.

Electric company PECO aptly presents the illumination of

Franklin Square,

while the square itself offers comfort food, local beers, and hot beverages at Ben’s Sweets & Treats. (215) 629-4026,

historicphiladelphia.org

November 2020 (TBA)

GERSHMAN PHILADELPHIA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL.

The festival presents film and film-related programs that appeal to diverse communities and encourage understanding across racial, economic and religious divides. (215) 545-4400,

pjff.org

November 2020 (TBA)

GRAND ILLUMINATION CELEBRATION.

Santa arrives at

Peddler’s Village

to light the venue’s one million lights at 6:15 p.m. sharp, while live music plays and guests enjoy hot apple cider and roasted marshmallows. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

November 2020 (TBA)

THE GREAT HARVEST CIDER AND BEER FESTIVAL.

Hard ciders, lagers, pumpkin ales, as well as food trucks with cozy fall favorites, apple bobbing, a pie-eating contest, music and more take over 11th Street between Fitzwater and Catherine streets in front of

Hawthornes Beer Cafe.

(215) 627-3012,

hawthornecafe.com

November 2020 (TBA)–January 2021 (TBA)

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW AT SHADY BROOK FARM.

A Yardley, Bucks County farm strings up more than 3 million lights for guests to drive — or ride in a horse-drawn carriage — through; also on tap: visits with Santa, holiday shopping, hot cocoa. (215) 968-1670,

shadybrookfarm.com

November 2020 (TBA)–January 2021 (TBA)

LUMINATURE AT THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO.

An evening activation transforms America’s first zoo into a walk-through display of light and sound. (215) 243-1100,

philadelphiazoo.org

November 2020 (TBA)–January 1, 2021

MADE IN PHILADELPHIA HOLIDAY MARKET.

Outside of

Philadelphia City Hall,

50 local makers of apparel, gifts, art glass and more display and vend their locally made wares for the gift-giving season. (215) 268-7606,

madeinphila.com

November 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL.

The largest East Coast film festival dedicated to celebrating and elevating the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders also includes theatrical and musical performances at various locations throughout the city.

phillyasianfilmfest.org

November 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON.

One of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events courses through historic downtown, past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row;

the weekend includes an 8K race, half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run and the Health & Fitness Expo. (215) 683-2122,

philadelphiamarathon.com

November 2020 (TBA)

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART CRAFT SHOW.

Museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles, and mixed media are on display and for sale during this annual event at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center.

(215) 684-7930,

pmacraftshow.org

November 2020 (TBA)–January 1, 2021

A VERY FURRY CHRISTMAS. Sesame Place

in Langhorne, Bucks County hosts Christmas Parades, holiday plays and a kid-centric marketplace — all featuring Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and friends. (215) 752-ELMO,

sesameplace.com

Through

August 5, 2024

Spit Spreads Death: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19 in Philadelphia. Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

offers its most ambitious exhibition to date — a multi-disciplinary recounting of a global pandemic that took thousands upon thousands of local lives in two years — only 100 years ago. (215) 560-8564,

muttermuseum.org

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

®

is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,

visitphilly.com

and

uwishunu.com

, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

Mega Millions Jackpot Rolls To $91,000,000

TRENTON (Jan. 13, 2020) – The Mega Millions jackpot has rolled to $91 million! James Carey, New Jersey Lottery acting executive director, announced that in the Friday, Jan. 10, drawing, 9 players matched four of the five white balls drawn making each ticket worth $500. Two of those tickets were purchased with the Megaplier option, multiplying the prize to $1,000. Moreover, 23,071 other New Jersey players took home $85,612 in prizes ranging from $2 to $400, according to Carey. The winning numbers for the Friday, Jan. 10, drawing were: 17, 27, 49, 51, and 66. The Gold Mega Ball was 02, and the Megaplier Multiplier was 02.

The next drawing will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 11:00 pm. All New Jersey Lottery Mega Millions tickets must be purchased before 10:45 pm to participate in the drawing. Mega Millions tickets cost just two dollars; by adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non- jackpot winnings up to five times. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 46 participating jurisdictions. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Temple University Hospital and Guthrie Announce Strategic Affiliation for Heart Transplant

(Philadelphia, PA) –

Temple University Hospital and Guthrie are announcing an affiliation for heart transplant and advanced heart failure services that will provide patients living in north central Pennsylvania and Upstate New York streamlined access to Temple’s heart transplant and advanced heart failure specialists. This will allow Guthrie to expand its heart failure services through an affiliation with the Temple Advanced Heart Failure Program and offers greater coordination and management of patients with advanced heart failure, particularly those in need of mechanical circulatory support or transplantation.

Through Guthrie’s Heart Failure Program, patients living in north central Pennsylvania and Upstate New York will see local Guthrie specialists and receive most pre and post-operative care close to home at Guthrie. Patients in need of advanced services, including a ventricular assist device (VAD) or a transplant, will be referred to Temple for their procedure. Upon discharge from Temple, post-surgical VAD or transplant care will be coordinated between Guthrie and Temple specialists. Guthrie heart failure team members will be interacting routinely with Temple specialists.

“We are pleased to announce this unique affiliation with Guthrie, which offers a unified approach to the care of heart failure patients with defined patient pathways between Guthrie and Temple,” said

Michael Young, MHA, FACHE

, President and CEO of Temple University Hospital. “It’s a win-win for patients, who will have access to Temple’s Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program, one of the most experienced in the world. The Temple Heart Transplant Program is the fastest “list-to-transplant” site in the U.S. and has the best 1-year survival in the region, and its advanced heart failure specialists and cardiovascular surgeons can offer the most advanced mechanical circulatory support solutions available.”

Daniel Sporn, MD, FACC, MHA, Guthrie’s Chief of Cardiovascular Services said, “The Guthrie Cardiovascular Team enthusiastically welcomes Temple as a partner in rendering excellent, patient-centered care to those we serve.  We take pride in providing our community with immediate access to the health care they need, utilizing cutting-edge technologies in a compassionate, hands-on environment.”

Temple’s transplant program has performed well over 1,000 transplants and its transplant surgeons are highly experienced in performing complex dual organ transplants (heart-lung, heart-kidney, heart-liver, heart-kidney-pancreas). Temple is also home to a robust research program that is pioneering methods to make donor organs more available and avoid post-transplant complications.

The Guthrie Cardiac and Vascular Center is a nationally recognized program with 14 locations in Pennsylvania and New York. Guthrie was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2020 by IBM Watson Health

TM

, based on a balanced scorecard of publicly available clinical, operational and patient satisfaction metrics and data. This is the 11

th

time Guthrie has been honored with this distinguished award. The Guthrie Heart Failure Program is a team of physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the treatment of heart failure patients.

Philadelphia Customs/Border Patrol Seize Unreported Money from Woman Leaving USA

Release Date:

January 13, 2020

PHILADELPHIA

– The most important advice U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers passengers traveling to and from the United States is to provide truthful declarations to CBP officers when inspected. A woman heading to Lebanon learned this simple rule when CBP officers seized more than $15,000 in unreported currency Wednesday at Philadelphia International Airport.

CBP officers seized $15,085

in unreported currency.

CBP officers encountered the woman, who is a Lebanese citizen and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. as she boarded a Germany-bound flight. Officers explained federal currency reporting requirements to the woman and she acknowledged the law, then reported that she possessed $10,000.

Officers examined her carry-on baggage and discovered $15,385. Officers seized $15,085 and returned $300 to the woman for humanitarian purposes. Officers released her to continue her travel.

It is legal to carry large sums of currency into or out of the United States. However, federal law requires that travelers who possess $10,000 or more in currency or other monetary instruments must report it all to a CBP officer at the airport, seaport, or land border crossing when entering or leaving the country. Read more about

currency reporting requirements

.

“Customs and Border Protection remains committed to enforcing our nation’s laws, including federal currency reporting laws, and travelers must understand that they face serious consequences for violating currency reporting requirements,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. “The easiest way for travelers to comply with federal currency reporting requirements is to truthfully declare all currency they possess to a CBP officer. It’s that simple.”

Consequences for violating U.S. currency reporting laws are severe; penalties may include seizure of most or all of the traveler’s currency, and potential criminal charges.

All travelers, both U.S. citizens and foreign visitors, are encouraged to

Know Before You Go

to help ease their international arrivals inspection, and to visit

CBP’s Travel website

to learn more about rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

CBP uses a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, and to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. On a typical day, CBP seizes an average of about $290,000 in unreported or illicit currency along our nation’s borders. Learn more about what CBP accomplishes during \”

A Typical Day.

\”

CBP\’s border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations.  Please visit

CBP Ports of Entry

to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.

Learn more about CBP at

CBP.gov

.

YOUR GOVERNMENT: Recycling, Climate Funding, EV Charging Station Bills Go to Gov’s Desk

The following bills have passed both the Assembly and the Senate and are on their way to the Governor’s

desk.

A5681/5682 (Pinkin) / S3939/3944 (Smith):

Establishes Recycling Market Development Council. The Council would look at existing recycling markets and recommend ways to stimulate recycling and how to reduce contamination of collected recyclables. The bill passed the Assembly with a vote of

76-0-0

.

“We’re seeing a major drop in recycling in New Jersey. In the early 1990’s, we recycled over half of municipal and household waste. Now we are down to 37%. China’s decision to no longer import plastic waste has caused the recycling market to collapse. Some towns are no longer taking plastics. Recycling facilities are closing, or opening only once or twice a month. This bill says that New Jersey needs to develop new recycling markets. Rutgers has invented the first plastic lumber that uses recycled plastics, and more innovation needs to be encouraged. We need to focus on coming up with more markets for recycling, and establishing a Recycling Market Development Council is a step in the right direction,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

A6014 (Vainieri Huttle):

Establishes NJ Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University, appropriates up to $500,000. The resource center would carry out interdisciplinary research activities to help New Jersey adapt and prepare for climate change. The bill passed the Assembly with a vote of

53-20-1

.

“Establishing a Climate Change Resource Center is a good step forward when it comes to being prepared and stronger than the next storm, but $500,000 is not enough money to get the job done. Rutgers is spending $4 million a year on a new football coach, but we can only spend $500,000 for climate change research. They need to get their priorities straight. This is a fumble when it comes to climate change. A recent study found that much of New Jersey, including inland counties, are more vulnerable to climate impacts now than before Sandy. We must start taking real actions to fight climate change now. We are in a climate crisis, and New Jersey is the only state on the east coast that does not have any kind of sea level rise climate adaptation plan,”

said Jeff Tittel.

“This Resource Center will help use the latest science to put climate and sea level rise in DEP rules and state legislation, but more money needs to go toward this center for it to be effective.”

A1030 (Johnson)/ S2421 (Smith/Bateman):

Concerns installation of electric vehicle charging stations in common interest communities. This bill would promote, encourage, and remove obstacles to the use of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by prohibiting common interest communities, such as condominiums and homeowners’ associations, from adopting or enforcing any rule that prohibits the installation or use of an EV charging station in a unit owner’s designated parking space. The bill passed the Assembly with a vote of

75-1-1

.

“This legislation is a critical step forward towards making EV infrastructure accessible for everyone.  Residents should have RIGHT-To-CHARGE where people can petition their landlord or condo association for a private charging station or pay for a public charging station. We can also have the Economic Development Authority require any project with state funding to have charging stations,”

said Tittel.

Does Chairman Currie Understand What It Means To ‘Say Anything, Tell Any Lie’

Norcross wants it both ways on Economic Opportunity Act

COLLINGSWOOD – Claire Gustafson, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first congressional district, congratulated John Currie on getting re-elected Democrat state party chairman and asked if the Chairman understood what it really means to “say anything, tell any lie” to hold onto a seat in congress.

Currie’s “say anything, tell any lie”

comments

were directed at Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in the second congressional district last week after the congressman added “Phil Murphy to the list of reasons” he left the Democrat party.

“While I do congratulate Chairman Currie on winning re-election as New Jersey’s Democratic Party Chairman, I think he might want to refrain from throwing stones from within the glass house of his own party,” Claire Gustafson said. “One need only look at reports of how Congressman Donald Norcross once

proudly proclaimed

he ‘led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law’ and

more recently

has backpedaled and ‘is trying to downplay his role’ in getting the law that has benefitted his friends and family passed.”

“Rather than accusing a Republican Congressman of being the one to ‘say anything, tell any lie’ perhaps the Democrat chairman should be calling out Congressman Norcross for saying anything and telling any lie.” Gustafson added, “Obviously, Congressman Norcross, by his own words, ‘led the charge’ on getting a law passed before his campaign staff decided he was ‘just one of dozens of cosponsors.’”

Gustafson asked, “Was Congressman Norcross lying when he said he led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law? Or is the congressman saying anything and telling any lie with his backpedaling and saying he was just one of dozens of cosponsors?

“Whatever the case, Donald Norcross doesn’t get to have it both ways on the Economic Opportunity Act and the scandals it has led to and Chairman Currie does not get to accuse any Republican of saying anything and telling any lie to hold onto a seat when a member of Congress from his own party is doing exactly that.”