In this modern day and age dinosaurs can’t last forever. The Academy of Natural Sciences is closing. Say it isn’t so! For nearly two centuries, first opening in 1828, the museum has been an institution in our city. Facing financial challenges, the museum is planning to close to the public on Sunday, September 27, so get your last visit in now. But note, the key word is “planning.” Alternatives to help preserve the museum are being explored by Governor Shapiro and Mayor Parker.
Maybe a Hail Mary pass can save the museum as we head into football season. Learn more about the museum closing, why it's happening, and what happens next here. Want to do something about it? Sign the petition here.
CCRA NEWS and EVENTS
63rd Annual CCRA House Tour: Sunday, October 25
Special CCRA member price: $40
General Public: $50
Day of Tour: $60
Purchase your ticket here. Enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon stroll through the Rittenhouse and Fitler Square neighborhoods to tour homes of unique, distinctive and spectacular design and architecture.
Want to attend for free? Sign up here to volunteer at the event, and have the opportunity to see all the homes on the tour.
Your Voice Matters: CCRA Wants to Hear from You
CCRA's town hall initiative has been a hit, and we're already planning for the upcoming season. As we map out topics and speakers for the coming year, we want to hear from you. What issues matter most to you as a Center City resident? Which local officials or civic leaders would you like to hear from? Are there topics you'd like us to revisit?
Send your ideas, suggestions, and comments to [email protected]. Our goal is to create a town hall program that informs, engages, and connects our community.
Zoning Committee Report
On Tuesday, August 25, CCRA held its monthly zoning committee meeting. In case you missed it, view the report here.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22.
CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE:
CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Merchant Partner Mr. FIX.
Who Ya Gonna Call? Merchant Partner Mr. FIX!
Technology is great…. when it works. When it doesn’t…. well, you know.
But there is help, in the name of Merchant Partner Mr. FIX, the tech repair shop on 20th between Pine and Lombard. Not just any repair joint, Mr. FIX is your go-to for a quick fix for your cellphone, laptop, tablet, computer and gaming console at affordable prices. Not only that, Mr FIX offers a wide variety of new and used devices for sale, including cellphones and computers. And… they pay more than both Apple & the carrier stores for your old or broken devices! What is not to love?
What IS to love is the fact that CCRA Members receive $10 off any repair with proof of membership. Get your fix at Mr. FIX!
Clean, Safe, and Green
Open Streets is Tradition
Mark your calendars! Open Streets on Walnut Street returns this fall on Sundays, September 13 through October 25, 10 am to 5 pm. Experience live music, shopping, dining, Eagles watch parties, family-friendly activities, and so much more!
Since launching in September of 2024, Open Streets has been a tremendous success. Businesses on the route have reported a 59% increase in foot traffic and a 37% increase in sales in comparison to a regular Sunday.
Learn more here about the success of Open Streets. And go here to learn about retail happenings and Sunday specific events such as a 9:30 am opening on Sunday, October 11 for an Eagles watch party.
Community News and Events
25 Years Later: Remembering 9/11
Gather for a quiet morning of reflection marking the 25th remembrance of September 11 on Friday, 9.11.26 at 8:30 am.
Meet at the Schuylkill River Trail’s 9/11 Memorial located near the Chestnut Street bridge.
The morning will include music, a moment of silence, and an opportunity to share memories and stories from that day. Click here for more details.
Two Reasons to Start your Fall at the Kimmel Center
The Kimmel Center is kicking off the fall season with two free celebrations of books, music, dance, and the arts!
8th Latin American Book Fair
Saturday, September 12 | 11 am to 5 pm | Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center
Meet authors, illustrators, and designers from across Latin America at this lively celebration of literature and culture, with Colombia as this year’s special guest country. Enjoy live music, performances, and plenty to explore for the whole family. RSVPs are encouraged and availablehere.
Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest
Saturday, September 19 | Starting at 11 am | Kimmel Center
Celebrate 25 years of the Kimmel Center at the 6th annual Fall Arts Fest, kicking off the 2026–27 arts season with free performances. Expect song, dance, music, interactive activities, a kids’ zone and a taste of what will be happening on stages this season. Plus, the Kimmel Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary! There will also be exclusive 50% off ticket offers. RSVPs are encouraged and availablehere.
Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty Visits Center City
Barnes & Noble presents an off-site event with bestselling author Liane Moriarty, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Big Little Lies. Moriarty will celebrate her new book, Big Little Truths, on Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm, with doors opening at 6 pm.
The event will be held at The First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. Big Little Truths explores the secrets, friendships, and complicated relationships that unfold when a group of women’s lives intersect.
Click here to buy tickets. Limited quantity available so get your ticket now.
Fine Art, Serious Fun
Art takes over the Square! Founded in 1928, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is the oldest outdoor art show in the country, and its fall edition takes over the Square Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20.
Stroll through the Square and discover original works from more than 140 artists featuring everything from painting and photography to sculpture and more.
Show Hours:
Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Free to attend. Bring a friend, take a stroll, and enjoy some serious art. Full artist lineup and detailshere.
A little spooky, a little literary, and completely free!
The Rosenbach Museum & Library (2008–2010 Delancey Place) is opening its doors for a Fall Open House on Saturday, September 19 from 10:30 am to 4 pm.
Explore the museum at your own pace with a self-guided tour, including rare Dracula, vampire, and Gothic treasures from the permanent collection. You can also step into a spooky, Halloween-inspired immersive audio-scape, perfect for getting into the fall spirit.
While you’re there, sign up for a fall program and receive a discount. Space is limited, so reserve your spot here.
Building Peace, One Conversation at a Time
As the city prepares to mark International Day of Peace, join a conversation about what it means to build a more peaceful city. Peace Talks: Coffee and Conversation takes place Sunday, September 20, from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square).
The event features a keynote from Roxanne Patel Shepelavy, Executive Director of The Philadelphia Citizen’s parent organization, along with rotating discussion tables exploring community, human rights, and climate justice.
Free and open to all, with refreshments served. Registration is encouragedhere.
Celebrate the Life and Music of John Coltrane
Celebrate the 100th birthday of jazz legend John Coltrane with A Love Park Supreme, a celebration at LOVE Park, September 21–25. The festivities will include live broadcasts, a Coltrane listening party, and a special performance by acclaimed saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and his trio. On Wednesday, September 23, Coltrane’s actual 100th birthday, WRTI will mark the occasion with a 26-hour music marathon, beginning at midnight. Highlights include music recorded during Coltrane’s years in Philadelphia, a full broadcast of A Love Supreme, and a two-hour listening party at LOVE Park from 4 to 6 pm. The marathon can be heard on WRTI’s 90.1 FM broadcast.
The Friends of Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Ballet are back for their second annual Ballet on the Square, bringing free, live dance to the heart of the neighborhood on Tuesday, September 22 from 4 to 6 pm.
Expect the unexpected this September. The 2026 Philly Fringe Festival fills the city through Sunday, September 27, bringing more than 1,000 performances and events to venues and unexpected spaces.
From theater, dance, music, and comedy to performances that defy description, Fringe is a celebration of artists who like to push boundaries and audiences who are up for something new.
With hundreds of independently produced shows, you can experience Fringe your way. Pick a performance, wander into something unexpected, and see what catches your eye.
Once a month the Katie Neary Quintet pops up in Rittenhouse Square for the ultimate jazz jam. Her upcoming show is set for Sunday, September 27 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. No reservations needed.
Learn more about Katie Neary Quintet and her upcoming shows here. See you dancing in the Square soon.
Grab Your Dancing Shoes: Mamma Mia Takes the Stage
Mamma Mia, here we go! Ensemble Arts at the Academy of Music is performing the always iconic musical Mamma Mia. An energetic story of friendship, motherhood, love, and of course those super catchy ABBA songs.
The musical will be on stage from Tuesday, September 29 through Sunday, October 4 so grab your tickets now.
Forty-five years of discovering opera's brightest new voices, and you're invited to help pick the winner. CCRA Merchant Partner Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is offering members $5 off premium seating for its annual Giargiari Bel Canto Competition on Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm at the Perelman Theater (Kimmel Center).
Now in its 45th year, the competition showcases some of opera's brightest up-and-coming stars as they compete for top honors — and audience members get to vote for their own favorite in the Audience Choice Award.
Use discount code AVA52026 at checkout. Tickets available here or call the Kimmel Center Box Office at 215.893.1999.
Cheers to Fall with Music and Cocktails
Looking for the perfect fall event? Head to the Kimmel Center on Tuesday, October 8, for Orchestra After Five, an evening that pairs happy hour, live music, and an opportunity to hear directly from the artists.
The evening begins at 5 pm with happy hour, followed by the performance at 6:30 pm, and wraps up with a 7:30 pm conversation with the artists.
Get your tickets here and enjoy a great night of music in the heart of Center City!
A Weekend Worth Waking Up For
Calling all coffee lovers! ThePhilly Coffee Festival is brewing up a weekend of coffee, community, and fun at the 23rd Street Armory on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. The festival brings together the region’s best specialty roasters and coffee shops for an immersive celebration of coffee culture. Expect unique beans, delicious snacks, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Tickets start at $25.21 and are expected to sell out fast, so get yours now by goinghere.
Shop, Eat and Explore in FDR Park
Hungry for a great weekend outing? Every Saturday and Sunday through October 31, the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park brings together locally made food, fresh produce, clothing, jewelry, and more from Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian vendors.
It’s a great place to gather with friends, try something new, and eat really good food. One of Philly’s best weekend destinations is waiting at FDR Park.
Quilts that tell a story. Visit the Fabric Workshop and Museum (1214 Arch Street) and see the Elegy Quilt series. Presented in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, the art and artists tell a story of resilience, memory, and identity. The exhibit runs through Sunday, November 1. Tickets are free.
In 1876, Philadelphia hosted the first World’s Fair in North America. This Semiquincentennial year, you can experience it all over again with Revisit 1876, a free exhibition running now through December.
Visit the historic Lits Building (701 Market St., at the corner of 8th and Market) Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Along the way, encounter the first telephone, typewriter, and popcorn, while also exploring the stories that history often leaves out, including Frederick Douglass being prevented from speaking at the opening ceremony and women fighting to be included in the official exhibits.
Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.
