CCRA This Week – 8.5.26

This Week August 5, 2026

The Summer Had Everything... Then We Got LeBron

Sports inspire us and bring us together. And over the past few weeks, especially in our city, that could not be more true.

This summer, as hosts of FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star Game, we welcomed sports fans from across the country and across the globe.

Spain may have won the whole thing, but the World Cup was full of unforgettable moments. Cape Verde showed us that heart and dedication are what matter most as they became the smallest country by population to reach the knockout stage.

Back home, we watched France and Paraguay compete in a challenging, hard-fought quarter-final. We also saw Brazil and Ecuador fans come together and take over the Rocky Statue, where Ecuador learned about the Rocky Statue curse.

The MLB All-Star Game was a home run! We might even say we got emotional during The Sandlot homage, transporting us all back into the summer of our childhoods, reminding us how baseball brings us all together, and leaving us all hopeful for the future.

So as we celebrate the start of a new Eagles season, look forward to Red October, and welcome LeBron James as the newest Sixer, let us remember the community we made, the inspiration we felt, and that moment during a game where anything can happen.

CCRA NEWS and EVENTS

CCRA To Hold Public Meetings

CCRA is holding two public meetings in August regarding real estate development proposals.

First, on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 pm CCRA will host a public meeting as part of the City of Philadelphia's Civic Design Review process. The subject of the meeting is a proposal to redevelop 2301 Walnut Street into a multi-family apartment building. The meeting will provide an opportunity to see the project that the property owner intends to build, hear from the property owner and its architects, and ask questions and make comments.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. You can join at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82071851221?pwd=K6Nw2MV4YBeY7zjxWcrOECrZq1TP4Q.1

Next, on Thursday, August 20 at 7:00 pm CCRA will hold a public meeting on a proposal to rezone the properties underlying 2400 Walnut Street to permit the development of a multi-family apartment building. This meeting will provide insight into the project that the property owner intends to build if the rezoning is approved, let you hear from the property owner and its architects, and ask questions and make comments.

The meeting will also be held on Zoom. You can join at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81525300520?pwd=Pyr8ynsc7rbtaWkMnk9Pw10jyPzdmG.1

Share Your Ideas For CCRA Town Halls

Last year, CCRA reinvigorated its town hall program. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! We are beginning the planning process to continue the program in the new fiscal year (September 2016-May 2027) and want to hear your ideas on topics you would like us to address in town halls. What subjects do you want to learn more about? Which local government officials and civic leaders would you like to hear from? Conversely, are there topics that are of no interest to you?

Please send us your ideas, suggestions and comments here.

We promise to consider all your suggestions, however, please understand we may not be able to do everything you ask. Thank you for your input.

ANNOUNCING THE 63rd ANNUAL CCRA HOUSE TOUR

On Sunday, October 25, immerse yourself in an afternoon of architectural marvels and beautiful homes right here in the Rittenhouse and Fitler Square community. Consistently ranked as the top CCRA event for years, you won't want to miss this year's house tour.

Want to attend for free? Sign up here to volunteer at the event, and have the opportunity to see other homes on the tour.

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 our Merchant Partner, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, at 12th and Market Sts.

Everyone Who Knows Goes… to the Loews

Home to an architectural landmark and Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) building, the Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a true classic and one of the nation’s first modern skyscrapers, all within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Barnes Foundation.

But it’s more than just drop-dead gorgeous. At Loews Hotels, the community is as much a part of their family as their team members. It’s beyond mere camaraderie – we’re talking friendship, familiarity, goodwill and kindness, one local business helping one another, all of which translates to a wonderful experience for their guests.

And… yes, there’s more: As a CCRA member, you are eligible for up to a 15% discount not only for yourself, but for family, friends, colleagues… pretty sweet!

(Discount is subject to availability at time of booking.)

So what are you (and your friends) waiting for? Go here, then GO!

Clean, Safe, and Green

Even The Market Street Bridge Needs TLC

Mark your calendar. The Market Street Bridge is set to close to all vehicle traffic Monday, August 24, and is not expected to reopen until October 2027. Start practicing your alternate routes now, because that's a long time to figure it out on the fly.

During the closure, PennDOT will detour drivers to Walnut Street and Chestnut Street for cars and cyclists. The Schuylkill River Trail will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists throughout the project while the Market Street ramp will be closed for portions of the construction.

Full project details and updates are available here.

Community News and Events

Sip, Shop, and Support: A Night at the Cosmopolitan Club

The Cosmopolitan Club is hosting a Meet the Artist Wine & Cheese Reception on Thursday, September 17 from 5 to 7 pm at their Clubhouse at 1616 Latimer Street, celebrating the work of two local artists.

Art work by Marjie Quint and Julie Zahn will be on display as well as a curated jewelry collection by David Schwartz from Sophy Curson’s chic Rittenhouse Square boutique.

All displays are available for purchase, with a percentage being donated to the club.

Club members can register for this free event via the Club website; guests can register here.

Jazz Up Your Tuesdays!

Jazz up the last days of summer.

Music with Maja, an outdoor jazz series, is on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Happening every Tuesday through September 22 in Maja Park (N 22nd St &, Ben Franklin Pkwy), from 6:30 to 8 pm. Headlined by the jazz trio Vibe-A-Delphia, and joined each week by a rotating guest soloist.

There’s no seating provided, so bring a chair. The shows are free, and no registration required. See the full lineup here.

Taco 'Bout a Weekend!

The Philadelphia Taco Festival returns to Stateside Live! (1100 Pattison Ave.) on Saturday and Sunday, August 15–16, from 2 to 8 pm. More than 40 vendors will serve over 130 varieties of tacos, along with margarita bars, Lucha Libre wrestling, Mariachi music, folklore performances, and a kids' fun zone.

General admission includes entry and one complimentary drink, while VIP tickets include early entry, drink and taco vouchers, and additional perks.

Tickets and full details here.

Somedays Bakery to Open

A popular New York bakery is making its debut right in our neighborhood. Somedays Bakery, will open at 1601 Walnut St. this fall, bringing its signature sweet and savory croissants to Rittenhouse Square.

The menu will feature cakes, cookies, brownies, and lunch specials. The croissants are hand-laminated with New Zealand butter, achieving a crispy, flaky exterior with a soft center.

Read more about Somedays Bakery here.

Humor, Heart, and Genius: ALOK Live at the Kimmel Center

Internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, and actor ALOK (they/them) comes to the Kimmel Center (300 S. Broad St) on Friday, September 4 at 7pm for a brand new comedy show.

Known for sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Netflix is a Joke Festival, and for their comedy special BIOLOGY! ALOK has captivated audiences in over 40 countries with their singular blend of humor, vulnerability, and genius. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Tickets available here.

Monday Night Jazz Returns to Plays and Players

Norman David & The Eleventet, a Philadelphia-based creative large ensemble jazz group, returns to Plays and Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Place) on Monday, August 31 for the next installment of their acclaimed residency.

The Eleventet is known for inventive, modern jazz compositions performed with a full eleven-piece ensemble.

More information can be found here.

A Transatlantic Book Club Worth Your Sunday Afternoon

The Rosenbach (2008-2010 Delancey St) has a book club worth putting on your radar. The Book Club with Abbotsford is a transatlantic virtual series in partnership with Abbotsford, the historic Scottish home of author Sir Walter Scott.

Meeting on Zoom, the book club will include presentations on rare materials from both the Rossenbach Museum and Abbotsford collections while discussing important texts and literature from Scottish and U.S. history. The next session meets virtually on Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 3:30 pm at $20 per session.

For the full Rosenbach program calendar, click here.

Labor Day Weekend: Put Your Feet Up… Or Put Them to Work

Philly’s Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to squeeze in one last summer adventure. And what better way than with a little legwork? The Philadelphia Labor Day 5K, 10K & 10 Mile takes place on Monday, September 7.

Runners and walkers are invited to hit the streets starting at the Rocky Statue and follow a scenic route along the Schuylkill River. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just earning that post-race treat, it’s a great way to wrap up the season.

Click here to register.

Ready, Set, Pedal!

Philly is shifting into high gear as the Philadelphia Cycling Classic races into town on Sunday, August 30 at the Ben Franklin Parkway. This event draws elite professional cyclists from across the globe to compete on a circuit along the city’s historic Kelly Drive, as well as the legendary Manayunk Wall climb. You can likely expect road closures in the area on race day!

The Women’s Race takes place between 8:30 and 11:30 am, while the Men’s Race between 12 and 4:45 pm. The weekend also includes a Fan Fest, a Charity Ride, and a Time Trial.

Free to spectate, you can find the full details here.

Summer Sounds in Fitler Square

Bring a chair, settle in, and enjoy a summer evening of live music in Fitler Square. Wanamaker Lewis and Rustic Music Service will perform on Friday, August 7, from 6 to 8 pm. For nearly 40 years, Wanamaker Lewis has entertained audiences throughout our city with an eclectic blend of blues, folk, folk rock and bluegrass.

Free to attend; rain date is August 14. More information here.

Support Project HOME This Summer

A simple donation can make a big difference. Project HOME's Hub of Hope is currently seeking essential items to support Philadelphians experiencing homelessness, with the greatest need for men's clothing (sizes S–XL), new men's and women's underwear, new ankle socks, men's sneakers, cooling towels, and bottled water.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, at 1515 Fairmount Avenue, or purchased directly through Project HOME's Amazon Wish List here.

For questions, contact Taylor Perkins via email here or at 215-320-0846.

Paddle Into the Sunset (or Moonlight)

See the Schuylkill from a whole new perspective. Launch from the Walnut Street Dock for a guided kayak tour along the Schuylkill River.

Choose a Moonlight Kayak Tour on Saturday, August 29 at 8 pm, where the city skyline and moonlight set the scene, or a Sunset Kayak Tour on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 pm, offering golden-hour views on the water.

Tours are $45 per person, for more details click here.

Laugh for a Good Cause!

Get ready for a night of laughs… with a twist. Don't Tell Comedy is bringing its signature pop-up comedy show to Rittenhouse Square on Saturday, August 8, where the comedians are a surprise and the exact venue remains a secret until the morning of the show.

Best of all, every ticket supports the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), a nonprofit that provides complimentary legal services.

Doors open at 7 pm, with the show beginning at 8 pm. The venue location will be emailed to ticket holders at 8 am on the day of the event. Tickets are $30 per person, and the event is 21+. Reserve your spot here.

Meet a Bestselling Author at Barnes & Noble

New York Times bestselling author Olivie Blake will visit Barnes & Noble Philadelphia (1708 Chestnut Street) on Friday, August 14 at 6 pm to discuss her highly anticipated new novel, Dreamland, a darkly seductive story of power, ambition, and an occult family curse set against the heat of late-summer Los Angeles. She'll be joined in conversation by fellow author M.L. Rio.

Seated admission is $32.39 that also includes a copy of Dreamland. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here.

A Unique Philly Tradition on Two Wheels

On Saturday, August 22, thousands of riders will take to the streets for the Philly Naked Bike Ride, a joyful, body-positive celebration of freedom, cycling, and community.

Participants of all shapes, sizes, and levels of clothing come together for a ride that raises awareness about oil dependency and champions cyclist and pedestrian safety.

Full route details and participation information here.

Explore The Legacy of Bayard Rustin

Take a deep dive into the life and ideas of one of the most influential yet often overlooked leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. The Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square) is hosting Rustin's Challenge Reading Group, a weekly discussion series exploring the legacy of Bayard Rustin, the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and the visionary behind the "Freedom Budget for All Americans."

The group will read and discuss a collection of essays examining Rustin's vision for economic justice and what it can teach us. The group meets every Tuesday through August 25 at 6 pm. RSVP here.

Rachel Derstine Art Quilt on exhibition at Moore

“I Lift My Lamp,” a quilt by Rachel Derstine, a center city resident, on exhibition at Art Quilters Celebrate Independence, a juried exhibition currently at Moore College of Art & Design until August 29.

The title of this quilt is the last line of the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

The exhibition features artwork by Studio Art Quilt Associates of Pennsylvania (SAQA-PA) created in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Find out more about the event here.

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Writer - Bob Vogel

Writer - Terry Demchak

Contributor - Bonnie Eisenfeld

Useful links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

Arts and Entertainment

Academy of Vocal Arts

Curtis Institute of Music

Interact Theatre Co.

Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Theatre Co.

Violet Alexandre

Computers and Technology

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair

Mr FIX

Home, Retail, and Lifestyle