CCRA This Week – 7.9.26

This Week July 9, 2026

CCRA NEWS and EVENTS

Your Picture Perfect Rittenhouse Square Tour Awaits

Rittenhouse Square (FoRS) invites you on a guided walking tour of Rittenhouse Square to explore the history that shaped one of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods.

On this one-hour guided walking tour you’ll learn about the architecture, growth, and stories behind the Square’s transformation as well as a fresh perspective on a park many of us pass every day.

There’s still time to sign up with two public tours remaining this month at 1 pm on Thursday, July 16 and Sunday, July 19. Groups are limited to 20 persons, so make sure you get your place!

For details and/or more info, go here.

Why Join CCRA?

Summer is the season to relax and refresh. So in the spirit of summer, it’s time to refresh on why you should join CCRA. There are so many perks that go way beyond merchant partner deals and discounts. Let's get into it.

CCRA advocates for the neighborhood to city officials on topics such as, safety, cleanliness, development, street and pedestrian issues.
CCRA provides neighborhood greening from CCRA's tree tenders planting and pruning.
CCRA negotiates with large developers in the area to encourage improved project designs and community benefits and champions resident focused zoning.
CCRA offers member discounts in partnership with local restaurants, bars, retail, and entertainment.
CCRA informs our community by hosting public forums on topics such as, trash in CC, meet the candidates, crime and prevention, 250th celebration, and smaller gatherings to connect with city officials and other civic leaders.
CCRA celebrates the best of center city living through our House and Garden tour, annual meetings with featured guest speakers, Golden Age of Rittenhouse historical tour, and Neighbors Night Out socials.
CCRA communicates to members and keeps them up to date with a weekly e-newsletter, quarterly e-magazine, website as well as through social media through facebook, instagram, and X.
CCRA collaborates often with other neighborhood groups on projects and community events.
CCRA opportunities for members include access to a six-year garden plot at the Schuylkill River Park Community Garden.

Your membership matters to us and there are a lot of amazing ways we want you to be a part of our community.

Help us grow our neighborhood network by inviting a friend, neighbor, or family member to join. Every new member strengthens our voice and helps us continue advocating for a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Center City.

Consider sharing our membership link today.

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 feature Rittenhouse jewelry destination William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry.

The Perfect Piece is Waiting at William Schwartz Jewelry

Whether it's an engagement ring, a gift for someone special, or simply a gift for yourself, finding the right jeweler matters. Look no further than William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry at 1831 Chestnut Street, just steps from Rittenhouse Square.

William Schwartz is both a fine jewelry boutique and a full-service jeweler. The team specializes in custom-designed pieces — from simple earrings to one-of-a-kind engagement rings — and carries an impressive selection of top brands including Trollbeads, Citizen, Lashbrook Designs, and more.

At William Schwartz they do it all and more: custom design, watches, diamonds, silver and gold, and a collection of distinctive pieces you won't find anywhere else.

What else? CCRA members enjoy 10% off all in-store purchases (excluding repairs; CCRA membership card must be presented at time of purchase).

Store hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 am to 5 pm | Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm | Saturday 10 am to 4 pm | Closed Sunday & Monday.

So the next time a special occasion calls or you simply deserve something beautiful, head straight to the good folks at William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry.

Clean, Safe, and Green

Get Involved: CCRA's Tree Tenders

Center City West's beloved street trees have been cared for by dedicated volunteers for decades and the tradition continues today through CCRA's Tree Tender program.

The roots of this effort trace back to 1991, when the Center City Greening Project planted nearly 200 street trees across the neighborhood. That spirit of stewardship continued on when the Tree Tender program was established in 2009 in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In 2021, the Tree Tender program came full circle when it returned to CCRA under the CCRA Green Committee.

Today, Tree Tenders play a hands-on role in maintaining and expanding the neighborhood's urban canopy and new volunteers are always welcome. No prior experience is necessary; training is provided through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Tree Tender program.

Interested in getting involved? Visit here to learn more about Tree Tenders and the CCRA Green Committee.

Want a Garden Plot? Here's How to Get One

The Schuylkill River Park Community Garden offers CCRA members the opportunity to lease a plot for up to six years, renewable annually. To join the waiting list, simply email your name, address, and phone number to [email protected] and ask to be placed on the garden waiting list.

Note that active CCRA membership is required both while on the waiting list and while leasing, any lapse in membership will result in removal.

Not a CCRA member? Five plots are reserved for non-member residents of the CCRA area, awarded by lottery each March for a one-year term. To enter, send your name, address, phone number, and interest in the lottery to [email protected].

While on the waiting list, members are welcome to participate in tomato trials and assist with Parkside Plantings, space permitting. The waiting list (posted by initials for confidentiality) can be viewed anytime on the Garden's Bulletin Board.

To learn more about the community garden, click here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

See All of Philly with "Beyond the Bell Tours"

Make the most of the summer by exploring Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history on the Gayborhood LGBTQ History Tour. The 90-minute guided walking tour hosted daily at 3 pm through the Gayborhood begins at the Philly Pride Visitor Center (1315 Spruce Street) and highlights influential figures, landmarks, and the stories that helped shape Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.

Tours run throughout the summer, making it a great opportunity to experience an important part of the city’s history. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

History Meets Pride

At the Rosenbach, Pride Month doesn’t end in June. Learn how marginalization has given Queer people from history a unique perspective on the human experience while also inspiring fundamental contributions to literature, politics, and art.

On Friday, July 10 from 2 to 3 pm the Rosenbach (2008 Delancey Street) will be hosting “Rebellious Love: Exploring Queer History, Art, and Literature.” In this history lesson you’ll have a chance to explore artifacts such as, love letters between a playwright and actress, the book of a nonbinary soldier, and a volume of poetry that advocated for non-normative sexuality in 19th century France.

Admission is $40 and registration is required, which can be found here.

By the way! If you’re stopping by Rosenbach, check out their “Paper Trail: Conversations That Shaped a Nation” event to celebrate the 250th here.

Be a Part of the Queer Comics Book Club

Looking for a colorful way to spend an afternoon? Join the Queer Comics Club and explore graphic novels and manga by and about the queer community taking place at the City Institute Library on Saturday, July 11, at 12 pm. Teens and adults are welcome.

Go here for a full list of events happening throughout the summer at the City Institute Library including crafting, storytime and the nature club.

Community News and Events

Memorial for Dr. Barbara Friedes

Get Front Row at Fitler Square Summer Concerts

Spend the summer outdoors at Fitler Square (2312 Panama St) with their summer concert series. The Rookery, a Philly based traditional Irish music band, will be there on Friday, July 10 from 6 to 8 pm. Through a variety of influences, the band creates a fun-filled atmosphere of old-world charm brimming with energy.

The next summer concert event will take place Friday, August 7 at 6 to 8 pm. Learn more about Fitler Square summer concerts and additional events here.

Add Yoga to Your Weekend Morning Routine

The Philadelphia Ethical Society and Stonewall Sports are teaming up for a transformative yoga session you don’t want to miss. Find calm and community every Saturday this summer from 10:30 am to 12 pm located at 1906 Rittenhouse Square (inside the Philadelphia Ethical Society). Drop-in classes are $15 per session, with multi-session passes also available for those looking to make it a summer habit.

Led by experienced instructors, enjoy a mindful and relaxing start to your weekends. All skill levels are welcomed.

RSVP is required, which can be found here.

Mütter Tüesdays

Do you have a busy schedule this summer but still want to experience all that our city has to offer? Well, The Mütter Museum is offering expanded hours with their “Mütter Tüesdays: After-Hours Access.” Every Tuesday through Tuesday, September 1, between 3 and 8 pm, visitors get access to special exhibits such as Revolutionary Botany, The Philly Killer, Benjamin Rush Medical Plant Garden, and more!

Tickets can be purchased the same way you book regular admission, which can be found here.

Bring Your Popcorn to the Schuylkill Banks

Movie night at the Schuylkill Banks continues! Movie screening locations are at the Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or the grassy area just north of the Walnut Street Bridge. Grab your friends, blankets, and picnic baskets for a great time watching movies under the stars.

All screenings start on Thursday at 8:30 pm!

Thursday, July 9: Dirty Dancing

Thursday, July 16: A League of Their Own

Thursday, July 23: Office Space

Thursday, July 30: Before Sunrise

To keep up to date on locations and in case of rain, click here.

The Ben Franklin Bridge is 100 Years Young

America isn’t the only one having a birthday this July! The Ben Franklin Bridge is turning 100! Happening Saturday, July 11 between 10 am and 2:30 pm, the bridge will be closed for traffic during the celebration so make sure to plan accordingly. Celebrate the great impact the bridge has on this city with live performances, historical exhibits, food trucks, and more on the Camden, New Jersey side near the Ben Franklin Bridge toll plaza.

This is a free, family-friendly event, designed for attendees of all ages.

To keep up-to-date on the festivities, click here.

Baseball Takes Center Stage This Summer

The City of Brotherly Love is hosting the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14! The best players from across Major League Baseball will come together in our city for an unforgettable showcase. If you see visitors from out of town, be a good neighbor and help them feel welcome. Let’s show the hospitality we are known for.

Later in the season, on Thursday, August 13, the Phillies will take on the Minnesota Twins in the MLB at Field of Dreams game, in Dyersville, Iowa.

Whether you're watching the All-Star Game or tuning in for the Field of Dreams, it’s a great time to be a baseball fan.

Speaking French is Not a Requirement, But Don't Break The Dress Code

There's nothing quite as classy, effortlessly cool, or as elegant as Diner en Blanc! That’s right, the seminal event is returning Thursday, August 20 where guests will experience an unforgettable evening for fine food, sparkling conversation, music, and pure magic. Want to get in on this exclusive event, join the Fan List so you’ll be notified as soon as tickets go on sale and the secret gathering location is released.

Go Fish...In Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square just got a little fishy, but in a good way. First located near the Bella Vista area of the Italian Market, Biederman’s is now open on 20th and Spruce in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. If you don’t already know, Biederman’s is emblematic of classic New York Appetizing shops focusing on smoked fish, caviar, bagels, baked goods, cheeses, and of course, all things appetizers. Whether you're picking up your morning bagel with lox or you need some caviar for a party later you’ll find everything you need and more.

Learn more about the expansions of Biederman’s and what the shop has to offer here.

Bring Your Tissues to the Academy of Music

The beloved story of Allie and Noah is coming to the Academy of Music. The Notebook, running Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, August 2, brings Nicholas Sparks' iconic romance to the live stage with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, the writer behind NBC's This Is Us.

Praised as "absolutely gorgeous, not to be missed" by the Chicago Tribune, this is one summer show you'll want to mark on your calendar.

Tickets are available here.

New Moms: Learn, Support, and Create Community

Photo credit: Kaitlin Green on behalf of New Mom School

Calling all new moms! A school for new moms is now open in the Rittenhouse area at 255 S 17th Street, Suite 1700. All new moms deserve and need support before, during, and after pregnancy. The New Mom School will feature evidence-based and research-backed information from local experts, including mental health counselors, physical therapists, and child health educators. Enroll and take classes for newborn, infant, rising toddler, second time moms, and nursing support group.

Check out their website here to get more information about the school and the programs offered. And learn even more about The New Mom School here.

Start Pumping Those Tires for The Ben to the Shore Bike Ride

A Philly summer tradition returns on Sunday, July 26 with the 39th Annual Ben to the Shore Bike Tour, a charity ride benefiting the families of fallen and critically injured first responders through the Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation. Riders can choose from a 65-mile route starting at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge, a 30-mile route starting from Hammonton, NJ, or a 10-mile route starting from Galloway, NJ.

All three routes finish at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City with an after party to celebrate.

Registration and details are available here.

Lights, Lanterns, and Lots More at the Chines Lantern Festival

There’s so much to see and do in our city this summer, including The Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square.

Running from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, August 16, experience a breathtaking display of illuminated lanterns and spectacular light sculptures. In addition to the magical lanterns there will be acrobat performances, singing, dancing, food and beverage, and so much more.

Monday through Thursday, the festival begins with a single admission time of 6 pm. Friday through Sunday, the festival begins at 6 pm with hourly entry times until 10 pm. Timed tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Advance ticket purchase is required, and each ticket provides admission for a one-hour entry window.

Please click here for information on tickets, festival times, and to buy your tickets as well. Enjoy a night of light and celebration.

Every Win Deserves a Scoop

All wins taste better with ice cream. Celebrate your wins, successes, and achievements, or just enjoy a sweet treat at Winners Ice Cream. Located and now open at 1610 South St, Winners offers small-batch ice cream with fun flavors such as MVPeanut Butter Crunch and Summer Slam Strawberry.

Swing by, grab ice cream, and write your success on a sticky note to add to the “Wall of Winners.” (Shoutout to City Cast Philly for the heads up!)

Winners is open daily from 12 to 9 pm.

South Broad Street Transformation Starts to Bloom

South Broad Street is getting an early glimpse of its future transformation. In front of the Kimmel Center, a green median with a 230-foot-long green space, canopy trees, and seasonal flowers is now in place.

This installation serves as a pilot for a larger $150 million master plan to redesign the mile-long stretch of Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue. The full vision includes continuous tree-lined medians, improved sidewalks, and spaces designed for public art.

Work will roll out in phases, block by block, with sidewalk reconstruction on the 300 block of South Broad scheduled to begin in 2027. Read more about it here.

The Barnes is Taking it to the Streets!

Barnes on the Block returns on Sunday, July 12 at the Barnes (2025 Ben Franklin Pkwy), turning the area surrounding one of the world's great art museums into a free, family-friendly block party from 10 am to 5 pm.

The day features live music and performances, a craft market, food trucks, and a beer garden plus free admission to the museum. Registration is required and can be found 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