#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Silhouette selfie in the snow
(Photo by @phrankied)
Mayor Cherelle Parker is hoping to boost new business and job creation in the city by offering “white glove treatment” to companies who need help navigating the city’s regulatory labyrinth.
The new city division called PHL PRIME will aim to provide selected businesses a single contact who can help them obtain permits and licenses and streamline communication with Streets, Water, Licenses & Inspections and other departments. Continue reading …
Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s mayoral luncheon. Feb. 11, 2026. (Byron Purnell III/City of Philadelphia)
Between unrelenting ice and cold, it’s been a lousy winter for Philly restaurants. Add in a weekend Valentine’s Day, which costs businesses a valuable extra day of packed dining rooms, and it’s fair to ask how they holding up?
“I think the one-word phrase could be ‘Oof!’ ” said Scott Calhoun, owner and executive chef at Ember & Ash in East Passyunk. “It’s been historically slow.”
Calhoun and others are hoping that diners turn V-Day into V-Weekend, and spread the love, and meals, over three nights. Continue reading …
All-you-can-eat mussels from Ember & Ash. (Photo by Mike Prince)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Gov. Shapiro pitched a $1B housing program to build new stock and reduce barriers to ownership in Pennsylvania. [WHYY]
• Would Larry Krasner entertain a run for mayor? It’s a topic of conversation among Philly’s politically-connected class. [Axios]
• Civic associations and RCOs allow residents to be involved in decisions about their neighborhoods. Here’s a guide to their various flavors and what they do. [BP]
• Speed cameras in five Philly school zones will be activated next week, and drivers will face $100 fines for exceeding the 15 mph speed limit. [PhillyVoice]
• The National Constitution Center opened a new interactive gallery, dubbed “America’s Founding,” featuring rare artifacts and everyday stories ahead of America’s 250th birthday. [WHYY]
• The Circle Theatre in Frankford is set to join the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. [WHYY]
• Name a cockroach after an ex this Valentine’s Day at the Elmwood Park Zoo. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Friday.
ON THE CALENDAR
💜 Galentine’s and non-Valentine’s events
🧨 Lunar New Year event guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Friday, Feb 13: Lunar New Year Celebration
How do people celebrate Lunar New Year, and what traditions make this holiday special? Learn about Lunar New Year customs and share good wishes with friends and the community. At FACTS Charter School, 1023 Callowhill Street. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: Glue Sticks and Feelings: an Anti Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle
Valentine’s Day. Grief. Both can be messy and heavy and complicated. Also funny and strange. Hang out with other grievers, crafters, grieving crafters, and crafting grievers. Share or not, make a collage, a mini zine, a Valentine – or BYO craft, so long as there is no glitter / oil paints / physical mess that would impact the space. All griefs welcome. At Wooden Shoe Books. $0-25 suggested donation. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: 2nd Hand Circus Scrap Night
“Fall back in love — with the things that have been left behind.” Scrap Night is a curated evening of short circus works made from thrifted, passed-down, recycled, or once-forgotten objects. Eight circus artists each receive (or bring) a secondhand item and transform it into a brand-new act. At Thunderbird Hall. $35 to $75 tickets include drinks. (8 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Underground Railroad FreeWalk: Philadelphia Firstival
A walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city, with special events at the African American Museum. Start and end at LOVE Park on a 7-mile walk. Free with RSVP. (9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: A Meal to Remember: Live Mystery Theater Experience!
A seated, immersive historical mystery where time is on the brink of collapse. Work together with other audience members to identify historical figures who have forgotten who they are through monologues, interactions and relics. Do it before the museum doors open or else their histories will vanish. $60 ticket includes a Scandinavian-inspired brunch or dinner buffet. (10:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. show times)
Saturday, Feb. 14: “The Art of Brotherly Love” Philadelphia Premiere Screening
Experience the ‘Ganges Incident’ —the dramatic 1800 rescue of 135 enslaved Africans that served to historically validate Philadelphia’s identity as the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ through community action. At Landmark Ritz Five. $14.64 tickets. (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: 19th Police District Black History Drill & Dance Competition
A day filled with performances celebrating Black history and culture through drill and dance. Witness talented groups showcasing their skills and creativity in a friendly competition. Only clear bags allowed inside venue at the Hagan Arena on North 54th Street. Free. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Make Love Market at LOVE Park
Now + Then Marketplace hosts this themed market at the LOVE Park spaceship building. Show your love for local businesses. Enjoy a playful, love-themed lineup of vendors offering everything from caricature portraits and sweet treats to Tinder profile reviews. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Gapura Valentine’s Day Dinner
An intimate lunch/dinner and cultural show featuring traditional gamelan music and Indonesian dance, plus souvenirs. Two showings: lunch at 12 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. $100 per 2-person table; BYO friend, family, or more-than-a-friend. Funds help send youth to learn music and dance in Bali, Indonesia.
Saturday, Feb. 14: Heated Rivalry in the Library: The Show, The Books, and the Fandom
An afternoon celebrating Heated Rivalry — the show, the books, and the fandom that loves it all. Featuring a panel of romance authors including Xio Axelrod, Rosie Danan and Joanna Shupe, and moderated by superfan Shaye Lefkowitz. At Parkway Central. Free with RSVP. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: PSCA Adult Prom
Reimagine the classic rite of passage through the playful, inclusive and daring lens of contemporary circus. Attend with a partner, a group of friends or solo, and dress to impress or express — whether that means up-cycled, retro prom attire or sleek, modern elegance. Featuring a live DJ, ambient circus performances, open dance floor, DIY corsage/boutonnieres, cash bar and aerial champagne pour. $36.70 tickets. (7:30 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Galentine’s Party
Forget the chocolate and flowers. Bring the squad to Evil Genius for the ultimate Galentine’s celebration, with a live DJ spinning anthems, plus cocktails, wines, beer and food. (8 to 11 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 15: Navigating Conflict in Artistic Collaboration
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to suck. This workshop will give you tools and strategies for staying in it together. Part of the Obvious Agency Workshop Series at the Wilma Theater. $40 to $175 tickets. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 15: 4th Annual La Tamalada
Cantina La Martina and The Lighthouse host this vibrant, family-friendly festival honoring the Mexican tradition of La Tamalada, a communal gathering centered around making and sharing tamales—while also celebrating La Candelaria, which marks the close of the holiday season. At 101 E. Erie Ave. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 15: Philadelphia Wedding Expo
Over 100 wedding pros indoors in the Tork Club at Lincoln Financial Field. Vendors include venues, caterers, DJs, formalwear, travel, beauty services, cake, photographers, gifts, and more. Giveaways and sales on-site. Free with registration to attend. (12 to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Feb. 15: Lunar New Year Market
Support local AAPI artists, businesses and community orgs at Asian Americans United’s market. At FACTS Charter School. (1 to 4 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 16: 3rd Annual Philly Tết Dinner 2026
Celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year at this special Tết dinner featuring unique dishes from Ba Le Bakery, Cafe Nhan, Le Viet, and Miss Saigon. Cash Bar by Yakitori Boy. $108 per person. Áo Dài & other traditional garments encouraged! (6:30 p.m. doors open)