BY Lauren McCutcheon
Oct. 01, 2024
Welcome to the 2024 Good Philadelphia Citizen Calendar, full of good things to do in Philly, the rest of the year. Let this two-months-left calendar guide you to dozens of ways to take part in city life — and to make Philly better for all of us: Voting. Volunteering. Cheering on our cherished traditions and teams. Cleaning up after ourselves.
Truth be told, you can be a good citizen any day of the year: Sweep your block. Donate a book to a little free library. Donate your time to any kind of shelter. Buy a box of overpriced candy from a kid on the subway. Lend a hand to someone who could use it. Patronize a local business. Get out there. Participate in our city. Mark down these civic holidays and Philly-centric events, to make this year in Philadelphia your — and our — best year, ever.
Figure: Photo courtesy of Bar Bońbom
Didya know that Philadelphia has one of the highest ranked vegan restaurants … in the world? Vedge sure is a treat. But you can also get your vegan on at Monster Vegan, Bar Bombón, HipCityVedge, The Tasty, LUHV, The Nile Cafe, Miss Rachel’s Pantry, Fitz on 4th, Charlie was a sinner …
If you haven’t already, do it. Here are the people on Philadelphia’s ballot. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
Figure: Kelce (left) and running back Miles Sanders wear Underdog Apparel at the NovaCare Complex.
Philadelphians don’t often adopt out-of-towners as one of our own. Kelce is an exception. Dude chugged a beer with the Phanatic during the 2022 World Series. Coined the phrase, “Nobody likes us, and we don’t care!” at the 2018 Super Bowl parade — while wearing Mummers regalia. Made his teammates sing on two Christmas albums and created a line of merch to benefit Philly kids. More on that: Time and again, Kelc has proven he really, truly, deeply cares about our city and the people in it. HBD.
Ten days (and nights) of films is the draw, but the PAAFF doesn’t skimp on live performances and gatherings galore — a perk of one of the biggest festivals of its kind.
Figure: Rocky Balboa, running.
The annual Rocky Run offers participants options: a 5K, a 10 miler, or a half marathon around town. Of course, the route could never follow Balboa’s, since his wasn’t filmed in geographic order. But you can enter as a group and dedicate your jog to the Special Olympics.
Figure: Peoplehood Parade. Photo courtesy of Spiral Q.
From 1 to 4pm, West Philadelphia’s Spiral Q re-ups their now 24-years-young tradition of bringing community, artists and giant puppets together on West Philly to celebrate common humanity in the Peoplehood Parade and Pageant. Starting at the John Coltrane House (4951 Walnut Street), the parade culminates with a fun festival in the park (45th Street and Baltimore Avenue).
Figure: Veterans Day Parade, photo by Robert J. Castaldi Sr.
From noon to 4pm, Philadelphia’s Veterans Parade and Festival takes a new route along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Look for motorcycles, marching bands, military regalia and lots of flags. Following the parade, a festival celebrates military pride with all-ages fun. Free. From 21st Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
More than 7,000 military veterans call Philadelphia home. Thank them by supporting those in need and supporting their businesses.
Figure: Kensington Soccer Club coach Brianna Banks with player Malena Morrison, photo by Pat Hardy
Kindness is goodness in action. Did you know it is also the key to happiness? If you do nothing else all year long, do this: Be kind.
Thank those Philadelphians who are making this city a greater city for all. Then, take some time to honor those in need. Here are some ways to do that:
Figure: Photo by Daryl Moran for Chestnut Hill Business District
We’ve got some of the best urban main streets — although few go by that name — in the country. Choose one. Or more. Buy stuff there.
Figure: Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by J. Smith for Visit Philadelphia
On December 3, 1976, a little film called Rocky made its big-screen debut. Last year, December 3 officially became “Rocky Day,” Sylvester Stallone and all. Celebrate by running up and down the art museum steps, boxing some frozen beef, or shouting “Yo Adrian!” during your commute. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps)
On National Letter Writing Day, think about someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to — a far-away friend, grandparent, sibling, anyone you’ve lost touch with — and take a few minutes to send them a card or drop them a line.
The creator and star of Abbott Elementary made us fall in love again with Philadelphia’s public schools, warts and all — but especially with Philly educators. You know what they like: Gift cards for school supplies … and coffee shops.
Figure: Photo by Tonya Hopkins.
That’s here, in Philadelphia, in case you didn’t know. Listen to Tonya “Food Griot” Hopkins’ podcast about the history of the holiday in Philly. Then start the festivities in the best way: Bake Kwanzaa cookies.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PHILADELPHIA
Ideas We Should Steal Festival
Real Estate Development for Good
Civic Health with Connor Barwin
Criminal Justice with Malcolm Jenkins
