City Cast Philly logo
June 17, 2026

Can Philly Stop Its Festivals From Leaving for Jersey?

City Cast Philly

Can Philly Stop Its Festivals From Leaving for Jersey?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Yet another thing that makes Philadelphia so great is that there are races, rowing competitions, and a random assortment of other special events that happen almost every weekend in the city. But it’s gotten more expensive for event organizers to put these events on, and the city’s permit process is so hard to navigate. Plus, security costs are reaching $20,000 to $40,000 per event. So organizers scale back, scrap the event, or move it out of the city. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Philly’s chief auditor, City Controller Christy Brady, about her latest report: A City of Neighborhoods and Celebrations: Report on Special Event Management in Philadelphia. She has ideas for better ways to put on special events and keep them in Philly.

Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

Instagram: @citycastphilly

Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
November 10

Argue With a Stranger! Also: Restricting AI Ads & Ways to Get Cozy This Winter

The temperatures are dropping, which means it's time to get cozy. Host Trenae Nuri, senior creative producer Abby Fritz, and contributor...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 9

How Philly Needs Dems to Deliver. Plus: Safety in Foster Care & the City’s Hidden Gems

We talk about the criteria for places that can be called true “hidden gems.” Contributors Jacen Bowman and Conrad Benner join host Trenae...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 8

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Philly

It’s fall in Philly, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government i...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 6

Will State Democrats Now Deliver? Plus, LOVE Park Hosts 1,000th Wedding & BalletX Portrays 1920s Philly

We review Pennsylvania Democrats’ long wish list for policy changes now that the party controls the legislature and governor’s office. Ho...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 5

Voting? Done. Next? How You Can Help Get Potholes Fixed & Streets Cleaned Up

Election Day is over, but the work you do in your community doesn’t stop. There are so many ways you can get involved, speak up on issues...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 4

Shapiro Crushes GOP Challenger. Is the White House Next? Plus: Rabb Goes to D.C.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won a landslide victory against Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. We talk about how that happened, w...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 3

Can PA Dems Win Trifecta? Plus, Taxing Waymo & Very Early Holiday Decor

It’s Election Day. So what’s at stake? While Pennsylvania has a Democratic governor and control of the state House, Republicans maintain...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 2

SEPTA Funds, Minimum Wage Hike & Legal Weed: Philly's Only GOP State Senator Has Some Thoughts

We’re sitting down with State Sen. Joe Picozzi, who represents the Northeast. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk to P...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
November 1

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Philly

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Philly. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing a...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
October 30

Your Guide to November 2026 in Philly

This is the time of the year when we crave cozy dinners, cherish time with family and friends, and choose to spend extra time volunteerin...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art