In case you haven’t already heard … tonight is the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll in West Philly. This thing (as the lines at participating shops and restaurants last month showed) has gotten big. People are coming from around the city.  Our insider advice? Get there early. It starts at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s a story from 6ABC last night:

Gretchen Elise performing at a Pop-up at the Portal (Photo courtesy UCD).

Free, all-ages music performances, Pop-Ups at the Portal, are returning to Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th St. and Baltimore Ave. For five weeks starting May 9, University City District (UCD) in partnership with local musician Gretchen Elise will present inclusive musical performances featuring local talent every Thursday evening (from 5 – 7 p.m.)

“Our goal with Trolley Portal Gardens is to bring programming for the neighbors, parents, and commuters who use the space every day,” said Margaret Starke, UCD’s Senior Manager of Events and Community Partnerships. “Gretchen has deep connections with the neighborhood and other local musicians and made a great fit to collaborate with again as both a presenter and a curator.”

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Over the years, University City District (UCD) has provided important services and organized many community events and activities in the neighborhood (Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, Movies in Clark Park, etc.). Many residents have used such services as walking escorts, vehicle jumpstarts and lock-out assistance. UCD has also organized neighborhood cleaning events and regularly removes trash from the district trash cans. It has also supported local businesses through various events and initiatives/fundraising and has been involved with public space maintenance/activation, workforce development training programs, and more.

To better understand where they are performing well and where they might improve, UCD has launched a public survey.

Those who complete this survey and provide contact information, will be eligible to win one of five $100 gift cards to a University City restaurant. Winners will be chosen after the survey closes in April of 2024 and alerted via email.

The survey can be accessed via this link.

Live interactive music shows for all ages are coming to Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore. Starting May 11, University City District (UCD) is partnering with West Philadelphia-based jazz vocalist Gretchen Elise to present inclusive musical performances featuring local talent on Thursday evenings from 5 – 7 p.m.

“Our goal with Trolley Portal Gardens is to bring programming for the neighbors, parents, and commuters who use the space every day,” said Margaret Starke, UCD’s Senior Manager of Events and Community Partnerships. “Gretchen has deep connections with the neighborhood and other local musicians and made a great fit as both a presenter and a curator.” Continue Reading

University City District has announced the return of its popular summer events, most of which were not held during the past two years due to the pandemic.

From the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to Movies in Clark Park, here’s what’s happening in the district this summer. Also, check out events and activities at The Porch at 30th Street Station and Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Woodland).

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. During this unique event, neighborhood businesses and community vendors will present $1, $3, and $5 bargains – everything from bites from signature restaurants to pet supplies to theater tickets and much more. Plus enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and more fun! Read more about the 25+ participating vendors for the June 16th Dollar Stroll here. Details for the September Dollar Stroll will be available later this summer. Continue Reading

Rosemarie Certo at the 2012 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll/ Photo by West Philly Local

Dock Street Brewery at 50th and Baltimore is changing hands after 15 years.

Owner Rosemarie Certo announced in a mass email yesterday that she is selling the equipment in the brewpub but not the Dock Street name.

“On June 1st, there will be a talented duo taking over Dock Street’s space in the Firehouse – they are young, ambitious, hardworking, and kind,” she wrote. “They are seasoned brewers and will make fantastic beers and other fare. We can’t wait for you to meet them and to welcome them to the community.”

Dock Street opened in the former firehouse at 701 S. 50th St. (which had been converted to a farmer’s market) in August 2007 after a long process that included opposition from local church leaders and multiple zoning rejections. But several longtime residents, the neighborhood group Cedar Park Neighbors and the University City District pushed the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment to reverse its decision. Continue Reading