Since opening its doors in 1976 as the first museum in the nation designed specifically for children ages seven and under, the Please Touch Museum has served as a cornerstone of early childhood education and interactive play in Philadelphia. Now housed in Fairmount Park’s historic Memorial Hall, the beloved institution is kicking off a yearlong 50th birthday celebration this October to honor half a century of sparking curiosity, creativity, and discovery across generations.

The milestone anniversary will feature free community events, new interactive exhibits, and special celebrations for local families.

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In a major win for local economic development, off-price retail giant Burlington Stores, Inc. is packing up its New Jersey headquarters and relocating to West Philadelphia, according to state and local officials.

The Fortune 500 company has agreed to purchase property at 3151 Market Street within Brandywine Realty Trust’s Schuylkill Yards development. According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, the total project represents a $370 million investment—marking the largest corporate headquarters relocation to Philadelphia in recent memory.

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The end-of-summer tradition is back: the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll returns this Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., bringing $1, $3, and $5 deals from dozens of local businesses and neighborhood festivities to Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets.

Organized by University City District in partnership with local businesses and organizations, this edition features more local vendors, music, and community block parties spread out along the corridor.

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Here is the latest roundup of restaurant updates and culinary developments across West Philadelphia.

New Openings & Upcoming Arrivals

After months of anticipation, Barakat Chicken opened last month at 43rd and Walnut. Launched by the team behind Barakat Halal Market in Northeast Philly, this new Central Asian and halal eatery sits directly across from Masjid Al-Jamia and next door to Makkah Market. The fast-casual spot includes indoor seating for 10–15 guests and serves authentic house-made specialties—including traditional beef plov (pilaf), stews, kebabs, chicken shawarma, and prepared items available by the pound. Check out their Instagram for more info.

7th Street Burger is coming to 3931 Walnut St, taking over the ground-floor retail space until recently occupied by Hummus Grill. The NYC smashburger chain is set to open its doors by the end of the calendar year. Founded in 2021 in New York City’s East Village by college friends Kevin Rezvani and Paras Jain, the fast-casual spot operates on a minimal approach centered around quality ingredients, quick service, and accessible pricing.

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If you missed the legendary era of Studio 54, now is your chance to step back into a world of glitter, platform shoes, and non-stop funk. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Curio Theatre Company will host Curio 54, an immersive disco, glam, and dance party at the newly renovated Calvary Center Hall at 48th and Baltimore.

Designed as both a celebration and a fundraiser, the evening offers community members a chance to hit the dance floor while directly supporting live local theatre.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Location: Calvary Center Hall (4740 Baltimore Ave)
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door (Cash or Venmo only)

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SEPTA’s trolley tunnel will be closed for repairs for four upcoming weekends.

West Philadelphia commuters who rely on SEPTA’s T lines (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T 5) will need to adjust their weekend travel plans. SEPTA has announced that the underground trolley tunnel will close for four upcoming weekends, requiring full surface busing across all five routes.

Tunnel closures will begin at 2 a.m. on Saturdays, with a gradual transition to complete bus service overnight. All five lines will operate entirely as buses from 5 a.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Monday on the following weekends:

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