Baking Classes, Coffee Tours and More

Whatever you’re hungry for, Center City’s restaurant scene is brimming with delicious options like tasting menus, elaborate brunch experiences and much more. Whether you’re dining on a budget, splurging on a special occasion or looking for a great night out, we have a curated list of happenings on our Dine page.

The Bread Room: Intro to Sourdough with Head Baker Kyle Wood | February 22 | 4:30 p.m. | 834 Chestnut St.

The Philly Coffee Tour | February 28 | 2 p.m. | 1800 Walnut St.

Tapster Philly: Paint Your Partner Sip N’ Paint | March 5 | 7 p.m. | 1601 Sansom St.

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The Declaration’s Legacy

Independence National Historical Park, in partnership with the Independence Historical Trust and the World Affairs Council, will host a conversation exploring how the Declaration of Independence inspired movements around the world.

The panel takes place Feb. 26 from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at the Independence Visitor Center and will be led by Dr. David Armitage, professor of history at Harvard University.

Go deeper: Find more information and register for this free event here.

Missing Person Alisa Donovan from the 24th District

The Philadelphia Police Department is searching for a local woman who disappeared from the Kensington neighborhood late last month. Alisa Donovan, 30, was last seen on January 30, 2026, and has had no contact with family or friends since that date. Donovan, who also goes by the nickname “Chachi,” resides on the 2900 block of Kensington Avenue.

She is described as a white female, 5 feet tall, and weighing approximately 165 pounds.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating her. Anyone with information regarding Donovan’s whereabouts is asked to contact the East Detective Division at 215-686-3243 or to call 911.

For additional information and updates, visit https://www.phillypolice.com/news-blotter/missing-person-alisa-donovan-from-the-24th-district/

Missing Juvenile Ari’Bree Miles from the 39th District

The Philadelphia Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing juvenile Ari’Bree Miles. Ari’Bree was last seen on February 20, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., at her residence on the 3300 block of Henry Avenue.

She is 17 years old, stands 4’9″ tall, weighs approximately 110 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing glasses, black puffy jacket, gray sweat suit and grey sneakers. Ari’Bree be in the area of 1900 N Warnock St. Any

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ari’Bree Miles is asked to contact the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353 or call 911.

For additional information and updates, visit https://www.phillypolice.com/news-blotter/missing-juvenile-aribree-miles-from-the-39th-district/

Manayunk Restaurant Week Debuts First Winter Edition

Photo by Cody Aldrich Photography or The Video Content Factory (TVCF)

Manayunk, PA – Following the success of Manayunk’s Fall Restaurant Week, Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to add a spring edition of the beloved dining celebration. Manayunk Restaurant Week will return to Historic Downtown Manayunk and Main Street from March 2 through March 8 2026, inviting diners to come hungry for special two- and three-course prix fixe menus offered for lunch and dinner. Participating restaurants will feature menus priced at $15, $25, $35, and $45 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

Make your reservations now to enjoy some of the biggest names in the Manayunk dining scene. Discover a brand-new eatery or revisit a longtime favorite, with cuisine options ranging from American comfort classics to global flavors, fast-casual bites to fine dining, and everything in between—including indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Eateries participating include: Bar Jawn, Blondie, Bayou Bar & Grill, Cactus Cantina, Chabaa Thai Bistro, Jakes & Cooper’s Wine Bar, JD McGillicuddy’s Manayunk, Lucky’s Last Chance, Manayunk Brewing Company, Mia Ragazza, New Leaf Manayunk, Ryans Pub, The Goat’s Beard, The Rook Manayunk, The Tomato Shack, The Brass Tap, Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, SOMO Manayunk, Taqueria Amor, Yanako and Zesty’s. While dining, look for featured and special cocktails, beers and other beverages at select locations. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and make it a night out in Manayunk! For a full list of restaurants and menus, visit manayunk.com/mnyk-events/restaurant-week/

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New Retailers and Restaurants in Center City

Photo courtesy of Uchi

We’re ushering in 2026 with 15 new retailers in Center City. From the debut of Uchi to the opening of PRWBLD, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to explore downtown.Madis Coffee Roaster | One of Philly’s favorite coffee spots has just opened its third location right in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re a local or visitor, make sure to stop by for your caffeine fix!  | 1441 Chestnut St.Beads by Joyce | Beads by Joyce offers authentic, high-quality waist beads made in Ghana, West Africa that are symbols of heritage, beauty, and self-expression, rooted in centuries-old traditions. | Fashion District, 901 Market St.Uchi | James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s new spot feels like “uchi” — “home” in Japanese. The non-traditional menu includes signature dishes and omakase experiences. | 1620 Sansom St. Underoutfit | Underoutfit’s founders spent over 25 years designing for big names like Victoria’s Secret, Nike, and Lululemon. Now, they’re bringing their expertise directly to customers. | 1611 Walnut St.

Universal Studios Theme Parks: The Exhibition made its world premiere at The Franklin Institute on Feb. 14, 2026. The immersive exhibition features more than 100 artifacts and 20 interactive experiences that bring the Universal parks to life.

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended and can be purchased here.

Take Your Pick: Upcoming Arts and Culture Events

Photo by Morgan Horell for PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

Whether you’re making last minute plans, or filling your calendar for the season, there are so many ways to experience Center City. From the best live entertainment to immersive events and attractions, there are countless things to do here. Visit our Experience page regularly to see what’s happening in downtown Philadelphia.

James Oliver Gallery: Slumber Party Art Exhibition Opening | February 21 | 6 p.m. | 723 Chestnut St. 2nd Fl.

City Winery: Kut Klose Live | February 22 | 7:30 p.m. | 990 Filbert St.

Lucky Strike: Ultimate Thursdays with Philly Salsa Bachata | February 26 | 8 p.m. | 1336 Chestnut St.

PHS: Philadelphia Flower Show | February 28 – March 8 | Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1100 Arch St.

Dilworth Park: Lunar New Year Celebration presented by Temple University | Now through February 21 | 1 S.15th St.

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Camden Diocese Reaches $180 Million Settlement with Abuse Survivors, More Than Doubling Previous Agreement

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The Diocese of Camden has agreed to pay $180 million to more than 300 survivors of clerical sexual abuse, marking one of the largest such settlements in New Jersey history and representing a significant expansion of compensation for victims who have waited years for justice. The agreement, announced Tuesday in a letter from Bishop Joseph A. Williams to diocesan clergy and faithful, more than doubles the $87.5 million settlement the diocese reached in 2022. The victim support fund will be financed through contributions from the diocese, its parishes, and insurance carriers following a protracted legal dispute. The settlement represents a breakthrough after years of contentious negotiations between the diocese, claimants’ attorneys, and insurance companies that had resisted earlier payment demands. The agreement must still receive approval from the bankruptcy court, as the Camden diocese has operated under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since 2020.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

In his letter dated February 17, Bishop Williams acknowledged the profound significance of the moment for those who suffered abuse at the hands of clergy members. The bishop offered a direct apology to victims, calling their suffering the result of “grave sin and a devastating betrayal of the trust you placed in the Church that you loved.”

Years of Legal Battles

According to a statement from Lowenstein Sandler, the law firm representing plaintiffs in the case, the new agreement supplements rather than replaces the earlier settlement, bringing total compensation to victims to more than a quarter-billion dollars.

For the more than 300 survivors involved in this case, the settlement offers financial recognition of their suffering, though many advocates note that no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and its lifelong consequences.

Context and Implications

The agreement also reflects the ongoing financial and moral reckoning facing the Catholic Church as it continues to confront the legacy of clergy sexual abuse scandals that have spanned decades.

For more information, visit: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2026/02/diocese-of-camden-nj-reaches-180-million-abuse-settlement

Arrest Made in July 2025 Shooting Death of 19-Year-Old in Germantown

Philadelphia Police announced Tuesday that an arrest has been made in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old that occurred last summer in the city’s Germantown neighborhood.

Tayvone Bibbs was taken into custody on Feb. 17 by the Fugitive Task Force in connection with the July 3, 2025 murder of Michael Allen. Bibbs was extradited from a correctional facility in Montgomery County to Philadelphia to face formal charges.

The incident began in the early morning hours of July 3, 2025. At approximately 5:31 a.m., Philadelphia police officers responded to a “person with a gun” call on the 200 block of East Rittenhouse Street. Upon arrival, police discovered Allen on the highway suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.

Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced Allen dead at the scene at 5:47 a.m.

Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting.

Bibbs’ capture marks a significant turn in the seven-month investigation led by the Homicide Unit.

A booking photograph of the suspect is not currently available.