Philadelphia gave summer a full-on pep rally Tuesday night at the 3rd Annual Philly Opener presented by Highmark at the Independence Visitor Center Tuesday evening, May 5.
Guests were greeted by the always energetic Phambassadors, who cheered arrivals into the event, instantly setting the tone for a night filled with Philly pride, music, food, and excitement for the huge year ahead.
The energy inside felt less like a networking event and more like a hometown rally for Philly pride, with DJ Hollywood keeping the party moving while tourism leaders, hospitality insiders, and local cheerleaders celebrated what’s ahead for the city.
The annual event officially kicks off the region’s tourism season and brings together many of the city’s hospitality leaders, tourism insiders, restaurant owners, and cultural organizations, while also welcoming plenty of enthusiastic Philly fans looking to celebrate the start of summer.
Inside, the event blended food tastings, cocktails, entertainment, and tourism enthusiasm as hospitality leaders, local businesses, tourism officials, and city supporters gathered to celebrate the start of Philadelphia’s busy visitor season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
DJ Hollywood kept the energy high throughout the evening as guests sampled offerings from local restaurants and vendors while looking ahead to what many are calling one of the biggest years in Philadelphia history. With FIFA World Cup matches, MLB All-Star festivities, and America’s 250th birthday celebrations all on the horizon, the city is preparing for an international spotlight in 2026.
Guests also got a taste of Philly with an international twist as Tokyo-based restaurant Nihonbashi Philly wowed the crowd with a live cooking demonstration of their signature cheesesteak.
The celebration also featured playful signature cocktails themed around Pennsylvania and Philly pride, including the “Keystone Lemonade,” “MVP Margarita,” and the crowd-pleasing “Espress-Opener Martini,” helping keep the atmosphere festive throughout the evening.
Gritty enjoyed the Philadelphia Freedom Band and Color Guard performance during the third annual Philly Opener at the Independence Visitor Center.
While Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was expected to attend to receive the event’s “Most Valuable Philadelphian” honor, he was unable to make it, with Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis stepping in on his behalf.
“This year, the work carries even greater meaning,” Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. “As we mark the semiquincentennial, our city is welcoming the nation and the world for a once-in-a-generation year of history, culture, sports, tourism, hospitality and civic pride.”
Very cool “award” created specially for Governor Shapiro by artist/jeweler John Wind!!
Artist/Jeweler John Wind, his husband Bill Osman and friend Laura Burkhardt at their booth set up at the third annual Philly Opener at the Independence Visitor Center.
A message from John Wind: Big thanks to @phlvisitorcenter and @kottlovell for the unique opportunity to create this year’s MVP (Most Valuable Philadelphian) Award for Governor Josh Shapiro! It was presented last night at their buzzy, Phantastic Philly Opener. Centered around a vintage Pennsylvania Jim Beam whiskey decanter, it’s embellished with symbols of @governorshapiro both professional and personal, as well as landmarks of our state. We kicked off our Philly250 jewelry collab last night as well, and I got to meet Miss Philadelphia, Swoop, and a few hundred passionate @phl.phambassadors ⭐️🇺🇸❤️
Today is busy. I have three events. Follow along on my Instagram
I saw the Devil Wear’s Prada last night. I liked it. It reminds me of my Manhattan days & nights. In fact on today’s Instagram I am posting about a time, shortly after the last movie, where I photographed Meryl Streep being honored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in 2008. I sure do miss my red carpet celebrity shooting days. Today it’s too chaotic for me to venture back into it in Manhattan. Social Media killed it. It’s so crowded on the sidewalks now.
Socially yours, HughE
