World Stage, the venue formerly called World Cafe Live, will be closing this month

Key Points:

• World Stage, formerly World Cafe Live, a University City music venue, announced it will close permanently on October 31 after ongoing management and labor issues since new leadership took over in spring 2025.
• The venue's president and CEO, J. Sean Diaz, informed staff of the closure during a Monday meeting, citing efforts to save the venue but ultimately deciding to cease operations.
• The venue has faced significant turmoil including worker protests over pay and treatment, eviction notices from the University of Pennsylvania for unpaid rent, loss of its liquor license, a police raid, and a bankruptcy filing.
• Labor disputes resulted in a National Labor Review Board ruling that firings were unlawful and ordered reinstatement and back pay to unionized workers, though payments have not yet been made.
• Despite the closure, WXPN radio will continue hosting events at the venue, but several scheduled shows after October 31 will need to relocate or be canceled, impacting Philadelphia's live music scene.