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South Street Fest
The South Street Headhouse District’s Spring Festival is now South Street Fest — a daylong celebration of all the things that make South Street, well, South Street.
The annual event is one of the biggest spring festivals in Philly (and flat-out one of the city’s biggest events of the year) — a massive, can’t-miss party spanning more than seven city blocks.
Expect a day full of international eats, eclectic art, vintage vendors and all-ages fun up and down the legendary stretch of South Street from 2nd Street to 8th Street.
This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Generations of Philadelphians have stories about their time spent on South Street (just ask your coolest aunt or uncle). Long known for its counter-culture, punk-rock edge, the neighborhood is now home to a diverse mix of international restaurants, vintage clothing and record shops, and lively nightlife venues.
— Photo courtesy South Street Headhouse District
South Street Fest celebrates all facets of the neighborhood’s past, present and future, with delectable food and drink options, shopping from iconic South Street businesses and eccentric artwork from some of Philly’s most talented creators.
South Street Fest 2023 is jam-packed with action from the east end of the festival at Headhouse Square to the west end at 8th Street. Here’s a sampling of what you can expect.
Brauhaus Schmitz’s 10th Annual Maifest
South Street’s German beer hall hosts a traditional German spring festival, complete with a maypole, music and dancing, and, of course, plenty of German beer. Food and drink are pay as you go, and a limited number of VIP packages are available, offering front-of-line perks, an all-day buffet and access to private restrooms. Prost!
Free Comic Book Day
Comic book fans can geek out (we mean that in the best way) during this joint celebration from Atomic City Comics and South Street’s brand-new gothic-inspired shop, The Dream Eerie. Compete in a comic book-themed costume contest, show off your nerdy knowledge during rounds of trivia and jam out to sets from DJ Mighty Mike Saga. To celebrate its grand opening, The Dream Eerie is raffling off great prizes, including gift cards and tickets to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Cure’s upcoming concert at the Wells Fargo Center.
Kids Zone
Kiddos can compete in games of giant chess and Connect 4 from nearby Queen & Game Cafe, or Doop it up while getting kicks in on an inflatable interactive game from the Philadelphia Union.
— Photo by D. Nichole for Visit Philadelphia
Inaugural Artist Row
Shop for handmade creations from more than 20 up-and-coming artists at the fest’s first-ever Artist Row. Curated by Black-and-Brown owned businesses in the area, the artist lineup emphasizes women makers and creators of color.
Catch the Kentucky Derby on a Seriously Big Screen
It’s derby day! Put on your silliest hat and head to the intersection of 2nd and South to cheer on the ponies. The action streams on a 20-foot screen while the fine folks at Paddy Whacks and Twisted Tail sling suds and mix up refreshing mint juleps.
South Street Fest is a free, all-ages event. Food, drink and shopping is pay as you go. There are two main entry points located at Headhouse Plaza on the east side of the festival and at 8th and South streets on the west side.
For more details about South Street Fest, click the button below.
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