Old City Fest
Old City transforms from quiet cobblestone thoroughfares into a hub for entertainment and alfresco eating during the annual Old City Fest.
Several blocks along North Third Street and Arch Street close down to traffic to showcase local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries and theaters, as well as the neighborhood’s culture, history and architecture.
Dozens and dozens of the area’s businesses participate.
Activities, exhibitions and programs unfold throughout the afternoon, catering to both families and the over-21 crowd.
More than 100 vendors fill the streets during the fest, going beyond just food and drink.
Old City Fest is a celebration of art and design, fashion and food, creativity and culture on the streets of America’s most historic square mile — Old City, Philadelphia.
This event highlights the region’s premier art and design district, showcasing local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries, theater, culture, history and architecture.
Circus street performers enliven the annual Old City Fest. — Photo courtesy Wandering Lens Photography
More than 100 vendors fill the streets during the festival — going beyond just food and drink — with booths featuring galleries, design houses, artisans and independent retailers selling an array of goods and services.
Festival-goers should come ready to shop, as plenty of crafts, home goods, fashion-forward apparel and other local finds are on display. There’s even a curated, live fashion show helmed by Barnet Fair hair salon.
Of course, the annual festival is packed with food and drink vendors — more than two dozen in total — who take over the streets of Old City. Participants include area staples like Cuba Libre, Continental, Franklin Fountain and more.
Families can also enjoy an array of all-ages entertainment on the family fun zone stage, as well as kid-friendly activities.
Old City Fest attendees can shop the latest trends from local stores, makers and designers at the popular outdoor fall festival. — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia
Old City is easily accessible via foot, bike, Indego Bike Share and public transportation. Street closures mean limited parking, so visitors’ best bets are to either walk if able, ride a bike, or hop on the Market-Frankford subway line to the 2nd Street station.
Admission is free; eats, drinks and vendor shopping are pay as you go.
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The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.