Philadelphia’s biggest block party returns for its fourth year on Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 11 am till 8 pm. Running on South Street, between Front and 8th, and extending to the 2nd Street Plaza from South to Lombard and Headhouse Square, the SOUTH STREET SPRING FESTIVAL is an expansive outdoor/indoor celebration of both the season and the unique energy and ambiance of “the hippest street in town.”
From live music and art, to food, drink, and distinctive items from the restaurants, bars, and shops along the lively twelve-block corridor, you can indulge all of your senses with the wide array of options for which the neighborhood is known and loved. Last year’s festival was a huge hit, with over 50,000 people in attendance.
Among the participants in this year’s event, who generously provided a sneak peek and samples at a walking tour preview on April 26, are Atomic City Comics, hosting the second annual Atomic-Con, an exhibition of women zine artists, and a costume contest, and distributing free samples of collectible comic books; Sweet Life Bakery and The Little Bird, offering sweet and savory treats; Woodrow’s Sandwiches and Jim’s Steaks, with their signature sandwiches and “Philly Tacos” (a cheesesteak wrapped in a slice of Lorenzo and Sons’ pizza); Tattooed Mom and Fat Tuesday, mixing up original cocktails and frozen drinks; Bridget Foy’s, Bistro Romano, and The Twisted Tail, serving delicious fare and libations; Lovash presenting Indian and vegetarian delights.
In conjunction with the main event, Brauhaus Schmitz hosts its annual MAIFEST in and outside of its location at 718 South Street. In keeping with the European tradition, the “festival within the festival” features German food and beer, Bavarian music and dancing, flower headbands, and the largest Maypole in Philadelphia.
In addition, there will be five performance areas and three stages, with numerous street performers and 40 bands playing everything from hip-hop and indie rock to New Orleans jazz and the blues; dozens of artisans selling handmade arts and crafts; a Kids Zone with games; complimentary souvenir beach balls; and more surprises. Organized by the city’s South Street Headhouse District, the nine-hour all-ages rain-or-shine event, with the streets closed to vehicular traffic, is free and family friendly. So bring your family and friends, and eat, drink, shop, support the local economy, and enjoy the party on South Street on the first Saturday in May!
[South Sreet, from Front to 8th streets] May 7, 2016; southstreet.com/spring-fest-2016/.