Looking for something fun and free to do this weekend? Make your way down to Old City for their fourth annual Old City Fest on Sunday, Oct. 8. Starting at 11 a.m., N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th) will become one giant outdoor party, complete with food, music, shopping and more until 6 p.m.
“Old City Fest highlights our region’s premier arts and design district, showcasing local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries, theater, culture, history and architecture,” says Old City District’s Executive Director, Job Itzkowitz. “Old City Fest was designed to be different.”
Here are four things you can’t miss this year.
The Food
While the event is free to attend, food and drink is pay-as-you-go. Keep an eye out for The Little Lion, which will be serving up bbq chicken thigh sliders, smoked chicken wings and raspberry sangria, as well as Buddakan, which will have pork dumplings, Cantonese rolls and draft beer on the menu. Craving dessert? Look no further than Franklin Fountain and their seasonal ice cream bar, which will even include a vegan pumpkin flavor.
The Music
This very well may be the biggest year so far for Old City Fest in terms of music. Headlining the main stage this year is Red Baraat, a Brooklyn-based octet which has been called “the best party band in years” by NPR and “a big band for the world” by the Wall Street Journal. Philly’s own Chill Moody will also take the stage this year. Named “Best Rapper” by Philadelphia Magazine, Chill Moody has also performed at The Roots Picnic, Made in America and more high profile events in his career so far. Other performers include Ernest Stuart, a trombonist who plays everything from hip-hop to salsa as well as 12-year-old DJ D-ILL, a young DJ who’s already performed at the White House.
The Shopping
Whether you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe or buy some new decor for your home, Old City Fest has you covered. Philadelphia Independents is sponsoring Independents Row (35 N. 3rd Street), which will feature local makers of jewelry, ceramics and even candles. Shopping newcomers this year include 36 Craven (antiques, textiles and artwork), Benjamin Lovell Shoes, Artist and Craftsman Supply, Margot and Camille Optique, Meadowsweet Mercantile (vintage), Nigel Richards Menswear, Philly Socks, The Geisha House (women’s clothing and accessories) and Rennes (women’s clothing and accessories).
Family Fun
Bringing the kids? Stop by the Family Fun Zone first, which will feature performances from the Give & Take Jugglers, Magician Ken Northridge, Philadelphia Dance Academy and more. At the Betsy Ross House, witness how chocolate was made in the 18th century. There will even be a mini golf course at Franklin Square Park as well as a bunch of “revolutionary” activities at the Museum of the American Revolution’s tent, including colonial paper hat-making.
If you go:
Old City Fest
Sunday, Oct. 8
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free to attend
3rd and Arch Streets
oldcitydistrict.org
