Local Scoop
15K Turnout Expected for Old City Fest-Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Old City District presents Old City Fest on Sunday, October 11, 2015, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th). Activities will include a festival stage with live music, runway fashion show, design showcase installation, family fun zone, pop-up street performances and a wide array of food, beverages, art, craft and retail shopping, with 100+ Old City vendors participating. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more info, visit oldcitydistrict.org, tweet @oldcitydistrict or call (215) 592-7929. Old City Fest is produced by Old City District with support from major sponsors Xfinity, Mighty Engine, Kaiserman Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, and Where Magazine, plus other sponsors and contributors.
“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,” said Old City District’s Executive Director, Job Itzkowitz. “Old City Fest was designed to be different. The city has tons of amazing neighborhood-based festivals with food, drink and music. We wanted to take that one step farther and celebrate all that makes America’s most historic square mile unique. We curated the event to give Old City’s merchants, artists, makers and creative community a platform to shine for the region.”
From its historic past to its artful present to its tech future, Old City is the place to be! Look for vibrant and diverse offerings that make the neighborhood the historic gem of Philadelphia. Old City staples lining the streets will include Buddakan, Continental, Franklin Fountain, Old City Coffee, Sassafras, Center for Art in Wood, Clay Studio, Smak Parlour, Third Street Habit. Start-ups and newer businesses will include 2nd Story Brewing Co, High Street on Market, E-Moderne Gallerie, Philadelphia Independents, Momo’s Tree House, Philly Tour Hub, Scout Salvage & Vintage. Mark your calendar, tell your friends and come prepared for a festival unlike any other. For a full list of activities, vendors, schedules and other information, see below or visit oldcitydistrict.org.
OLD CITY FEST ACTIVITIES AND VENDORS
FOOD AND DRINK
The lineup of Old City restaurants showcases the wide variety of styles and flavors while highlighting some of the best food and drinks. With over 20 food vendors setting up shop for the festival there is something for everyone. (* New to Old City Fest for 2015.)
2nd Story Brewing Co *
Big A– Slices *
Buddakan *
Capofitto
Continental
Cuba Libre
Festival Food *
Franklin Fountain
High Street on Market
ICI Macarons & Café *
Khyber Pass Pub *
Lucha Cartel
Mama’s Meatballs LLC
National Mechanics
Old City Coffee
Panorama
Positano Coast
Rocket Fizz *
Roe *
Sassafras *
Tartes *
United By Blue
Wedge + Fig
DESIGN SHOWCASE
The Design Showcase, as part of DesignPhiladelphia, opens during Old City Fest and runs through October 16, 2015 at The Center for Art in Wood (141 N. 3rd). Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design will create actual room settings using an eclectic array of furnishings, objects and art exclusively from Old City shops and galleries. Visit designphiladelphia.org
INDEPENDENTS ROW
Philadelphia Independents is sponsoring Independents Row, a special designated area featuring Old City artists and makers. Meet the makers and peruse their handmade goods along 3rd Street in front of 35 N. 3rd Street.
FASHION SHOW
MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE
Old City Fest will feature live performances from the West Philadelphia Orchestra, Polkadelphia and more on the main stage throughout the day. Plus, street performances from Opera on Tap, the largest network of operatic performing artists in the country. They take a local, grassroots and fun approach to community outreach in the name of the art form. Opera on Tap Philly is the newest chapter of the national organization that brings opera to non-traditional spaces and places – anywhere but concert halls and opera houses. (See additional street performances under Family Fun Zone.)
Red Hot Ramblers – 1:00pm to 2:00pm (stage)
Opera on Tap – 2:00pm to 5:00pm (street)
Polkadelphia – 2:45pm to 3:45pm (stage)
West Philadelphia Orchestra – 4:30pm to 6:00pm (stage)
FAMILY FUN ZONE
The family fun zone will feature performances from the Arden Theater, Music Monkey Jungle and many more. American Heritage Chocolate, a division of Mars Chocolate, will present the history and preparation of colonial chocolate at the Betsy Ross House. Stop by to experience chocolate the same way that Betsy Ross and their ancestors did! Check in as special guests will visiting throughout the day. You might recognize some of America’s most famous neighbors!
1:00pm – Performances by students from the Arden Drama School
2:00pm – Performances by students from the Philadelphia Dance Academy
3:00pm – Storytime and crafts with local children’s author, Monica Carnesi
4:00pm – Dance party with Music Monkey Jungle
5:00pm – The Give and Take Jugglers
* The Clay Studio will be hosting clay throw battles! This innovative and dynamic event has two artists go head-to-head in a series of “battles” on the potter’s wheel. The battles include tallest vessel, blind-folded throw, mug race, tandem throw and more.
* In the Betsy Ross House Courtyard, look for colonial chocolate making demonstrations from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, sponsored by American Heritage Chocolate (the historic division of Mars Chocolate). Chocolate figured prominently in Early American history. With a rebellion against tea and everything British, our forefathers (and mothers) proudly chose hot chocolate and coffee drinks as symbols of freedom.
* Meet three famous female entrepreneurs – chocolate-maker Mary Crathorne, upholsterer and flagmaker, Betsy Ross, and shopkeeper Hannah Lithgow – and learn how women and their beverage choices played a role during the American Revolution.
* Sample the tasty drink Colonists enjoyed and take home some American Heritage Chocolate, available exclusively at historic sites. The Betsy Ross House is also open for family friendly tours for just $5/adult and $4/children, students, seniors and military.
GALLERIES AND ARTISTS
Old City District is the city’s hub for artists, makers, galleries and creative industries.
Galleries —
Arch Enemy
Bluestone
Bulthaup Studio
Center for Art in Wood
Clay Studio
E-Moderne Gallerie
Grossman Furniture
Hussian College
Larry Becker
Millesime
Minima
More Than Old
Philadelphia Independents
Old City Jewish Arts Center
Artists —
5one7Designs
Adorned by Aisha
Frames by Mox
Local High Clothing
Nature Scripts Photography
Wireworx
* Look for artists creating new masterpieces as they paint, sketch and photographer the scene as it happens. Watch for information on where to find these specially created works after Old City Fest is over.
SHOPPING
Around every corner of Old City find the city’s latest fashions, gifts and home decor. Don’t leave empty handed with top brands, up-and-coming designers and more.
For more info about Old City District and Old City Fest, visit oldcitydistrict.org, tweet @oldcitydistrict or call (215) 592-7929.
