South 9th Street Italian Market Festival Returns With 100+ Vendors, Music, Half Ball, and of course the Grease Pole Climbing Competition
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns on May 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., transforming the historic South 9th Street Italian Market into a vibrant, seven-block celebration of food, music, and community.
Drawing thousands of visitors each year, the festival remains a cornerstone of South Philly culture—bringing together longtime neighborhood staples, local artisans, and food vendors for a weekend that honors tradition while showcasing the area’s evolving culinary scene.
Stretching across seven city blocks, the festival will feature 100+ vendors offering everything from classic Italian specialties to global street food, alongside crafts, art, and unique retail finds.
Festivalgoers can expect bites and offerings from beloved names like:
- Ralph’s Italian Restaurant
- Villa Di Roma
- Geno’s Steaks
- Isgro Pastries
- Esposito’s Meats
Alongside newer favorites and diverse vendors like Los Gallos, Kanto Filipino BBQ, Blue Corn, and Ravioli Remix, highlighting the market’s rich blend of old-school tradition and modern flavors.
No Italian Market Festival is complete without its most famous spectacle—the Grease Pole Climbing Competition, or Albero Della Cuccagna.
Taking place at 9th & Montrose, teams will attempt to climb a 30-foot pole coated in lard to reach prizes like meats, cheeses, and cash. It’s a chaotic, crowd-favorite tradition where teamwork, strategy, and a little luck all come into play.
On Sunday, the festival continues its cultural roots with the Procession of Saints, beginning at Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church and moving through the Italian Market.
The procession pauses for a blessing at 9th and Washington before continuing down the avenue and concluding at St. Paul Catholic Church—a meaningful tradition that reflects the neighborhood’s heritage and faith.
Music will fill the streets all weekend long, with performances spread across multiple stages including:
12 Steps Down Stage (9th & Christian) featuring DJ Timmy Desimone
Piazza DiBruno (914 S. 9th St.) with DJ Eric Bartello
Washington Avenue Stage (9th & Washington) featuring live bands like Michael James Band, SlayTownCity, Juliano Brothers, and 99 Reasons
From DJs to live bands, the festival offers a nonstop soundtrack that keeps the energy high across all seven blocks.
Another highlight of the weekend is the John Marzano Half Ball Tournament, a uniquely Philadelphia street game that has become a staple of the festival.
