FringeArts Will Host the 29th Annual Fringe Festival Featuring Philly’s Top Chefs and Mixologists

One of the most anticipated fusion of food and culture, FEASTIVAL, returns to the waterfront on Tuesday, October 22, for an unforgettable evening celebrating the city’s vibrant culinary and performing arts communities. Hosted by FringeArts, FEASTIVAL serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting its mission to present boundary-pushing performances and artistic innovation throughout the year.

The 2025 edition follows the close of FringeArts’ 29th annual Fringe Festival, the organization’s biggest to date — boasting over 350 performances and 33,000 attendees. Now, FEASTIVAL carries that creative energy forward by uniting some of Philadelphia’s best chefs, mixologists, and performers for one dazzling night of indulgence, art, and philanthropy.

A Culinary Showcase of Philly’s Best

FEASTIVAL has long been a celebration of Philadelphia’s world-class dining scene, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Attendees will enjoy bites, small plates, and tastings from more than 20 top restaurants, including:

• Co-hosts Irwin’s and Poi Dog

• Smash burgers from Huda

• Raw bar selections from Moshulu

• Lamb croquettes from Stina

• Sweet potato pie bombolini from Wilder

• Grilled octopus from Ember & Ash

Additional participating restaurants include A.Kitchen, Almanac, Kiddo, Forsythia, Rice & Sambal, Buddakan, Morimoto, LMNO, Post Haste, Fringe Bar, Luk Fu, Bloomsday, Spice Finch, Urban Farmer, The Twisted Tail, and Fette Sau.

Every dish tells a story — showcasing not only culinary creativity but the artistry and innovation that define Philadelphia’s ever-evolving food landscape.

A Feast for the Senses: Art Meets Indulgence

Beyond the food, FEASTIVAL delivers an immersive night of artistic wonder. Guests will experience a range of live and interactive performances, including:

• Performance installations by Brian Sanders’ JUNK, known for their daring physicality and imagination.

• A Cocktail Advice Booth hosted by R. Eric Thomas, the beloved local author, playwright, and humorist.

• Circus acts and dynamic visuals from the creative troupe 7textures.

Each performance adds a layer of spectacle to the evening, reflecting FringeArts’ commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and blending performance with unexpected spaces and experiences.

Silent Auction & Prizes

The evening will also feature a silent auction packed with luxury experiences and cultural getaways, including:

• A 4-night stay in Cape May

• A Broadway Series package from Ensemble Arts Philadelphia, including dinner at Leo and a private tour of the Academy of Music

• A “Tour de Fringe” package for the 2026 Fringe Festival — featuring three shows, dinner, and a guided experience with FringeArts CEO Nell Bang-Jensen

• A New York City theatre package, complete with dinner, hotel accommodations, and tickets to a New York Theatre Workshop production (ONCE, HADESTOWN, RENT).

Every bid supports FringeArts’ mission to champion experimental performance and nurture Philadelphia’s creative ecosystem.