Let the Mud Fly: The 17th Annual Kensington Derby and Arts Festival Returns This Fall

The mud, the music, and the mayhem are back! The 17th Annual Kensington Derby and Arts Festival rolls (and splashes) back into the neighborhood on Saturday, October 25, 2025, bringing one of Philadelphia’s most creative and unpredictable celebrations of art, community, and human-powered innovation.

From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Frankford Avenue — from Sergeant Street to York Street — will transform into a lively corridor filled with music, art, food, and the beloved kinetic derby, where costumed teams pedal, push, and parade their hand-built, motorless sculptures through the streets before facing the festival’s legendary grand finale: the mud pit on Hagert Street.

Presented by Fishtown District and the East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA), the festival is free to attend and celebrates the creative spirit of one of Philly’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

After moving from spring to fall this year, the Kensington Derby returns with even more thrills — including a second live music stage, a kids-only mud ride, and all-new costume contests for both kids and dogs. For those who prefer laughter to competition, don’t miss the debut of Awful Wrestling, a tongue-in-cheek “sports entertainment” performance featuring the pageantry (and none of the athleticism) of pro wrestling.

“Through feedback with the community, we’re bringing it back to its roots of creativity, artistic creation, and neighborhood enthusiasm,” said Marc Collazzo, Executive Director of the Fishtown District. “The region will be treated to the best of Kensington — from its businesses and artisans to its performers and families. The Derby is truly one of Philly’s most unique neighborhood traditions.”

The Derby Parade kicks off at 1 p.m., beginning at 2418 Martha Street and winding through East Kensington before the show-stopping Mud Pit Extravaganza at 2 p.m. This year’s event even includes a Kids’ Mud Pit at 5 p.m., giving younger derby fans their own moment of muddy glory.

Teams of all ages and abilities are invited to participate — all that’s required is a bike, helmet, and punny team name. Participants will compete for awards such as:

• Best Art

• Best Costume

• Best Engineering

• People’s Choice (EKNA)

• Judges’ Choice (Fishtown District)

• Bob Phillips Memorial “Best Small Team” Award

• Charlie Walton Memorial “Best Large Team” Award

Beyond the mud and the mayhem, the day will feature local art, food, and family fun spread across multiple zones:

Arts & Makers Market:
Shop handmade goods, sculptures, jewelry, and art from over 40+ local creators and small businesses, including Rainbow Resellers, Queer Candle Co., Kismet Collective, Doomed Future, and Tiger Snake Vintage.

Music & Entertainment:
Two stages will keep the festival rocking all day with sets by DJ Shearn, Lady Prowl, Mario Cotto, and more, followed by the outrageous Awful Wrestling finale from 6–8 p.m.

Family & Pet Fun:
Bring the little ones — and your pups! — for:

• Kids’ Costume Contest (4 p.m.)

• Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest (5 p.m.)

• Kid Zone activities and seasonal games

Food & Drink:
Enjoy delicious eats and drinks from local favorites, including Korea Taqueria, Riverwards Produce, Sacred Vice Brewing, Los Gallos, Poe’s Sandwich Joint, Mom Mom’s, and Hangry Joe’s Food Truck.

What began as a quirky neighborhood event 17 years ago has become one of Philadelphia’s most beloved grassroots festivals — a perfect blend of artistic ingenuity, local pride, and joyful absurdity.

Expect creative costumes, outlandish vehicles, muddy laughs, and nonstop energy as neighbors and visitors come together for a one-of-a-kind fall celebration that could only happen in Kensington.