Old City Fest Returns With Plenty of Vendors, Food, Drinks, Live Entertainment and More

Fall Festivals just keep on rolling in and one of the most popular fall festival for the last eight years is returning. That’s right, Old City District’s eighth annual Old City Fest is back and will take place on Sunday, October 8th, from 11:00am to 6:00pm, along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th). Activities will include the Family Fun Zone presented by WSFS Bank, the Main Stage presented by City Winery, live music, artists, pop-up street performances, and a wide array of food, beverages, craft and retail shopping, with 100+ vendors participating. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.

“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 many amazing neighborhood-based festivals with food, drink and music. We wanted to take that one step further 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.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ACTIVITIES

*Enjoy family-friendly performances including Magician & Entertainer Doug Wonder, an activation by the Philadelphia Union, and lots of activities at the Family Fun Zone, presented by WSFS Bank.

*Enjoy signature sips, snacks, and live music and performances throughout the day at the Main Stage presented by City Winery.

*James Beard Award restaurant Fork joins the restaurant line-up at Old City Fest. Plus, look for Buddakan, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Khyber Pass Pub, Sassafras, and more of your Old City favorites, as well as new participants Cafe Tolia and City Cruises.

*Curated by StreetsDept.com founder, Conrad Benner, Streets Dept Walls is excited to partner with Old City Fest for the very first time. Two local artists will live-create two 4′ x 8′ mini-murals throughout the festival. After the festival, these murals will have a temporary home in Old City at a site to be announced.

*Look for a fun, artistic activation at Paradigm Arts Building. BYO Print will screenprint limited edition Old City tote bags, featuring artwork by artists Lisa Congdon and Martha Rich. ($20.00 each)

OLD CITY FEST ACTIVITIES AND VENDORS

FAMILY FUN ZONE PRESENTED BY WSFS BANK

The Family Fun Zone presented by WSFS Bank will feature special guests, performances, and activities throughout the day. Test your soccer skills at a fun activation by the Philadelphia Union, be sure to stop by for Union giveaways too.

Magician and Entertainer Doug Wonder will perform two shows at 2:00pm and 4:00pm. For two decades, Doug has been engaging audiences of all ages. His comedy, magic, and skill set provides you with a show that encapsulates and heightens your sense of Wonder & Imagination.

Enjoy tours, “Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia” program, and story time at the Once Upon A Nation bench at the Betsy Ross House, plus performances by the Give & Take Jugglers and Philadelphia Dance Academy.

FOOD AND DRINK

Don’t miss 2023 James Beard Award restaurant Fork at Old City Fest. The lineup of Old City restaurants showcases the wide variety of styles and flavors while highlighting some of the best food and drinks. With more than a dozen food vendors setting up shop for the festival, there is something for everyone. (*New to Old City Fest for 2023.)

Buddakan – Tuna Tartare Spring Rolls (crispy shallot, chili ponzu), Pork Belly Bao Buns (charred pork belly, spicy shallots, napa cabbage), Edamame Dumplings (truffled sauternes-shallot broth), Zen-gria (Bacardi Spiced Rum, pinot noir, orange liqueur, five spice syrup, orange, ginger, lemongrass),  Sapporo Premium (lager, Japan)

*Cafe Tolia – Coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries

*City Cruises – Street corn dip (cold) with tortilla chips, Spinach dip (cold) with pita chips, Apple Crisp cups

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Classic Mojito w/ Bacardi Superior (in coconut) $15, Classic Mojito (in cup) $12, Mojito Refill (in coconut) $10, Bottled water $4, Coconut water (in coconut) $10, Coconut water (in cup) $6, Coconut water Refill (in coconut) $5, 2 chicken empanadas w/ aji amarillo sauce $10

Fork – Fork Single-Patty Burgers with raclette and caramelized onions on High Street sesame bun, Bacardi Rum Apple Cooler, Hale & True, Bee Sting, Honey Ginger Cider, Love City Unity IPA, Vault Brewing Sweet Potato Ale

ICI Macarons – An assortment of macarons

Khyber Pass Pub – Onion dip with Zapps Chips (vegan), Pork loin Sandwich (House smoked pork loin, pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, potato roll), spiked lemonade with Grey Goose, Two Robbers seltzer, Anxo cans, Liquid Death water, lager

Kick Axe Throwing Philadelphia – Jack Daniel’s BBQ Baked Wings $10, Painkiller (Gosling’s Black Rum, Bacardi Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Nutmeg Garnish) $10, Jack Daniel’s & Coke Cans $7, Liquid Death $5

Las Bugambilias – Chips, Salsa & Guacamole, Pork Tamales, Chicken Tacos, Cochinita Tacos, Zeta Tacos, Mexican Street Corn, Churros, Hot Chocolate and/or Agua Fresca (depending on the weather), Red Sangria with Saint Germain, Margaritas, Canned Beer, Mexican Bottled Sodas, Bottled Water

Oishii – Chicken satay $16, Korean meatball $16, Beef Bao $16, Veggie Bao $16, Grilled corn $5, Thai Boba Tea, $8, Passionfruit Punch $8, Drinks

Sassafras – Espresso Martini (Grey Goose Vodka Infused In-House with Arabica Espresso Beans), Sailor’s Punch (Bacardi Superior, Apple Cider, Coriander, Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Cloves, Nutmeg & Bay Leaves), Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale, Paper Bag Popcorn (White Truffle Butter, Parmigiano Reggiano)

Tartes – Walk up window will be open with our full menu of tartes, cookies, bars and small cakes and pastries and Death Wish coffee available for purchase.

MAIN MUSIC STAGE PRESENTED BY CITY WINERY

Don’t miss live performances all day at the Main Music Stage, presented by City Winery. City Winery will serve their signature wine on tap and bites of popular dishes in the wine garden complete with rustic winery elements. Plus, look for local performers who are familiar faces at City Winery throughout the day. Experience the ambiance and entertainment City Winery offers in an intimate venue along the festival footprint.

STREETS DEPT WALLS: OLD CITY FEST 2023

Streets Dept Walls is an ongoing project partnering with organizations around the city of Philadelphia to celebrate the work of Philly-based artists who create in our public space. Curated by StreetsDept.com founder, Conrad Benner, Streets Dept Walls is excited to partner with Old City Fest for the very first time! For the event, we’ve invited two local artists to live-create two 4′ x 8′ mini-murals throughout the festival. After the festival, these murals will have a temporary home in Old City at a site to be announced. Here’s more about our Streets Dept Walls: Old City Fest 2023 artists.

Natalie Flor Negrón
Natalie Flor Negrón is a Philadelphia-based mixed media artist who utilizes various print techniques, vinyl cutout and collage aspects. Her work carries a diverse assemblage of patterns, layers, textures, and materials. She makes reference to both the man-made and natural world, classic printmaking techniques, graffiti, and industrial materials. Negrón’s pieces present an energetic collection of work featuring bold colors, graphic patterns, and a captivating style.

Tiff Urquhart
Tiff Urquhart is a Contemporary Artist based on the East Coast where she is concentrated on environmental and social activism. Growing up in Florida, Tiff has practiced in the field of visual arts since childhood with inspiration stemming from the unique surroundings of natural landscape. Tiff attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Fine Art. Urquhart’s achievements include hundreds of commission pieces across the country including working with clients such as Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Int’l Airport, Mural Arts Philadelphia, West Elm, VisitPhilly, and several local businesses. While in high school, Urquhart’s works were on display in the US Capitol Building in Washington DC. Urquhart is currently focusing on street art and art activism within the surrounding community, while looking forward to advancing and expanding her art career.

LIMITED EDITION TOTE BAGS BY PARADIGM GALLERY & BYO PRINT

Look for a fun, artistic activation at Paradigm Arts Building. BYO Print will screenprint limited edition Old City tote bags, with artwork by artists Lisa Congdon and Martha Rich. (Totes will cost $20.00 each). Paradigm will be open for tours throughout the day, featuring artists Lisa Congdon and Martha Rich.

ART AND DESIGN

Old City is Philadelphia’s hub for art and design.  This renowned arts district is home to more than 30 art galleries and home décor showrooms.  Be sure to experience all of the arts and culture the neighborhood has to offer.

Old City art and design participants include:

Claudia Mills Rugs
Millésimé
More Than Old
Old City Jewish Arts Center
Petit Jardin en Ville

NEW OLD CITY BUSINESSES

More than 75 businesses and organizations have opened in Old City since January 2021. Meet new Old City businesses and organizations including Cafe Tolia, City Fitness, Pet Dermatology Center Philadelphia, Wax + Wine, and more at Old City Fest. Plus, learn more about the Ryland, Old City’s newest residential building, at 1 Dock Street.

SHOPPING

Around every corner of Old City find the city’s latest fashions, gifts and home decor, plus a new emergence of vintage shops. Don’t leave empty handed with top brands, up-and-coming designers, local makers, and more. (*New to Old City Fest for 2023.)

Old City retail participants include:
Anima Natural Pet Supplies
Benjamin Lovell Shoes*
Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium
Casa Vida*
Hitched
Philadelphia Independents
SuitShop

Additional Old City participants in the Fest include:

American Vegan Society
Arch Street Meeting House
Arden Theatre Company*
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Incutate Workplace*
MGC Real Estate Group
Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
Paris Fit Studios
Pet Dermatology Center Philadelphia*
The View at Old City*
Wax + Wine*
The Wellness Refinery