Philly’s Largest Block Party, The Italian Market Festival Takes Place This Weekend
It’s that time of the year. Philly’s largest block party returns this weekend. The 2022 South 9th Street Festival also known as the Italian Market Festival will take place May 21st-22nd from 11 am to 6 pm along the iconic 9th Street corridor in the Italian Market.
Bring the entire family and enjoy all the Festival Events, including Live Musical Entertainment, Arts and Crafts, Half Ball Tournament, Grease Pole Contest, The Traditional Procession of Saints, and of course plenty of delicious Italian food. Check out the festival details below:
The Procession of Saints starts at the historic Saint Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi Church (712 Montrose St.).
Pausing for the Blessing of the Market at 9th and Washington, the procession then proceeds along 9th to Christian Street, and concludes at St. Paul Catholic Church (808 S. Hutchinson, on Christian St. between 9th & 10th).
Entertainment
Brother Joscephus Band
Sunday May 22 – 4:30 to 6 pm
DJ Jerry Blavat
Sunday May 22 – 2 to 4 pm
The Chatterband
Sunday May 22 – Noon to 2 pm
Still River Band
Saturday May 21 – 4 to 6 pm
DJ Eric Bartello
Saturday May 21 – 2 to 4 pm
Nothing But A Nightmare Band
Saturday May 21 – Noon to 2 pm
DJ Timmy DeSimone
9th & Christian – Sat & Sun – Noon to 6pm
Mark Casasanto
Mark Casasanto of Philadelphia RowHome Magazine returns as the MC for the Washington Ave Main Stage events
Italian Market Festival John Marzano Half Ball Tournament
Created in 2009 at the S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival, the John Marzano Half Ball Tournament marks another year with a lineup of the city’s best players at Philly’s favorite street game.
Play begins at 9 a.m. in the schoolyard of Christopher Columbus Charter School, Christian St. between 9th and 10th. Players will enjoy the competition when they’re not sampling the food and entertainment of festival.
The Grease Pole
The Grease Pole, or Albero Della Cuccagna in Italian, is an old tradition in which teams compete in climbing to the top of a greased pole to reach prizes of meats, cheeses, gifts, and money. Perhaps even more important to the winning team are the bragging rights… until next year. The pole is 30 feet high, greased with lard, and you will find it at the 9th & Montrose Piazza.
Vendors
Original oil paintings by Jean Broden
Unique art from Philly Word Art
TieBro handmade bow ties
Parcel Island stationery and gifts
Life Art by Stacey Granger
Upcycled vinyl records by Astro Vinyl
Cool wire sculptures by Sean Brady
Patrick Michael Accessories
Olde Dog New Tricks
Exotic wood cutting boards by Honorable Oak
Bay Berry Bliss
Susan Rifkin Jewelry Designs
& many more to be announced
