South Broad Street is Being Shut Down for the Avenue of the Arts Block Party With Broadway Performances, Music, & More
Summer in Philly means block parties galore but have you ever been to a block party on South Broad (that wasn’t tied to a sports championship)? Well, Wawa Welcome America’s Avenue of the Arts Block Party is returning June 29th and will take place 11 am to 7 pm on South Broad Street between Walnut and Pine Streets.
Although you may not see folks climbing the poles, this South Broad Street party will have plenty of entertainment across three stages including live Broadway performances, DJs, live music, a beer garden oasis and much more.
Guests will get to enjoy live performances that include Les Misérables and The Wiz as well as music artists such a Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Ellsworth, Arato Brothers Band, Joshua Mitchell, The Sidleys, The Wild Hymns, Queen City, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more.
Other activations include snapping a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair, taking a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley, showcasing local artisans, or peruse ‘Philly Fresh Market,’ where locally sourced delights await at our farmers market. Kids and kids-at-heart can immerse themselves in ‘Avenue of Amusement‘, filled with nostalgic carnival games and thrilling entertainment for all ages. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or enjoy the art of fashion with a free show from Philly Fashion Week.
Also new this year is the Experience The Oasis, supported by Philadelphia International Airport where attendees can take a break from the fun to enjoy curated festival food featuring Philly favorites, cultural bites, and more. Guests 21+ can enjoy a beverage at Avenue of the Arts beer garden including the signature Tito’s Handmade Vodka Lemonade.
In addition, Avenue of the Barks, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and hosted by Emancipet will have dog wading pools to cool off in, dog-friendly games, vendors and more. Come out with your dog to Avenue of the Barks and support Emancipet and their mission to provide affordable veterinary care for all.
Last but not least The Kimmel Center’s FREE Party on the Plaza will feature a patriotic performance by The Philadelphia Orchestra starting at 12:00 PM. Take a break from the heat to hear conductor Jeff Tyzik lead the Orchestra in Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Liberty Bell” marches, selections from John Williams’s scores for The Patriot and Lincoln, and more works honoring our nation and service members. Including the world premiere of Tyzik’s Lift Off, commissioned by Bravo. Vail in honor of Tyzik’s 30th year at the Festival. Fox 29 reporter Hank Flynn, an Army veteran, will narrate a performance of Gardens of Stone by James Beckel, Jr. Special guests will be in attendance. Seeing Eye® puppies from The Seeing Eye. The experience will help to acclimate the puppies in navigating public spaces and special events. The concert is free, but tickets are required and will be available here.
Indoor performances and activities include a Hamiltunes sing-along, a Q&A and meet-and-greet with “The Grinch” from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Musical, family-friendly games, and more. Plus, get a chance to win free tickets, merchandise, and exclusive giveaways.
Kimmel Center’s Plaza stage lineup:
2:30 pm Broadway performances from Les Misérables and The Wiz plus an interview with The Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Musical
3:00 pm Jam out with one of Philly’s hottest bands, Omar’s Hat
3:45 pm Experience soul line dancing with DJ Chris Blues + W.D.O.H Parkside Experience
4:30 pm Encore Broadway performances from Les Misérables and The Wiz
4:45 pm Omar’s Hat hits the stage for a second set
5:30 pm Sing out with Hamiltunes, the official Hamilton sing-along
PNC Arts Alive Stage lineup:
12pm-12:45pm Nathanael Barlow
1pm-1:45pm WeRRedemption
2pm-2:45pm Will Ellsworth
3pm-3:45pm Gooch Nelson
4pm-4:4pm Verbosity
5pm-5:45pm Jovon Newman
6pm-6:45pm Carla Gamble
PA Lottery Groove Stage lineup:
11am-11:10am DJ Andre The Giant
11:10am-11:30am I AM PHILLY Presentation
11:45am-12:30pm Arato Brothers Band
12:45pm-1:30pm Joshua Mitchell
1:45pm-2:30pm The Sidleys
2:45pm-3:30pm The Wild Hymns
3:45pm-4:30pm Queen City
4:30pm-5:30pm DJ Andre The Giant
5:30pm-6:15pm Alex Moreno
6:15pm-7:00pm DJ Andre The Giant
