It’s warming up in Philly, which means that it’s officially festival season! With the country’s 250th just around the corner, there are plenty of events to keep us busy — and working up an appetite! Chow down on the best that Philly’s culinary scene has to offer at these spring festivals.
Manayunk StrEAT Festival
Manayunk’s Main Street will be blocked off to traffic for one of the largest food truck festivals in the country. The Manayunk StREAT Festival invites food trucks from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware to fire up the grill and offer everything from tacos and burgers to dumplings and skewers. This year’s event will be larger than usual, with more than 85 food trucks. Plus, the neighborhood’s main corridor will be open for business, so visit Main Street’s restaurants and shops while you’re there on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flavors on the Avenue
One of South Philly’s biggest festivals is back for its 16th year on April 26 from noon to 5 p.m. East Passyunk’s Flavors on the Avenue shines a light on the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants. Walk along five blocks of the corridor and grab a bite (or two, or three). If you need a break, stop by the Singing Fountain for live entertainment or buy a gift from one of the 100 or so vendors.
From Our Hands
This food festival honoring Pan-Asian solidarity debuted last spring. The collaboration between Roots to Table and Asian Food Collective returns to Fleisher Art Memorial on May 3. Eat food from a range of Asian cultures with vendors including Habibi Supper Club, KITHS Khmer Kitchen, and Vientiane Bistro. While you’re there, learn about resources from Philly’s Asian-led nonprofits or grab crafts from local artists. Entry is free, but you can reserve a spot in advance.
A Taste of Philly Food Truck Fest
The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association is bringing this West Philly corridor to life with a flea market and food truck festival on May 16. Eat your way through Philly’s favorite food trucks at The Lawn at UCity Square at 37th and Filbert Streets. Then, head to the main stage at 37th and Lancaster for a dance party.
Taste of Mt. Airy
Help fund initiatives supporting home ownership, small businesses, and the community at the Taste of Mt. Airy spring fundraiser on May 30. Hosted at the Commodore Barry Irish Center, your ticket includes food from the neighborhood’s top chefs and bakers, and an open bar. Tickets are available on a sliding scale between $50 to $250. And be sure to dress to impress — the suggested dress code is colorful cocktail attire.
Philly Veg Fest
Sometimes it’s hard to find restaurants or festivals that meet your dietary needs and preferences. Vegans, this one’s for you. Philly Veg Fest returns on June 13, now at Girard College. The day-long event will feature over 50 vendors selling plant-based food and products, talks from leaders in plant-based health and activism, and family-friendly activities.
