Hear Philly: Philadelphia's Festival Season Kicks Off On South Street
By Andrew Kramer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - South Street will come alive the first weekend in May as one of the largest festivals of the year in the area returns.
The South Street Spring Festival, taking place between 8th and Front Streets, is back for a third straight year.
"It happens the first Saturday of May, so this year it's May 2nd, and it's an all-day, eight-block long street festival that keeps growing and getting better," explains Michael Harris, executive director of the South Street Headhouse District.
Harris says the festival, which is free to attend, has become the largest street party in Philadelphia over the years, mostly because of all they have to offer:
"It's really a great music festival and that's what we're most proud of, so we have 40 bands playing on three stages. We also have performances and throughout the blocks, and that way we have music everywhere people go. We work with Philadelphia Magic Gardens to have interactive art exhibits and art demonstrations going on throughout and we have probably around 30 restaurants and bars as well as over 100 vendors."
The large music selection features everything from rock to folk to country and includes some well-known names.
"They're acts that play at the TLA, they play at different venues throughout the city, so this is an opportunity to see national touring acts on a local and free basis," Harris says.
And what would a festival like this be without a wonderful selection of food? Harris says you'll get to enjoy the best of what South Street Headhouse has to offer:
"We have Twisted Tail and Bridget Foy's and Copabanana, so you're going to get your creative street festival food -- burgers and such. You also have Brauhaus Schmitz is going to do their Maifest. They basically do a mini Oktoberfest in May, so all their great sausages and German-flavored food will be out for people to enjoy as well."
On top of all the returning favorites, new this year, Harris says, is a celebration of free comic book day, which also falls on the first Saturday in May:
"The 600 block of South Street is going to be sponsored by Atomic City Comics, and they're going to do a Comic Con within the festival with cosplay and artists and writers, and it's going to have a real comic theme."
And Harris says the music, food and art variety make this a can't-miss event:
"South Street's a great place to come to, people know where it is and it had been long overdue to have a street festival. We're counting on our third year of great weather and great crowds and we're really excited to have people come experience the South Street District and enjoy a day on the street with us."
The South Street Spring Festival begins at 11am and runs well into the evening hours. Once again, there's no cost to attend.
For more information go to www.southstreet.com.
