Top Spring Festivals Near Philadelphia
Cherry Blossom Festival Of Greater Philadelphia
Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(267) 348-0250
www.subarucherryblossom.org
Dates: April 11-17, 2016
Sponsored by Subaru and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, this annual festival celebrates Japanese culture and the return of spring. The gorgeous cherry blossom trees at the Horticulture Center in historic Fairmount Park are the backdrop to the festival's main event, Sakura Sunday. The April 17 event will feature arts, crafts, and two stages of musical and dance performers. Other highlights for the week-long celebration include a Japanese restaurant week called Dine Out Japan, and a Cherry Blossom 5K run.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square
200 6th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 629-4026
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Dates: April 22–June 12, 2016
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the revamped Franklin Square, the park will host the first ever Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival this spring. More than two dozen lanterns will fill the historic park, as well as a three-story pagoda and a 200-foot lit Chinese dragon. Local craft and food vendors and Chinese artisans will be on hand, and street performers will entertain throughout the festival weeks. Franklin Square will be open during regular daytime hours, but after 6 p.m., the festival requires tickets for entry. Tickets are available at the festival entrance or online.
Philadelphia International Festival Of The Arts Street Fair
Broad St. between Chestnut & South Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 546-PIFA
www.pifa.org
Date: April 23, 2016
The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, curated by the Kimmel Center, kicks off April 8 and features 60 performances of dance, theater and visual arts will as part of an international celebration of the art community in Philadelphia, and it ends its 15 day showcase with an annual street fair. For the final day of the festival on April 23, the PIFA Street Fair will take place on Broad Street for a free all-day party. The Broad Street festival will feature six blocks of crafts, food, entertainment, artisans and vendors, as well as local and international street performers and interactive elements.
Related: Top Places To See Spring Flowers
S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival
919 S 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA, 19147
(215) 278-2903
www.italianmarketfestival.com
Dates: May 21–22, 2016
Philly's biggest block party is back! The nation's oldest outdoor market hosts its annual spring fling the third weekend in May, and everyone in attendance will get a taste of Italy. The South 9th Street Italian Market Shopping District will celebrate its 101st anniversary this year. The festivities will include the Annual Procession of Saints, as well as live entertainment, crafts, Italian cuisine, and competitions.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
18th St. and Walnut St.
Philadelphia PA, 19103
(215) 972-0101
www.visitphilly.com
Date: May 21, 2016, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
One of the most popular annual events in Philadelphia, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival attracts more than 50,000 people each year. The spring extravaganza takes over six blocks of Walnut Street for a jam-packed celebration of the finest in Philly food, music, fashion, arts, and entertainment. More than 40 restaurants will be on hand with samples of their spring fare. There's also free wine tastings, shopping vendors, and live music.
Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
