Let the Mud Fly! 16th Anniversary Kensington Derby and Arts Festival Moves to Frankford Avenue

Let the Mud Fly! 16th Anniversary Kensington Derby and Arts Festival Moves to Frankford Avenue

East Kensington’s long-time parade and arts festival is moving over to Frankford Avenue. Fishtown District, with support from Penn Treaty Special Services District, presents Kensington Derby and Arts Fest on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, on Frankford Avenue, from York St to Huntingdon St. The event, which won Best of Philly in 2023, is back and ready to let the mud fly! Derby teams prepare human-powered sculptures crafted from recycled bicycles and other materials and ride their contraptions through various obstacles ending with a spectacular mud-pit finish at the arts festival grounds. Winners are then crowned in categories that have ranged over the years like Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, Media Choice and Judge’s Choice. The parade is free to participate, open to all ages and abilities with a bike, helmet, and pun-y team name.

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Kensington Derby and Arts Festival Brings Back Mud, Live Music, Food Trucks and Vendors

Kensington Derby and Arts Festival Brings Back Mud, Live Music, Food Trucks and Vendors

Fishtown District announces the return of the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Kensington Derby and Arts Festival on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. One of Philadelphia's largest spring festivals is back after a pandemic break and ready to take over Trenton Avenue from Norris Street to Frankford Avenue. The fourteenth year for this event will feature over 100+ local vendors, artists, musicians, food and drink, performers - and a parade of homemade vehicles. Derby competitors are encouraged to wear costumes and make it to the finish line in their human-powered vehicles and floats. Over 15,000 people are expected to come out and cheer them on along the three mile obstacle course that stretches through East Kensington and Fishtown. Mud, bubbles and other obstacles along the route will be presented by some of the District's biggest names, including Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia Brewing Co., and Kensington Community Food Co-Op. Winners will be crowned in categories that have ranged over the years like Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, Best Breakdown, Media Choice and, of course, the highly coveted Judge's Choice Award. Registration is now open for contestants and vendors. For more information and to sign-up, visit www.kensingtonkineticarts.org.

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Fly School Circus Arts Opens Philadelphia's First Flying Trapeze School

Fly School Circus Arts Opens Philadelphia's First Flying Trapeze School

Fly School Circus Arts announces the opening of Philadelphia's first permanent outdoor flying trapeze school at 5th and Cecil B Moore, on the edge of Old and New Kensington. Two hour lessons for adults and children (ages six and up) will be available on weekdays and weekends, up to three times per day, now through early November. Fly School celebrates its first fall season in the city with "Fall Flying Fest" promotions, events and theme weekends. The high flying fun starts on grand opening weekend, October 4-6, 2013, with $5 off lessons, complimentary refreshments and an open house "beef and beer" on Saturday, October 5, from 3-5pm. Food will be provided by Nick's Roast Beef in Old City District. 

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