Philadelphia Neighborhoods Light Up with 2014 Tree Lighting Celebrations by South Street, East Passyunk, Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd

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Starting tonight, Philadelphia neighborhoods will light up for the 2014 holidays with festive celebrations, parties, parades and tree lightings by South Street Headhouse District, East Passyunk Business Improvement District, Go Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd on the Delaware and Christmas Village.  All events listed below are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public. Make sure to bring your family to one or all of them. Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy to the events on South Street and East Passyunk as part of the Joy of Sharing Campaign by CBS Philly. 
 

Photo credit: Visit Philly

Photo credit: Visit Philly


Wednesday, December 3, 2014
City Hall and Christmas Village

Head to Philadelphia City Hall for the Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Spectacular with a 35-foot-tall Norway spruce from Linvilla Orchards. Entertainment starts at 6:00pm, with the ceremony at 7:00pm. Tonight is also the first night the Christmas Village Christmas Tree in LOVE Park will be lit. Stop by after today for photos with the twinkling tree and the iconic LOVE Statue.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
East Passyunk's Tree Lighting Party

Kick off the holidays with the annual Tree Lighting Party at the Singing Fountain (Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The free celebration will include live music, carolers, holiday sweets, shopping and other surprises. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift for a toy drive to benefit local youth. After the party, stay until 9:00pm for extended shopping hours as the Deck the Ave campaign kicks off with shopping, sales and other festivities during December. 

Friday, December 5, 2014
Go Mt Airy Tree Lighting

Mt. Airy rings in the Holiday Season with events all weekend, kicked off by a tree lighting at the Lutheran Seminary at 4:45pm, with music from the Salvation Army Brass Band, followed by a community run Caroling session down the Avenue. That same evening, take pictures with Santa at Rothe Florists from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  The event is free and includes warm cider, cookies and candy canes for all.  There will be a store-wide sale on all holiday trimmings.

Saturday, December 6, 2014
Gilded Age Christmas at the Mansion

Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion. From 1:00pm to 6:00pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30pm.

Christmas Tree Lighting, Philadelphia, City Hall, South Street, East Passyunk, Christmas Village, Love Park, Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd

Sunday, December 7, 2014
Winter Wonderland, Tree Lighting and Headhouse Holiday Market

South Street Headhouse District presents their annual extravaganza Winter Wonderland from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Historic Headhouse Square Shambles on 200 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.  Free family fun will include the annual holiday tree lighting, Santa Claus arriving on a firetruck, free horse-drawn carriage rides, performances by Philadelphia Dance Academy and Society Hill Dance Academy, and the Headhouse Holiday Market in conjunction with PHAIR. Brauhaus Schmitz will serve mulled wine and other treats. Before or after the festivities, stroll the district and check out holiday displays at 30+ businesses competing in the Window Wonderland Storefront Challenge. 

Christmas Tree Lighting, Philadelphia, City Hall, South Street, East Passyunk, Christmas Village, Love Park, Mt. Airy, Glen Foerd

UPDATE: EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL 2015 
Lantern Parade and FREE Concert

The Christmas fun continues after the trees are lit! Help us light up the city with the Lantern Parade at Christmas Village in Philadelphia: Presented by NRG Home. This German-style Lantern Parade starts at 5:00pm. Bring your homemade lantern and meet at the iconic LOVE Statue. The Snow Queen, along with Gerda and Kai fromEnchantment Theatre Company’s The Snow Queen, will lead the parade of lights around LOVE Park and Center City. The parade will end at the Christmas Village stage with a sing-a-long led by children from East Passyunk’s Alphabet Academy Daycare and a free concert by the The Philly POPS Festival Brass.  Join the parade with your family, or simply come to watch! All lanterns should contain battery-operated candles or lights, no flames.

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick Announces 24 Restaurants/Chefs for the First Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party for Second Chance Foundation

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Fox 29's Mike Jerrick Announces 24 Restaurants/Chefs for the First Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party for Second Chance Foundation

The Second Chance Foundation, along with sponsor SugarHouse Casino, will present the first Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party, on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market), starting at 6:30pm. Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick and District Attorney R. Seth Williams will host an evening filled with must-try dishes and drinks from 24 local bars, restaurants and eateries, including Noord, Palladino’s, Rouge, Cuba Libre Restaurant Rum Bar, Geechee Girl Rice Cafe, Verdad, Kitchen Consigliere Cafe, Circles and others. Bru Craft and Wurst, U-Bahn and Yards Brewing Company will sample free beer. Southern Wine & Spirits will sponsor the complimentary open bar. Festivities will include music and dancing, silent auction, prizes and much more. Tickets are on sale now for only $50 general admission and $100 for VIP at www.yagottatrythis.com. For more about the beneficiary, please visit www.secondchancephiladelphia.org.

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Aversa PR Seeks a Philadelphia PR and Social Media Assistant for East Passyunk Office

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Aversa PR & Events seeks an ultra organized, creative and driven multi-tasker to assist with 10+ client accounts that cover arts, neighborhoods, restaurants, theater, entertainment and events. Position is approximately 25-35 hours a week, with potential for growth in hours and rate. 

We work with small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders that expect the best from us - including smart and creative results, on a budget, in a timely manner, with measurable results. We're seeking a proven professional with some or all off the following skills: Event administrative experience, day of event staffing and coordination (25% of position) Social media account management and strategy (25% of position) Public relations research, writing, pitching (25% of position) Office assistance, intern management, photo shoots, meetings and planning (25% of position).

Successful candidates will exhibit attention to detail, be excellent communicators, work well under pressure, have a sense of humor, be a team player, pitch in for overall agency activities and be able to generate award-winning messaging on the fly. Experience in managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) preferred.  This is a position ideal for someone with 1-3 years experience in PR and social media management. Dependable transportation at all times is a must as clients require store visits, photo shoots, meetings and event support. Office-based position in South Philadelphia. Please submit a formal cover letter, resume and list of social media samples/handles to hr@aversapr.com. Applications will be considered incomplete without all three elements. No phone calls please. If you have applied in the past feel free to apply again for this new position. For more information about us and our company, visit www.aversapr.com or follow us on Twitter at @koryaversa @aversapr @phillylovesfun

South Street Celebrates Philadelphia Collection with Giant Open-Air Runway Show

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South Street Celebrates Philadelphia Collection with Giant Open-Air Runway Show

South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) celebrates the Philadelphia Collection with Fashion Under the Shambles, on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, with doors opening at 6:00pm. The Headhouse Square Shambles (200 Pine Street) will be transformed into a giant open-air runway that will showcase men’s and women’s cutting-edge, street styles from 21 SSHD boutiques and salons. America's Next Top Model Finalist Cory Wade Hindorff will preside as master of ceremonies, and architect/couture fashion designer Conrad Booker will debut dazzling new fashion installations. VIP tickets are $25 and include a reserved seat, swag bags, two drink tickets and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Free general admission is available for standing room only. For tickets and RSVP, visit southstfashion.eventbrite.com. For more info, call 215-413-3713 and follow #SouthStFashion @officialsouthst on Twitter.

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Diner en Blanc Philadelphia - Public Relations Round Up of Photos and Headlines

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Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Fox 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, Photo by Al B For 

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dazzled the city by popping up on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the secret location revealed to be the Avenue of the Arts.  This year, it was a sea of white as far as the eye could see as 3,500 guests decked out in the hottest white fashions filled Broad Street from Pine and Chestnut Streets.  Aversa PR and Events was proud to again be the official public relations company for the local installment of this pop-up picnic, viral movement and global phenomenon.  

Special thanks to co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran for including us in one of the city's most memorable events. Their attention to detail, grand vision and love for our city produced an event that will never be forgotten. Congratulations also go out to the 100 volunteers that worked hard to ensure a picture perfect evening.  Finally, special thanks to our entire PR team for 2014, including Lauryn Resotka, Gabbi Townsend, Eri Washington and Dash Sears.  

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Indeed they do when it comes to a truly viral event! This year, thousands of gorgeous photos popped up around the globe on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instragram, Google+ and other platforms.  Search for the official hashtag #DEBPHL14 as well as #dinerenblanc and #debphl. Thanks to our sister cities around the globe for sharing our images and all of your support!

For a recap of our favorite photos from the night, visit our official album below featuring breathtaking shots from Johanna Austin, Hughe Dillon, Charles Mosteller, Alessandra Nicole, Inna Race, Patrick Hagerty, and our staff photographers.   

inquirer.jpg

Now in its third year, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia continued to garner interest locally, nationally and internationally. Stories started to go viral 24 hours in advance of the event, and the event trended in Philadelphia for up to 48 hours. Over 100 news stories and mentions included 35 radio and television spots that reached millions of viewers and listeners. Print and online reach nearly doubled that of the year prior, with additional stories to come as we enter September. 

For highlights of photo albums, visit the following: 

Special shout-out to Hugh Dillon from Philly Chit Chat for beautiful photos and great recap of the night's festivities: 

  • Philly Chit Chat - Did I Shoot You? My Diner en Blanc Links and a Few More Photos to Enjoy 

Other highlights include the following - please let us know if we missed your favorite. Post any additional stories in the comments for our review. 

Leading up to the big day, Diner en Blanc Philadelphia dropped by local television studios for a special preview of the magic. Visit below for our favorite shots from the shoots on Fox 29's Good Day Philadelphia and CBS Philly. 

The final destination wasn't the only surprise this year! Co-hosts tapped local talent to design one-of-a-kind fashions for a one-of-a-kind evening.  Check out shots from the initial design consultation and subsequent fittings with Project Runway winner Dom Streater. 

Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter as the co-hosts roll out the official video for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, along with time lapse footage, photo booth montages, photo albums and more.  Stay tuned in coming weeks! Until next year, merci and au revoir! 

Clean Air Council 9th Annual Greenfest Philly Returns to Headhouse Square with Music, Food, Eco Shopping, More

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Clean Air Council 9th Annual Greenfest Philly Returns to Headhouse Square with Music, Food, Eco Shopping, More

Clean Air Council’s 9th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to Headhouse Square (2nd and South Streets) on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The tri-state region’s largest environmental festival is bigger than ever with live music, free demos, an outdoor beer garden, organic food and drinks, handmade and green shopping, MOM’s Organic Market Kids’ Corner, a twenty-five foot rock wall, and even edible bugs. Admission is free. Festival “Green Cards” are also on sale at www.greenfestphilly.org for $30 that includes food and drink discounts, a free t-shirt, and eco-friendly swag. For more information, visit the website, call 215-567-4004, and follow @greenfestphilly on Twitter.

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Contest: Win Tickets to SOLD OUT Diner en Blanc Philadelphia

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Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Philadelphia's best kept secret will soon be told. We want you to be there for the surprise!  Enter to win registration for two to the sold-out Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. 

After months of viral buzz,  Diner en Blanc will pop-up in Philadelphia on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at a location revealed only minutes before.  Join 3,500 other guests dressed in white for a fairytale evening of food, fashion, dancing, music and magic.  This once-in-a-lifetime event annually celebrates dinner as an artform as guests dine in a unique, unexpected and re-purposed public space.

Aversa PR, the official public relations firm for Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, presents a final chance to win free access for this très chic picnic and Best of Philly winner.  Click here to enter and you could win free registration for two people. All contestants agree by entering that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of Diner en Blanc Philadelphia. All guests must wear white to the event, and bring their own table, chairs, china and food.  

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

Photography (c) Sean Corbett of The F Stop

One winner will be selected by 5:00pm this Friday, August 15, 2014.  The winner will be notified directly and has 24 hours to confirm by email, or an alternate winner will be selected. Once the winner has confirmed, they will be sent the free code for a registration. It is the responsibility of the winner to register themselves using the code.

Entering is simple. Please visit our contact page and fill out your contact information.  Good luck and merci beaucoup! 

Bonus: Not familiar with Diner en Blanc? Get a special preview as @koryaversa @debphl @aversapr Tweet live on Thursday night (August 14, 2014) as we head to Montreal for their grand evening! 

Philadelphia Top Pizzerias Face Off in 6th Annual Pizza Olympics

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Philadelphia Top Pizzerias Face Off in 6th Annual Pizza Olympics

The 6th Annual Pizza Olympics returns this Thursday, July 17, 2014, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Penn’s Landing Caterers.  Fifteen of Philadelphia’s premier pizza parlors will vie for attendee votes to decide the gold, silver, and bronze medals in several categories as well as the top prize of overall favorite slice. Guests will also enjoy a DJ and dancing, raffles and prizes, drink specials, and a performance by the Mummers.  Tickets are $15 and include all-you-can-eat pizza and giveaways from sponsors Coca-Cola, Liscio’s Bakery, and Utz Potato Chips. Tickets can be purchased at www.southphillyreview.com and they will be available at the door.  For info, call 215-336-2500 or tweet @sophreview #PizzaOlympics

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Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia in Summer of 2014 - Wait List Now Open!

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Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia in Summer of 2014 - Wait List Now Open!

Dîner en Blanc will return to Philadelphia in the summer of 2014 for another evening filled with magic, food, fashion, art and music. Organizers of the pop-up picnic in white will announce the official date in June. In anticipation, the wait list officially opened today (click here). Past and potential guests are invited to an official preview party on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Williams-Sonoma in the Bellevue, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. No RSVP is required for the preview event. 

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South Street Spring Festival Announces 40 bands, 30 restaurants, Maifest at Brauhaus Schmitz, Family Fun, more

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Philadelphia’s largest new outdoor block party returns with eight blocks of food, drink, entertainment, music, arts, family fun, shopping and more 

South Street Spring Festival celebrates the best tastes, sips, sounds and sights of South Street Headhouse District. On Saturday, May 3, 2014, from 11:00am to 8:00pm, enjoy a free, all-ages outdoor party that will close down South Street (between Front and 8th), and also run along the 2nd Street Plaza (between South and Lombard). Forty bands and performers will take to three main stages, as well as eight other performance areas. Thirty restaurants and bars will serve food, cocktails and special brews. Brauhaus Schmitz will host the second annual German Maifest with German beers, dancers and even a May pole. Children will enjoy FREE family fun in the Kids Zone storytelling, arts, crafts, music and performances. Forty artists, crafters and retail vendors will cater to your shopping needs. The Heroes Zone will salute both public service and hometown heroes. South Street Spring Festival is FREE and open to the public (ages 21 and up with identification to drink). For more information, visit www.southstreet.com and follow @officialsouthst #SouthStFest on Twitter.

MAIFEST BY BRAUHAUS SCHMITZ

On the 700 block of South Street, Brauhaus Schmitz will present the second annual German Maifest. Get ready to celebrate a time when flowers are starting to bloom, the winter chill is fading, and consumption of copious amounts of beer is highly encouraged—at least it is in Germany. Strap on your lederhosen and dirndl, and get ready to enjoy this traditional Deutsch festival with:

  • May Pole with authentic German dancers between 2:00pm to 6:00pm
  • Main Spring Fest stage outside Brauhaus to feature Heimat Klange between 1:30pm and 6:00pm
  • In conjunction with Art/Gage and Philadelphia Magic Gardens, make your own fresh flower headbands from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and 6:00pm to 7:00pm (Donation suggested)
  • Food will include roasted pork sandwiches, large pretzels, German potato salad, sauerkraut, Bratwurst sandwiches
  • Three beer stations will feature six to eight selections of authentic German styles
  • Special liter mugs are free when you buy $60 worth of food or drink
  • Schnapps station outside with ski plank shots
  • Round tables (with umbrellas) for plentiful seating to enjoy entertainment, food and drink
  • Special VIP packages for special access to food, drink and inside festivities – this includes access to spring imports!
  • All food and drink for Maifest are pay-as-you-go to general public, special pricing/access with VIP ticket

MUSIC

This year’s South Street Spring Festival raises the bar even higher on the quantity and quality of musical acts performing at this free all-day, outdoor music fest.   Music will be heard on three main stages (at 2nd, 5th, and 8th Streets) as well as on every block of the festival at eight street performance locations.  The street will be filled with sounds ranging from accordions, New Orleans jazz, funk and soul, bluegrass, southern rock, indie rock, and blues, to name just a few.  Curated by The Legendary Dobbs, The Twisted Tail and Brauhaus Schmitz, this line-up of musical talent has something for everyone.  If you enjoy great music and dancing in the street this is THE place to be. Over 40 popular local music acts will perform from 11:00am to 8:00pm, including:

2nd Street Stage

  • Rowboat Casino
  • Kid Felix
  • The Great SOCIO
  • Zymotic Flow
  • Footwork
  • The Quixote Project
  • Modern Colour
  • Downtown Shimmy
  • April Mae and the June Bugs 

5th Street Stage

  • Stolen Rhodes
  • John the Conqueror
  • Sweet Leda
  • Johnny Popcorn
  •  BAAM!
  • Cold Roses
  • Laura Cheadle
  • Gypsy Joe Alves and the Groove Prophets
  • Steve Cal Band 

8th Street Stage by Brauhaus Schmitz

  • Heimatklange

Performers in other performance areas:

  • A Day Without Love (Brian Walker)
  • Bastards of Earle
  • Ben Abrams
  • Blackstars
  • Brooks Long
  • Cole Campbell
  • Cookie Rabinowitz
  • Craig / Berto (Great SOCIO)
  • Daniel de Jesus
  • Greg Sover
  • Gypsy Joe Alves and the Groove Prophets
  • Joe Jordan
  • Justin Gonzalez
  • Justin Phillippi
  • marc lancaster
  • Mike Pays Heat
  • Montgomery Streets
  • My Man Shafe
  • out of the beardspace
  • Ovi Horta
  • paul st John
  • Rachel Schain
  • Seth Adam
  • skip denenberg
  • Tess Emma
  • Vanity Plates / Jim Feigan
  • Wooden Hez
  • xap

FOOD AND DRINK

Spring Festival will close South Street to traffic, and transform this historic business district into one of the city’s largest block parties. At least 30 restaurants, bars, cafes and food trucks will come outside to serve signature food, drinks, and cuisine from around the world. Look for everything from free samples, to special one-off dishes, to signature favorites, to specially priced grab-and-go. Pricing will vary by vendor and ranges from free samples to pay-as-you-go. Participants include: 

  • Bistro Romano
  • Boyler Room
  • Brauhaus Schmitz
  • Bridget Foy’s
  • Cavanaugh’s Headhouse
  • Copabanana
  • Delicias
  • Fat Tuesday’s
  • Headhouse Crab & Oyster Company
  • Hot Diggity
  • Jon’s Bar & Grille
  • Las Bugambilias
  • Legendary Dobbs
  • Leziz Turkish Cuisine
  • The Lite Choice
  • Lovash
  • Manny Browns
  •  O’Neals Pub
  • Paddy Whacks
  • Pizzeria Stella
  • Primo Hoagies
  • Redwood
  • The Reef
  • Rita’s Water Ice
  • Steaks on South
  • Supper
  • The Twisted Tail 
  • Woolly Mammoth

FREE FAMILY FUN  

The Kids Zone (located in the 200 block of South Street) will feature engaging activities for the young and the young at heart from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Let your young artists express themselves with hands-on art and craft projects by our community partners, or have a seat for storybook reading. There’s something for everyone, of all ages, in the Kids Zone. The line-up includes:

  • Liberty Bellows accordion band
  • Performance by Philadelphia Dance Academy
  • Martial arts demonstrations by Gracie Academy
  • “Discover Your Inner Artist” chalk area
  • Storytelling
  • Face Painting by Freckles
  • Arts and crafts by Fleisher Art Memorial and Queen Village Art Center
  • Readings and activities from the Art Sanctuary
  • Sand castle art projects
  • More to be announced

HEROES ZONE

Join us as we salute both public service and hometown heroes in the Heroes Zone (located in the 600 block of South Street) from 11:00am to 5:00pm, including:

  •  Philadelphia Police Department
  • Philadelphia Fire Department
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Homeland Security
  • American Red Cross
  • Local Cub Scouts and civic associations

ART/GAGE BY PHILADELPHIA MAGIC GARDENS

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens can’t wait to show its Philly pride for the seventh year with its ART/GAGE initiative! Since 2007, PMG’s ART/GAGE initiative has offered interactive experiences outside of the museum and classroom to enGAGE a diverse audience with ART, furthering PMG’s mission to inspire creativity and community engagement.

Many arts experiences will be scattered throughout Spring Festival to provide an engaging break between the array of street vendors. PMG exhibiting artist Joel Garcia, all the way from Mexico City, will demonstrate his master papier-mâché skills. Francesca Rivetti from Follicle Studio and Conrad Booker will show off their hair-expertise with a live interactive demonstration of fashion and hair wizardry. 

Feeling thirsty? Stop by Brauhaus Schmitz, grab a drink, and create your own flower head-wreath or painted mug while you sip. The Neighborland project will get festival-goers thinking about South Street’s potential with an interactive endeavor that all are encouraged to take part in. Participants can also create their wheat-paste masterpiece to contribute to a community collage. Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a blank t-shirt and create your own Philly-inspired screen-printed fashion statement with Camden Printworks.

During the festival, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens will also be open to the general public to enter its glittering space. Guided tours will take place at 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Call 215-733-0390 to make your reservation!

SHOPPING

Over 40 artists, crafters, and retailers of all kinds will fill the street and our Artisan fair to serve your shopping needs. District merchants from South Street, Headhouse, Fabric Row and more will offer day of specials and other promotions. 

South Street Spring Festival is free and open to the public. For the full schedule and roster of events, visit www.southstreet.com and follow @officialsouthst #SouthStFest on Twitter.