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

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. 
 

East Passyunk's Flavors of the Avenue Returns with a Top Chef, New Restaurants, VIP Perks and More

Flavors of the Avenue is back and bigger than ever! East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) welcomes a record-setting 27 restaurants to South Philadelphia’s largest outdoor food and drink festival on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Enjoy a true taste of East Passyunk as award-winning restaurants and bars offer samples of their signature dishes and drinks under the cover of a big top tent between Morris and Dickinson streets. Exciting debuts this year include Laurel BYOB by Top Chef Nicholas Elmi, plus previews of yet-to-open restaurants Townsend and Brigantessa. Outside the Flavors tent, guests will enjoy a free street festival with vendors and live music. At the Singing Fountain, Crafty Balboa presents the annual April Showers craft market from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The event is rain or shine. VIP tickets are $50 per person and include early access and special perks.  General admission tickets are $30.  Tickets are on sale today at www.visiteastpassyunk.com/flavors.htm or by calling (215) 336-1455. Save $5.00 off each ticket when purchased before March 19, 2014 at 11:59pm.  The event sold out last year, so act fast!  

In 2014, Flavors of the Avenue will feature more food and drink than ever before from an expanded roster of restaurants that include:

*  Belle Cakery 
*  Birra 
*  Brigantessa (debut)
*  Cantina Los Caballitos 
*  Chiarella's 
*  El Zarape 
*  Fond 
*  Fuel 
*  Garage
*  Ippolito’s
*  Izumi 
*  Laurel BYOB (debut)
*  Le Virtù  
*  Lucky 13 
*  Mamma Maria Ristorante 
*  Marra’s 
*  Ms. Goody Cupcake 
*  Noir 
*  Noord 
*  Paradiso 
*  Plenty
*  POPE (debut)
*  Stateside
*  Stogie Joe’s
*  Townsend (debut)
*  Tre Scalini 
*  Will BYOB 

Four restaurants will make their Flavors debut, including the yet-to-open Brigantessa and Townsend, as well as recently opened Laurel BYOB by Bravo’s Top Chef Nicholas Elmi.  POPE will also join the Flavors fun for the first time this year.

In addition to the above line-up, EPABID Executive Director Renee Gilinger says, “Stay tuned for an exciting surprise announcement. Guest chef? Special collaboration? New restaurant? You’ll have to wait and see!”

Other exciting news for this year includes an extra 100 VIP tickets on sale, bringing the total to 400 for the first time. VIP perks include early access to the main tent, all-day access to a new VIP-only tent sponsored by Beneficial Bank, plus premium menu items, Pollyodd liqueur samples, and Pinnacle Vodka and Bai cocktails.  VIP tickets are $50 each and include access from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.  As of today, more than 50% of VIP tickets are already sold as a result of EPABID’s Top Chef Finale “Twitter Party.”

Free valet parking for VIP ticket holders will make the food fun even easier, courtesy of ParkOps. The valet stand at East Passyunk Avenue at Morris Street will also be open for general admission ticket holders for only $8.00.

General admission tickets are $30 each and include access from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. All tickets are $5.00 off when purchased before 11:59pm on March 19, 2014 at www.visiteastpassyunk.com/flavors.htm. This event is rain or shine.

In conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue, Crafty Balboa will preset April Showers craft market at the Singing Fountain between 12:00pm and 5:00pm.  Crafty Balboa will feature a record-breakig 40 crafters and artisans this year.

Flavors of the Avenue is an annual benefit to raise funds for EPABID’s public safety programs.  Special thanks to our sponsors Olitsky Family Foundation, Aversa PR & Events, Bai, Beneficial Bank, Gold Medal, Origlio Beverage, ParkOps, Philadelphia Weekly, Pinnacle Vodka, Skinny Girl Wine, South Philly Review, Urban Jungle, UBER, Where Magazine and Yelp.

For more information and directions, like East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook, follow @epassyunkave on Twitter, pin East Passyunk Avenue on Pinterest, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com or call 215-336-1455.
 

Philadelphia's Top Picks for St. Patrick's Day: Festivals, Parties, Food, Drink + Going Green

St. Patrick’s inspired fun is about to take over the city’s top neighborhoods. From a new Irish festival, to special dishes in restaurants, to drinks behind the bar, to LGBT adventures, to going green with an eco spa treatment, there’s something for everyone this year. Enjoy Aversa PR's top client picks for the coming weekend! May the luck of the Irish be with you... 

INAUGURAL HEADHOUSE IRISH FESTIVAL 

Head to South Street Headhouse District and celebrate before and after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16th, from 11am to 7pm, with live Irish music, Irish dance performances, classic Irish food, drinks and food under the Shambles (Second Street between Pine and Lombard). Second Street will be closed between Locust and Pine, leaving plenty of room for dancing and partying.

Beer pouring during the festival will include Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, Magners Irish Cider, Yuengling, and Coors Lite. In keeping with the Irish theme, you’ll also be able to get 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey, Jameson and Fireball shots. Seating will be available to enjoy the many Irish foods including Bangers and Mash, Lamb Stew, Shepherd’s Pie and Corn Beef Quesadillas. Kid friendly fare includes chicken tenders and hot dogs.  Entertainment will include live music from Mark Monahagn Trio, a DJ, Irish dancers and the 2nd street Irish Society Pipes & Drums Brigade (after they head back from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade).Presented by Cavanaugh’s Headhouse and O’Neals Pub.  All ages welcome, 21 to drink. FREE admission.

KISS ME I'M IRISH AND GAY

Join the official Gayborhood St. Patrick’s Day Party at U Bar (1220 Locust Street) with Kiss Me I’m Irish and Gay on Monday, March 17th, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are only $20 at the door and include one free drink, discount drink specials, discount beer specials, complimentary food from Terra, door prizes, a benefit raffle, music and surprises – including some good ole Irish fun and frolic. EVERYBODY is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day so dress in green to win prizes. The event is open to everyone, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders and family, friends and allies, from 21 to all ages. This annual event benefits City of Hope Philadelphia and QUEERtimes.net.

SERRANO AND TIN ANGEL

Serrano Restaurant and Tin Angel (20 S. Second St.) present a fun-filled weekend with live music, a new flaming drink and Irish food specials – plus special Monday hours. 

At Serrano downstairs, owner Donal McCoy (who hails from Belfast) presents dishes and drinks that celebrate his favorite Irish flavors. 

• Flight Agus Bite – A flight of four that showcases the diversity of Ireland. Enjoy two Irish whiskies (Jamison and Bushmills) from opposite ends of the spectrum, a pour of Harp Lager, paired with a Deconstructed Ulster Fry (Sausage, potato croquette, mushroom, housemade potato and soda bread). 
• Wee Taste Of Ireland Cheese Plate – Three artisan Irish cheese with accompaniments include Cashel Irish Bleu, Cahill’s Irish Porter Cheese a traditional Irish Cheddar. Paired with housemade potato and soda bread. 

At the bar, head bartender Shawn Gormley (past owner PBR in Old City) conspires with McCoy on two special new libations:

• The McIlhatton Manhattan - A classic Manhattan only with a twist – Irish whiskey will be used instead of American, bourbon or Rye. 
• Flaming Irish Potato – This special shot is sure to put on a show by itself as it is lit on fire with unique sparks for a tongue-in-cheek poke at the rotten American candy! Featuring Malibu Coconut Rum, Bailey’s Cream and cinnamon.
• Watch for weekend Harp and Guiness specials at the bar. ​

Upstairs at Tin Angel, on Saturday, March 15th, Don McCloskey returns to the Tin Angel for his annual St. Patrick's Day extravaganza. Tickets are only $12.00. Doors open at 9:30pm, with the show starting at 10:00pm. Don McCloskey is an independent artist based in Brooklyn, NY who infuses folk music with elements of rock, hip-hop, electronica, country, pop and world music. His lyrics often deal with the themes of love, sex, war, spirituality, world religions, American politics, his hometown (Bristol), literature and pop culture. 

On Monday, March 17th, Serrano will open at Noon with the above specials and a full dinner menu. Normally Serrano is dark on Mondays.

SLICE

All three SliCE locations (Rittenhouse, South Philly, South Jersey) bring the luck of the Irish to the love of pizza. On Friday, March 14th, kick-off the weekend with “Free Friday” and find samples of the new “The St. Patrick’s” pie at the end of the rainbow. This new creation features a special family recipe of braised ham and cabbage, bacon and swiss cheese, topped with a spicy mustard. No purchase necessary for pizza samples. The pie will be available through St. Patrick’s Day and until the end of March. During the weekend, watch for in-house deals and special slices to welcome tourists traveling on the Erin Express.

Addresses: Rittenhouse – 1740 Samson Street, 19103South Philly/East Passyunk – 1180 S. 10th Street, 19147South Jersey – 137 Egg Harbor Rd, Washington Township, 08080

NICK'S ROAST BEEF IN OLD CITY

Nick’s Roast Beef in Old City District (16 S. 2nd Street) kicks off a weekend of St. Patrick’s inspired fun – kicking things off early with a special Guinness Benefit on Thursday, March 13th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Support Dennis Leary’s Rescue Me Foundation and earn a chance to win a fireman’s shirt and jacket. Money raised will support local fire houses in Philly’s smallest neighborhoods. Look for beer specials and promos, giveaways and other fun!On Friday, March 14th, Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th, Nick’s serves as home venue for the Luck of the Irish St. Paddy’s Day Bar Crawl with food and drink specials. Ticket info is found here.On Saturday, March 15th only, Nick’s features a special St. Patrick’s Day Karaoke Party starting at 9pm with Old City Karaoke and DJ Lars Peterson.On Sunday, March 16th, head to Nick’s before or after the St. Patrick’s Day parade for Corned Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes at only $8.99, plus Leprechaun Balls shots featuring Irish Whiskey and Baileys for only $3.00. Bud Light Aluminum Bottles (16 oz) will be specially priced at $4.00. Opens at 11am.On Monday, March 17th, Nick’s opens bright and early at 11am to get your St. Patrick’s Day day-drinking on. Corned Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes, Leprechaun Balls shots and Bud Light Aluminum Bottle special will be served again. For those with empty pockets after the weekend party, Nick’s serves up lunch specials for only $6.95! Day-drinking and lunch starts at 11am.

EVIAMA LIFE SPA

Go green for St. Patrick’s Day with specials at the region’s eco designed and operated spa! Eviama Green Spa and Boutique in Midtown Village (109 S. 13th Street) offers three discounted and specially designed services perfect for the lasses (and leprechauns) to pamper and rejuvenate themselves.

After a long weekend of some wee Irish spirits, detox with a special “Tea and Aromatherapy Wrap” featuring Nettle, Ginger, Holy Basil and Immortelle to get your system humming again. Featuring dry brushing and a special trip to the infrared sauna. For a warm fuzzy place at the end of the rainbow, enjoy a special trip to the infrared sauna without a service for $5.00 off all weekend.Will the luck of the Irish bring spring days ahead? Find out with our Back Work Kansa Wand and Citrus Body Scrub to prepare with strokes from the Kansa wand, exfoliate with aromatherapy blended Himalayan Sea Salts, and finish with one of the enchantingly rich Dr.Hauschka Body Moisturizers.

Finally, luxuriate in the amazing array of Dr.Hauschka formulas through a Dr.Hauschka Classic Treatment. Eviama is an exclusive retailer for this world-wide organic collection. Transition to the new season with your unique inner clock reset. This two hour rhythmical transformation includes lymph brush for the face, aromatherapy, foot soak and rub, head and arm stretches and much more. Plus save at the boutique on Dr. Hauschka shopping.

South Street Debuts New Gospel Brunch and Struts Stuff with Mardi Gras Parade

South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) comes alive this weekend with new and old traditions that celebrate Philadelphia’s most vibrant neighborhood. With the warmer temperatures it will be the perfect time to get out of the house for live music, exciting entertainment and great food.

NEW MONTHLY GOSPEL BRUNCH

On Saturday, February 22, 2014, Theater of the Living Arts (TLA), Pyro Arts Solutions and Redwood Restaurant present the first monthly “South Street Gospel Brunch,” at TLA (334 South Street)  with entertainment by Marc Britt & Restored, Thomas TC Clay, Selfless Ministry and Melissa T.  This unique collaboration is the first in a monthly series that will feature a rotating line-up of Philadelphia's best gospel entertainers. Redwood will serve up brunch favorites that include Eggs Benedict, omelet station, homemade waffles, salads, pastries, bacon, sausage, fruit and other dishes. Coffee, tea, orange juice and milk are included. Pay-as-you-go brunch cocktails will be pouring from Wolfgang Puck. Doors open and entertainment starts at 10:00am. Tickets are $40 each for adults, $35 for seniors, $20 for youth and $15 for children. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at http://cncrt.ly/1aD4zZQ or by calling 610-784-5426. Tickets will be available at the door.  

30TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARADE

On Sunday, February 23, 2014, The Wild Bohemians strut their stuff up and down South Street during the “30th Annual Mardi Gras Parade, kicking off at 1:00pm outside Fat Tuesday (431 South Street) and ending at 6:00pm. The parade route swings by Copabana, Redwood, O’Neals Pub, Paddy Whacks, Downey’s and Café Nola (in this order). The band of revelers, which you are invited to be part of, will dress in bright colored costumes and groove down the street as a huge ensemble of musicians provide traditional New Orleans beats and tunes for their dance moves.  For more information, visit The Wild Bohemians on Facebook, or call South Street Headhouse District at (215) 413-3713.