South Street Headhouse District Presents New Halloween Tradition with South Street's PumpkinFest on October 31, 2015

South Street Headhouse District Presents New Halloween Tradition with South Street's PumpkinFest on October 31, 2015

South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) presents a new fall festival with tricks and treats for adults and children of all ages. PumpkinFest takes over Second Street's Headhouse Plaza between Pine and South Streets, on Saturday, October 31, 2015, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Live music, shopping, seasonal bites and brews, football bungee challenge, straw bale maze, circus performances, horse and wagon hay rides, face painting and more. South Street businesses will open their doors for trick or treating (children 12 and under) from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. PumpkinFest is free, with food, drink and shopping pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713. 

Read More

Clean Air Council’s 10th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to South Street Headhouse District

Clean Air Council’s 10th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to South Street Headhouse District

Clean Air Council’s 10th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to South Street Headhouse District (2nd and South Streets) on Sunday, September 13, 2015 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 $35 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.

Read More

Philly AIDS Thrift Opens Philadelphia's Only Retail-Based Free, Drop-in HIV Testing Center Off of South Street

Philly AIDS Thrift Opens Philadelphia's Only Retail-Based Free, Drop-in HIV Testing Center Off of South Street

Philly AIDS Thrift celebrated AIDS Education Month with the opening of the Philly AIDS Thrift HIV Testing Center inside their retail store at 710 S. 5th Street, in South Street Headhouse District. Action AIDS, Bebashi, GALAEI, Mazzoni Center and Philadelphia FIGHT will provide free, drop-in, rapid testing and related counseling services. Opening day was on National HIV Testing Day, Saturday, June 27, 2015. Testing is now offered each month from Noon to 4:00pm on the first and third Saturday and Sunday, and the second and fourth Friday and Saturday. Hours for the fifth weekend will be announced. For more information and the week’s agency schedule, visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com or call 215-922-3186. The weekly agency schedule will also be posted on Facebook and outside the store.

Read More

Philadelphia 84th Easter Promenade Set to Hop Down South Street on Easter Sunday April 5, 2015, Plus Philadelphia Easter Brunch

Philadelphia 84th Easter Promenade Set to Hop Down South Street on Easter Sunday April 5, 2015, Plus Philadelphia Easter Brunch

Hop on down to South Street Headhouse District for some FREE, egg-citing family fun during the 84th annual Easter Promenade on Sunday, April 5, 2015.  Come dressed in your Sunday Best and promenade down South Street in this grand and popular tradition that last year drew record crowds. Master of ceremonies Henri David returns to lead the parade from the corner of Passyunk Avenue/South Street down to Headhouse Square (2nd Street). Enjoy Easter treats, live music from the Philadelphia Freedom Band, the Bunny Hop, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail and much more until 2:00pm. Bring your camera and stick around to meet the Easter Bunny himself, and see who wins the best dressed contests! 

Read More

Super Bowl Must-Try Food, Drink Specials, Football Parties and More in Philadelphia

Catch the big game at Philadelphia's top restaurants and bars with must-try dishes, menu additions, drink specials, football parties, half-time shots and much more this Sunday, February 1, 2015. Below find the top specials and events in Old City, on East Passyunk and in South Street Headhouse District. 

Me N Mo Meatballs and More
214 South Street

Super Bowl Party and Take-out Menu Additions
Me N Mo Meatballs and More serves up red hot buffalo chicken meatballs, Hong Kong meatballs and drink specials for their first Super Bowl Party. Super Bowl can enjoy $5.00 red and white wine, $4.00 all bottled beer, and $1.00 off homemade lasagna and wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese. During halftime, Buffalo and Hong Kong meatballs are only $1.00. The game will be on at the bar, with the sound. Bar and dining room open early at 12:00pm for pre-gaming. Super Bowl Sunday will be the first full day that take-out is available for the full meatball menu. Buffalo, Hong Kong and Beef meatballs available by the dozen by calling ahead (267) 928-3262.

Palladino’s on East Passyunk
1934 East Passyunk

Palladino’s Super Bowl Party
East Passyunk’s newest restaurant hosts their first Super Bowl Party with food and drink specials at the bar, menu additions - and a surprise from Chef! Catch the game (with sound) on our killer 60" HD TV's. Chef Luke Palladino says “salute” with a complimentary Spaghetti Western shot for everyone at the bar at start of half time - featuring Tequila, Citronge, Lime, Blood Orange Aranciata.

Game-time food specials:

  • Potato Skins - Truffle cheese fondue, crisp smoked bacon, scallion crème fraiche ($7)
  • Calamari - With Cherry pepper aioli ($10)
  • Pizzata - Thin crust brick oven baked flat bread stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with pomodoro sauce, parmesan cheese, basil ($13)
  • Short Rib Stuffed Potato - Braised Beef Short Rib Stuffed potato skin, Cheddar, smoked bacon, scallion creme fraiche ($14) (new)

Cocktail and beer specials:

  • Peroni drafts ($4)
  • Blood Orange Screwdriver ($9)

Nick’s Roast Beef in Old City
16 S. Second Street

Nick’s Old City Annual Super Bowl Party
Chow down on all-you-can-eat food and drink while you watch the games at the bar and in the dining room (with the sound on). Admission at the door is $40 per person and includes unlimited domestic drafts, well drinks and prize giveaways. Food buffet will include make-your-own roast beef and pork sandwiches, peel and eat shrimp, Nick’s famous wings, hummus and crudite, taco dip and more. The standard daily menu is also available for pay-as-you-go. The party starts at 6:00pm and runs through the end of the game.

BRU Craft & Wurst
1318 Chestnut Street

Super Bowl Party and U-Bahn Preview
Head to Mid-town Village and catch the game on projection wall (with the sound on) with $5.00 American Craft Drafts (16+ to pick from) and get a preview of the menu from the soon-to-open U-Bahn. Food specials will include $5.00 dips and sandwiches.

Taproom on 19th
2400 S. 19th Street (19th and Ritner)

Super Bowl Party and Menu Additions
Catch the game at the bar (with the sound on the TVs) and enjoy discounted drinks, off-menu specials, discounts and more. Drink specials will include $3.00 Yeunling bottles, $3.00 Chesterfield daughts, $10.00 Chesterfield pitchers, $2.50 Miller High Life and Light bottles and more. Wings (Buffalo with celery and blue cheese or Korean with cashews, ginger and sesame) will be half off during game time.

Chef Christina DeSilva presents Super Bowl additions all weekend long, from Friday to Sunday

  • Cheese plate - Raw honey, smoked grapes, rye toast points, black walnuts, apple shnitz. Buttercup Brie from Cherry Grove NJ, Birch Run Bleu from Birch Run Hills, Chester County, and Snowfield from Saxon Creamery Wisconsin.
  • Cheeseburger hush puppies - Cheddar, ground brisket, cornichons, mustard greens, tomato creme fresh.
  • Munchies - Popcorn, smoked paprika, golden reason, pine nut, milk chocolate
  • Pizza Pigs in a Blanket - Parsley and cheese Italian sausage, tomato, basil, parmesan, pizza crust
  • Loaded Potato Burger - Pat Lafrieda brisket burger on potato roll. Cheddar, bacon, sour creme, scallion, potato chips

SliCE

Rittenhouse Sq., 1740 Sansom St., 215-557-9299
Italian Market, 1180 S. 10th St., 215-463-0868
Washington Twp., 137 Egg Harbor Rd., 856-302-5099

All three locations for SliCE will have the game on in the dining rooms (with sound). At Rittenhouse, purchase four pies of any variety and get one free (dine-in, take-out, delivery). In Washington Township and South Philly only, enjoy South Philly style "twice cooked" wings - first they are baked with salt and pepper, then they are deep fried and tossed in one of five sauces. The popular Signature Sauce is a delectable blend of flavor that balances both heat and sweet. The family recipe is an emulsification of hot sauce with several secret ingredients. Other varieties include barbecue sauce, hot sauce, dry (no sauce) and gluten-free. Super Bowl specials with twice-baked wings include: 

The Tackle
$29.95   
25 double-cooked wings and one large plain pizza 

The Field Goal
$45.99  
25 double-cooked wings, 15 mozzarella sticks, sea salt fries 

The Touchdown
$59.95 
50 wings and two large plain pizzas

All wings come with your choice of sauce or sauce combo, blue cheese dressing and celery.
 

Bridget Foy's 
200 South Second (Second and South Street) 

Super Bowl Specials
Head to Headhouse Square and catch the game on at the bar (with the sound) and enjoy chipotle wings for only $5.00 and Kenzinger drafts for $3.00 during the game. 

ELA
627 S. 3rd Street

Super Bowl Wing Special
Enjoy wings for only $10.00 a dozen. Order and pay online. Pick up anytime 1/31 after Noon, or 2/1 before 6:00pm. Sauce options include:

  • Honey-Sriracha and Lime
  • Chipotle-Salted Caramel
  • Miso Mustard
  • Old Bay
  • Classic Old Hot Sauce

Order ahead: http://elaphilly.com/wings-pre-order/

Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street

Super Bowl Party and Specials
The game will be projected on a big screen in the Brauer Bund room and for $20 guests can enjoy a huge spread of pork rinds, roast beef, meatballs, wings & more. Plus, drinks will be on special for $5!

Manny Brown's
512 South Street

Super Bowl Specials
Game will be on in bar and dining room with sound on. During game time, enjoy 40 cent wings and $2.75 pints of Miller Lite.
 

East Passyunk Feast of 7 Fish Dinners, Christmas Eve and New Year's Hours for East Passyunk and South Street Bars and Restaurants

Restaurants along East Passyunk Avenue and South Street Headhouse District are celebrating Christmas Eve in Italian style with special menus, prix fix dinners and the traditional "Feast of the 7 Fish" dinner. 

Mamma Maria, East passyunk, 7 Fish Dinner, South Philadelphia, Christmas Eve

Mamma Maria Ristorante (1637 East Passyunk Avenue) - Spend Christmas Eve with South Philly’s most famous “Mamma” and her long-standing Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner featuring: Antipasto di Pesce, Chestnut Soup, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Baccala Codfish salad, Calamari Stuffed squid, Sogliola Flounder, Salmone Salmon, Merluzzo Smelts, Conchiglia large stuffed clams, Capo Sante Scallops, salad, sides, coffee, dessert, complimentary wine and after-dinner cordials. Each guest is $65.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seatings at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Call 215 463-6884 for reservations.

Noir Restaurant (1909 East Passyunk Avenue) - Noir celebrates the Feast of the 7 Fish with a three-course meal for only $40.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity), including choice of Seafood Bouillabaisse or Mediterranean Salad; Squid Ink Linguini Del Mare, Mosaic Trio or Seafood Risotto; Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Crème Brulee Cheese Cake or Tira Misu. Call (267) 319-1678 for reservations. Reservations for 9:00pm seating are available.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - East Passyunk’s newest restaurant opens just in time for the holidays (12/18) with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. On Christmas Eve, dinner patrons will enjoy complimentary Punzone Poinsettia compliments of Chef Luke Palladino. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Paradiso (1627 East Passyunk Avenue) - Christmas Eve “La Vigilia Di Natale” Feast of the 7 Fish includes delicious offerings from Chef Lynn Rinaldi that include Baccala Mantecato, Fritto Misto, Black Bucatini with Rock Shrimp, Linguine with Clams, Penne with Lump Crabmeat, Whole Dover Sole, Stuffed Skate with Crabmeat and more. Antipasti di Pesce, sides for the table and dessert choice included for $75.00 per person. Call 215.271.2066 for reservations.

SliCE (1740 Sansom St. or 137 Egg Harbor Rd) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Pizza of the 7 Fishes, featuring mozzarella, clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat, anchovies and sardine all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with fresh lemon and basil. This unique pie is a twist on the Italian tradition of Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. Rittenhouse and Washington Township locations are open through 6:00pm on Christmas Day. Rittenhouse will deliver anywhere in Philadelphia that day by calling (215) 557- 9299.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Celebrate Christmas Eve with a four-course prix fixe that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include Zuppa di pesce (Fish Soup),Shrimp Scampi Flatbread, Baby Neck Clams in Garlic Butter, Jeanie's Code and Shrimp, Salmon Cakes, Frutti di Mare, Jeanie’s Homemade Cheese Pie with Fig Sauce, Chocolate Bread Pudding and more. Glass of wine or soda included for $50.00 per person (not included gratuity). Reservation required by calling (267) 324-3144. Hours 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Stogie Joe’s (1801 East Passyunk Avenue) - Place your order now for a Tavern Style Christmas Menu that you can pick-up for your family. Enjoy offerings like Clams Casino, Crab Sauce, Crab Cakes, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Salad and more. All orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, 2014, by calling 267-767-5701. Pick-up by December 24, 2014 by 5:00pm.

** OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE ** 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 8:00pm with happy hour specials 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 9:00pm.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open 11:00am to 3:00pm for lunch and bar.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:00am to 9:00pm.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - Dining room and bar opens at 4:00pm regular a la carte menu.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am - one of Philadelphia's earliest spots to put the jolly into your Christmas Eve. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

** OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY **

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 5:00pm to 2:00am.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk) - The bar opens at 7:00am with a shot of Wild Turkey for only $3.00, open until 2am. Come in before the screaming kids and annoying aunt arrive, or escape the minute they leave. 

** NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS, DINNERS AND HOURS **

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Silvester Party from 9:00pm to 1:00am with four hour top shelf open bar, exclusive winter German import beers, live entertainment, grand buffet, champagne toast and party favors for $125.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brauhausschmitz.com. Kitchen will also be open for regular menu from 11:30am to Midnight (with free champagne toast) and the bar will be open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am.

Delicias (526 S. 4th Street) - New Year's Eve seating anytime 5:00pm to 7:00pm with three courses for $35.00, and seating anytime 7:00pm to 10:00pm with four courses for $55.00. Music and complimentary champagne will be offered. Make reservations by calling (267) 687-7631.

Ela (627 S. 3rd Street) - New Year’s Eve four course prix fixe menu for $75.00 with an optional $30 wine pairing, or a six course prix fixe menu for $100.00 with an optional $45.00 wine pairing. Hours 4:00pm to 10:30pm. Highlights include Hamachi Tartare (passion fruit, caviar, cucumber), Lobser Risotto (lobster ceviche, winter citruses, saffro), Foie Gras (warm cinnamon brioche, ginger, candied butternut squash), Wild Sturgeon (roasted spicy golden beets, smoked green apple, cipollini onions) and Crème “Brûlée” Cheesecake (meyer lemon, hazelnuts, anise). Call 267.687.8512 for reservations, or visit www.elaphilly.com/events.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 3:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Stop by Nick’s annual New Year’s Party before and after the 6:00pm and Midnight fireworks in Old City. Enjoy champagne toast, noisemakers and more. Hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino's, east passyunk, New Year's Day, Christmas Eve, South Philadelphia


Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Ring in the New Year with a complimentary glass of Prosecco with dinner.  The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 11:30am to 10:00pm. Enjoy sparkling cider toast at 6:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open 7:00am to 2:00am with a party featuring drinks, noisemakers, hats and much more in the evening counting down to Midnight. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 4:00pm to 2:00am.

Spitalieri's (613 East Passyunk) - Open 5:00pm to 10:00pm with complimentary champagne toast while dining, reservations required (267) 324-3144.

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Open 5:00pm to 2:00am with St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe and "No Corks Eve" Party. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700.

** OPEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY ** 

Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South Street) - Kitchen open 11:30am to Midnight, and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am. All-day special Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes for $15.

Bru Craft & Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) - Spend New Year's Day in Midtown Village with the bar opening at 9:00am and lunch, brunch and dinner service. 

Copabanana (344 South Street) - Kitchen and bar open 11:30am to 2:00am, with $4.00 Bloody Mary's 11:30am to 3:00pm.

Jim’s Steaks South Street (400 South Street) - Open until 1:00am.

Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille (16 S. 2nd Street) - Enjoy Nick’s annual New Year’s Day party with Joey Dog’s family recipe pork and sauerkraut for only $8.50, plus Mimosa, Bloody Mary and cocktail Specials. Warm-up on your way to Two Street with special Italian and Irish coffees. Open 11:00am to 2:00am.

Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub (150 South Street) - Open regular hours 11:00am to 2:00am.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) - Kick off the New Year inside East Passyunk’s newest restaurant with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Pizzeria Stella (420 South 2nd Street) - Dining room and bar open 12:00pm to 9:00pm.

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 East Passyunk Avenue) - Open bright and early to start the new year from 7:00am to 2:00am with all-day party and great spot to celebrate with Mummers. 

Redwood Bistro (340 South Street) - Brunch served 11:30am to 4:00pm, happy hour 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and closes early at 8:00pm.

Taproom on 19th (19th and Ritner) - Brunch served starting at 11am and bar and dining room open until 2:00am.  Great spot to hit after the Mummers' Parade!

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Enjoy either St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe or No Corks Eve Party. No Corks Eve Party will feature sparkling cocktails, champagne by the glass and free pour at Midnight, and is open to all. St. Sylvestre Prix Fixe will feature seatings at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm for $65.00 per person that includes amuse bouche, appetizers, from the garden, entree and dessert. A la carte seating available at the bar. Space is limited and the prix fixe will be reservations only by calling (215) 625-3700. Open 5:00pm to 1:00am for the kitchen and 2:00am for the bar.

** OTHER FOODIE CELEBRATIONS THIS HOLIDAY ** 


Monday, December 22, 2014

The Good King Tavern (614 S. 7th Street) - Glenfiddich Holiday Event. Enjoy a flight of scotch (15 year, 18 year, retro), a lesson with brand ambassador Bradford Lawrence and house made charcuterie and cheeses to accompany. Two seatings at 8:00pm and 10:00pm at the community table.  Limited to ten people per seating for $30.00 each. Call (215) 625-3700 to reserve now.

December 12-23, and December 26-30, 2014

Bistrot La Minette (623 South 6th Street) - A Traditional French Christmas Dinner: Dîner de Noël. Enjoy five courses for $65 or $100 with wine pairings. Though the French tend to eat rather modestly most of the year, at Christmas dinner, traditionally served from 8:00pm until well after midnight on Christmas Eve, they pull out all the stops and feast on luxurious food and lots of it. Chef Peter Woolsey’s dinner would be at home in any neighborhood bistro in France, or in a French home. In his wife’s family they actually expect us to eat 2–3 dozen oysters, a couple dozen escargot and two types of foie gras (duck and goose) and that is just the appetizers. Highlights include: Velouté de Cèpes et Châtaigne (Porcini and chestnut soup, seared foie gras, crispy leeks, parsley oil), Huîtres au Citron (Five Little Shemogue oysters, Meyer lemon, chives, cracked pepper), Tournedos de Chevreuil Sauce Périgueux (Bacon-wrapped venison loin, pommes purée, seared Brussels sprouts, black truffle Perigueux sauce) and Bûche de Noël Traditionnelle (Pistachio jaconde yule log, chocolate butter cream pistachio ice cream, meringue). Call 215-925-8000 for reservations or visit ww.BistrotLaMinette.com. Regular menu is also available on these days.

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

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.

South Street Headhouse District Resurrects Philadelphia's Day of the Dead Festival and Parade

South Street Headhouse District announces the resurrection of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival and Parade, on Sunday, November 2, 2014.  After a twelve year hiatus, this popular celebration returns to honor departed loved ones while celebrating the circle of life. The unique procession will feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse.  The parade route begins at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South Street) starting at 1:45pm and ends on the 400 block with food, drink, art and family fun from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. The parade and street festival are free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.

“After all these years, we are proud to bring this beloved festival and parade back to Philadelphia,” said Executive Director Michael Harris. “It will be a day to celebrate those we have lost, contemplate our existence and reaffirm our ties with our ancestors.”

Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume and share food, art, music and fun with their extended community, both living and dead.  Starting at 1:30pm, participants can gather at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. While waiting pay homage to deceased family members and friends by writing a chalk message in front of the specially created “ofrenda,” or altar offering up gifts to the dead. The parade kicks off at 1:45pm and feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse (provided courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home).

Once the procession hits the 400 block, the festival comes to life with music, song and performances from the following:

  • * Mariachi Pedro Villaseñor (1:45pm to 2:30pm)
  • * Los Straitjackets (2:45pm to 3:30pm)
  • * Fuego Nuevo (3:30pm)
  • * Tonantzin Coatlicue (3:45pm to 4:15pm)
  • * Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico (4:30pm to 5:00pm)
  • * Grupo Cenzontle (5:15pm to 5:45pm)
  • * Ensemble de Folklore de la Escuela de Música del Estado de Hidalgo (6:00pm to 7:00pm)

The world’s number one instrumental combo, Los Straitjackets, will perform a special preview prior to their show at World Café Live that night where they will perform with the legendary Deke Dickerson in promotion of their new album Los Straitjackets: Deke Dickerson Sings the Instrumental Hits. For tickets and more information, visit tickets.worldcafelive.com

Additionally, participants can enjoy face painting, art demonstrations with Joel Garcia from the Eyes Gallery, Frido Kahlo look-alike contest hosted by the Eyes Gallery, skull tile making, and food and drink from Baron Von Schwein, Copabanana, Farm Truck, Las Bugambilias,Tuk Tuk Real and Woolly Mammoth.  All festival activities will take place on the 400 block, which will be closed to traffic.

Leading up to the Day of the Dead, stop by the Headhouse Square Fountain this week to visit an ofrenda hosted by Brujo de la Mancha (artist, musician, and traditional Aztec dancer). This altar will serve as a place for the community to place objects to honor their loved ones and will include a set of pre-Columbian sculptures provided by Nazbalam, Cascada del Jaguar.

The Day of the Dead Festival and Parade is presented by South Street Headhouse District with support from the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia, the Mexican Cultural Center, and in part by grant funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Art Challenge.  Guidance is being provided by original organizers, Isaiah and Julia Zagar of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Eyes Galley, and Bill Curry of Copabanana.  

All activities are free and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Beer and cocktails are available for those 21 and up, with valid identification.

For schedule updates and additional activities, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.

South Street Presents Free Halloween Fun During Pumpkin Fall Fest

South Street Presents Free Halloween Fun During Pumpkin Fall Fest

South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) presents a full day of free family fun with the 6th Annual Pumpkin Fall Fest on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Kids of all ages will delight in free circus, dance, music and magic performances, plus hay rides, pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts, storytelling and a fall shopping bazaar with PHAIR. Cavanaugh's Headhouse will serve delicious seasonal treats and sips. All activities are under and around the historic Headhouse Square Shambles (2nd Street, between Pine and Lombard). For more information, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713

Read More

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

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.

Read More