Manayunk Presents Founders Philly Freeze Out, MYNK Chowder Crawl and Winter Market

Bundle up and head on over to Manayunk for a frosty, fun-filled day at the Founders Philly Freeze-Out, Freeze Out Run and 2025 MNYK Chowder Crawl on February 1, 2025, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Founders Brewing Company and the Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with 25+ photo-worthy ice sculptures created by "ice king" Peter Slavin of Ice Sculpture Philadelphia, plus 10 live carving demonstrations, an ice slide, snowy igloo, winter market, chowder crawl and more frosty surprises. The day starts with the Freeze Out Run by Philadelphia Runner and New Balance at 9:00am, followed by the Freeze Out main event from 11:00am to 4:00pm, followed by the 2025 MNYK Chowder Crawl from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Festivities during the day will also include the Lion Dance with New Leaf for Chinese and Lunar New Year, offerings from popular food trucks, Founders and MNYK giveaways, and Founders specials at restaurants and bars up and down Main Street. Founders Philly Freeze Out is free to attend, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go. Freeze Out Run is free to participate, with advance registration required. 2025 MNYK Chowder Crawl is $18 per ticket. For event info, race registration and chowder crawl tickets, visit manayunk dot com/events/ and follow @manayunkdotcom

“Founders Philly Freeze-Out is the perfect blend of winter wonder and community celebration,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Director of Events Caitlin Marsilii. “Each year, we’re incredibly honored to bring in Ice Sculpture Philly, Peter Slavin and his incredible team, who work with the business owners to bring Manayunk to life on ice!”  

“At Founders Brewing Company, we love sponsoring the Founders Freeze Out in Manayunk every year because it brings together some of the best qualities Philadelphia has to offer: community, public art, street festivities, and, of course, great beer,” said Founders Brewing Co. Market Manager Igor Simić. “The day is built around showcasing local businesses and restaurants via the unique medium of ice sculptures, and the live carvings performed by Peter Slavin and his team at Ice Sculpture Philly are must-see. Whether you’re doing some shopping on Main Street, participating in the Chowder Crawl, or stopping by a bar to try Founders’ new Mortal Bloom Hazy IPA, it’s the perfect way to shake off the post-Holiday blues and celebrate Winter one more time before Spring gets here!”

Manayunk will host one of the Philadelphia region's coolest (literal and figurative) outdoor winter festivals with a full day of family fun along Main Street on February 1st. Manayunk Development Corporation and Founders Brewing Company have teamed up with Ice Sculpture Philly - who has been part of the event since the first year. 

The team of artists, led by lead sculptor and owner Peter Slavin, have created concepts for ice sculptures and festivals throughout the world. Whether it’s a full sized ice piano or a custom ice luge, Ice Sculpture Philly can bring almost anything to life with ice. This year, at Founders Philly Freeze-Out, they’ll be bringing an ice slide, 10 live carving demonstrations throughout the day, and an exciting array of ice sculptures ranging from roman busts, oversized coffee cups, Rocky,  and pints of beer. 

While strolling among the icy masterpieces, festival-goers can enjoy Founders Brewing Company bringing their world-class beers to the street, and Manayunk restaurants will be offering killer deals and specials. Participating bars and restaurants will showcase a variety of flavorful brews such as Mortal Bloom Imperial Thorn, Devil Root, Centennial IPA, and Hoppy Mood. They’ll also be out and about during the event with giveaways, swag, and the Founders Ice Bar in Canal View Park (4418 Main Street).

Up and down Main Street, beer lovers can find specials from Founders Beer Company at top restaurants and bars, including: Bar Jawn, Bayou Bar & Grill, Cactus Cantina, JD McGillicuddy's, Lucky's Last Chance, Manayunk Brewing Company, Mia Ragazza, Ryan's Pub, Taqueria Amor, The Brass Tap, The Goat's Beard, Union Tap House, Winnie's Manayunk and more to be announced. 

Many of those same restaurants will also be participating in The 2025 Manayunk Chowder Crawl where 12+ restaurants will put their own spin on winter’s go-to comfort food. The crawl will take guests on a culinary journey as they sample chowder of all kinds like chipotle chicken chowder, tom kah salmon chowder, turkey corn chowder, and traditional clam. Tickets are $18, and can be purchased ahead of the event online.

The day will also bring the Freeze Out Run with Philadelphia Runner starting at 9:00am at 4358 Main St., traditional Chinese New Year Lion Dancing with New Leaf at various times throughout the afternoon, a snowy igloo photo-op, an ice fishing giveaway game, food trucks, live music, and more. 

There will be plenty of places to warm up throughout the day including the Founders Winter Market at RichardsApex (4170 Main Street). The heated, curated market will host local artisans and makers of all kinds offering items like fresh focaccia, home goods, prints, ceramics, planters, upcycled clothing, gourmet pickles, candles, doggie bandanas, and more. Guests are also welcome to warm up in Manayunk’s many shops, and businesses who will be offering sales and promotions during Founders Philly Freeze-Out.

ICE SCULPTURES AND LIVE CARVING DEMOS 

Ice sculptures will be on display up and down Main Street Manayunk at participating locations. These stunning sculptures will vary in design covering everything from roman busts to Rocky! A live carving demonstration schedule will be posted closer to the event. At each demonstration, onlookers will be able to see the sculpture come to life in ice. Ice Sculpture Philly brings their chainsaws and tools, and they surely put on a show.

Live Carvings: 

Bar Jawn - Live Carve
Bayou Bar & Grill / Cactus Cantina - Live Carve
JD McGillicuddy's - Live Carve
Lucky's Last Chance - Live Carve
Mia Ragazza - Live Carve
New Leaf - Live Carve
Ryan's Pub - Live Carve
The Goat's Beard - Live Carve
Union Tap House - Live Carve
Winnie's Manayunk - Live Carve

Ice Sculptures: 

AFC Fitness
Blondie Manayunk
Founders Brewing Co.
Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store
LILA Philadelphia
Manayunk Brewing Company
Manayunk Development Corporation
Minor Details
Philadelphia Runner
Taqueria Amor
The Brass Tap
The Little Apple
Volo Coffeehouse

More to be announced! 

2025 MANAYUNK CHOWDER CRAWL 

The 2025 Manayunk Chowder Crawl is back again this year as local restaurants put their own spin on winter’s go-to comfort food! The crawl, which takes place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, will take guests on a culinary journey as they sample chowder of all kinds like chipotle chicken chowder, tom kah salmon chowder, turkey corn chowder, and traditional clam. Crawlers will be able to vote for their favorite chowder on Let’s Rallie, the official event app. Tickets are on sale now for $18.

Chowder Crawl Schedule:
Check In at 106 Grape Street | 11:30am to 2:00pm
Chowder Crawl (At Your Own Pace) | 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Included with your ticket:
One Chowder Sample from All Participating Restaurants
Wristband
Custom Crawl Map

Chowder Crawl Stops:
Lucky's Last Chance
Bar Jawn
The Goat's Beard
Mia Ragazza
JD McGillicuddy's
Winnie's Manayunk
Ryan's Pub
Taqueria Amor
Manayunk Brewing Company
Union Tap House

Chowder Crawl Ticket Link:
www dot eventbrite dot com/e/manayunk-chowder-crawl-tickets-1117935417929?aff=oddtdtcreator

FOUNDERS WINTER MARKET 

Back again is the third annual Founders Winter Market at RichardsApex (4170 Main Street). The heated, curated market will host local artisans and makers of all kinds offering items like fresh focaccia, home goods, prints, ceramics, planters, upcycled clothing, gourmet pickles, candles, doggie bandanas, and more.

Participating Vendors:
Lily Lough Jewelry
Fishtown Pickle Project
Moss and Canvas
Brixxy & Co.
What’s on the Table
Something Made Custom
Maker Missya
Tuft Broad
S H Candles
S Pogas Art
From Mine, To Yours
Botanical Funk
Modern Hex
And more

For updates on live carve times, activations, event map, Chowder Crawl voting and all the frosty fun, download Let’s Rallie - the official app of Founders Philly Freeze Out. For more about Founders Philly Freeze Out and Chowder Crawl, and partners, please also visit manayunk dot com/events/ and follow @manayunkdotcom @iceicephilly @foundersbrewing and @letsrallie.

ABOUT MANAYUNK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Manayunk Development Corporations (MDC) is a nonprofit corporation with both a primary business development mission and a cooperating community development mission. As a business development organization, MDC takes primary responsibility for the management, promotion, and positive business development of the Main Street business district. As a community development corporation, MDC cooperates with other civic and community organizations in the Manayunk area to plan and carry out community programming and physical improvement projects of interest to both businesses and residents in Manayunk. www.manayunk.com