Old City Fest Celebrates Art and Design, Fashion and Food, Creativity and Culture on Sunday, October 11, 2015

Old City District presents Old City Fest on Sunday, October 11, 2015, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th). Activities will include a festival stage with live music, runway fashion show, design showcase installation, family fun zone, pop-up street performances and a wide array of food, beverages, art, craft and retail shopping, with 100+ Old City vendors participating. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. For more info, visit oldcitydistrict.org, tweet @oldcitydistrict or call (215) 592-7929. Old City Fest is produced by Old City District with support from major sponsors Xfinity, Mighty Engine, Kaiserman Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, More FM and Where Magazine, plus other sponsors and contributors.

“Old City Fest highlights our region’s premier arts and design district, showcasing local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries, theater, culture, history and architecture,” said Old City District’s Executive Director, Job Itzkowitz. “Old City Fest was designed to be different. The city has tons of amazing neighborhood-based festivals with food, drink and music. We wanted to take that one step farther and celebrate all that makes America’s most historic square mile unique. We curated the event to give Old City’s merchants, artists, makers and creative community a platform to shine for the region.”

From its historic past to its artful present to its tech future, Old City is the place to be! Look for vibrant and diverse offerings that make the neighborhood the historic gem of Philadelphia. Old City staples lining the streets will include Buddakan, Continental, Franklin Fountain, Old City Coffee, Sassafras, Center for Art in Wood, Clay Studio, Smak Parlour, Third Street Habit. Start-ups and newer businesses will include 2nd Story Brewing Co, High Street on Market, E-Moderne Gallerie, Philadelphia Independents, Momo's Tree House, Philly Tour Hub, Scout Salvage & Vintage. Mark your calendar, tell your friends and come prepared for a festival unlike any other. For a full list of activities, vendors, schedules and other information, see below or visit oldcitydistrict.org.

OLD CITY FEST ACTIVITIES AND VENDORS

FOOD AND DRINK

The lineup of Old City restaurants showcases the wide variety of styles and flavors while highlighting some of the best food and drinks. With over 20 food vendors setting up shop for the festival there is something for everyone. (* New to Old City Fest for 2015.)

2nd Story Brewing Co *
Big A-- Slices *
Buddakan *
Capofitto
Continental
Cuba Libre
Festival Food *
Franklin Fountain
High Street on Market
ICI Macarons & Café *
Khyber Pass Pub *
Lucha Cartel
Mama's Meatballs LLC
National Mechanics
Old City Coffee
Panorama
Positano Coast
Rocket Fizz *
Roe *
Sassafras *
Tartes *
United By Blue
Wedge + Fig

DESIGN SHOWCASE

The Design Showcase, as part of DesignPhiladelphia, opens during Old City Fest and runs through October 16, 2015 at The Center for Art in Wood (141 N. 3rd). Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design will create actual room settings using an eclectic array of furnishings, objects and art exclusively from Old City shops and galleries. Visit designphiladelphia.org for showroom hours and more information. Free admission. Hours: Sunday, October 11th, 12:00pm to 6:00pm; Monday, October 12th through Friday, October 16, 2015, 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Biello Martin Studio
Bluestone
Bulthaup Studio
Center for Art in Wood
Dane Decor
E-Moderne Gallerie
Gallery 51
Grossman Furniture
Jonathan Adler
Larry Becker
Millesime
Minima
Mode Moderne
More Than Old
OLC
Old City Jewish Arts Center
Pentimenti Gallery
Petit Jardin en Ville
Philadelphia Independents
Reform
Roche Bobois
Scarlett Alley
Snyderman-Works
The Clay Studio
Tribal Home
Wexler Gallery

INDEPENDENTS ROW

Philadelphia Independents is sponsoring Independents Row, a special designated area featuring Old City artists and makers. Meet the makers and peruse their handmade goods along 3rd Street in front of 35 N. 3rd Street. Independents Row will include:

As the Crow Flies
Exit 343 Design
The Golden Hen
Olliver Lifestyle
Philadelphia Independents
Saffron Creations
Stanley, Chester & Albert
Stitch Prism
Threet Ceramics
Urban Works Textiles
Zoet Bathlatier

FASHION SHOW

Old City Fest hosts two fashion shows this year at 2:30pm and 3:30pm at Third/Cherry streets, featuring the works of students from MADE Studios, styles from Smak Parlour's new fall collection and looks by US*U.S.! Sound artist Rucyl will DJ the runway. Makeup and hair styled by Lakshmi Hair Studio and featuring models from Wilhelmina Philadelphia. Meet with the students and learn more about the studio after the show.    

MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE

Old City Fest will feature live performances from the West Philadelphia Orchestra, Polkadelphia and more on the main stage throughout the day. Plus, street performances from Opera on Tap, the largest network of operatic performing artists in the country. They take a local, grassroots and fun approach to community outreach in the name of the art form. Opera on Tap Philly is the newest chapter of the national organization that brings opera to non-traditional spaces and places - anywhere but concert halls and opera houses. (See additional street performances under Family Fun Zone.)

Red Hot Ramblers - 1:00pm to 2:00pm (stage)
Opera on Tap - 2:00pm to 5:00pm (street)
Polkadelphia - 2:45pm to 3:45pm (stage)
West Philadelphia Orchestra - 4:30pm to 6:00pm (stage)

FAMILY FUN ZONE

The family fun zone will feature performances from the Arden Theater, Music Monkey Jungle and many more. American Heritage Chocolate, a division of Mars Chocolate, will present the history and preparation of colonial chocolate at the Betsy Ross House. Stop by to experience chocolate the same way that Betsy Ross and their ancestors did! Check in as special guests will visiting throughout the day. You might recognize some of America’s most famous neighbors!

1:00pm - Performances by students from the Arden Drama School
2:00pm - Performances by students from the Philadelphia Dance Academy
3:00pm - Storytime and crafts with local children’s author, Monica Carnesi
4:00pm - Dance party with Music Monkey Jungle
5:00pm - The Give and Take Jugglers

* The Philadelphia Dance Academy will perform some excerpts from their Philadelphia Youth Ballet (PYB) repertoire. PYB is the youth performance ensemble of the Dance Academy and is comprised of their most dedicated young dancers.

* Monica Carnesi will be reading her book, SLEEPOVER WITH BEATRICE AND BEAR, a story about friendship and hibernation.  She will also be leading the kids in a craft activity to complement the story.  Momo's Treehouse will have copies of the book for sale.

* Music Monkey Jungle’ s dance party is an awesome celebration of movement, dance and active imagination. Children and adults will bounce, bop, swing, clap, pat, stomp and jump through the presentation of live music and dances.

* The Give and Take Jugglers have been a consistent hit with both children and adults for over 40 years. Their highly interactive, comedic show uses traditions from vaudeville, circus arts, theater, and music to create a lively and wholesome performance that feels fresh and contemporary.

* The Clay Studio will be hosting clay throw battles! This innovative and dynamic event has two artists go head-to-head in a series of “battles” on the potter’s wheel. The battles include tallest vessel, blind-folded throw, mug race, tandem throw and more.  

* Almanac Dance Circus Theatre and Stilt Girl & Co. will dazzle on the street with acrobatics, stilt walking, juggling and other forms of circus arts.

* In the Betsy Ross House Courtyard, look for colonial chocolate making demonstrations from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, sponsored by American Heritage Chocolate (the historic division of Mars Chocolate). Chocolate figured prominently in Early American history. With a rebellion against tea and everything British, our forefathers (and mothers) proudly chose hot chocolate and coffee drinks as symbols of freedom.

* Meet three famous female entrepreneurs - chocolate-maker Mary Crathorne, upholsterer and flagmaker, Betsy Ross, and shopkeeper Hannah Lithgow - and learn how women and their beverage choices played a role during the American Revolution.

* Sample the tasty drink Colonists enjoyed and take home some American Heritage Chocolate, available exclusively at historic sites. The Betsy Ross House is also open for family friendly tours for just $5/adult and $4/children, students, seniors and military.

* Historic Philadelphia, Inc. will also provide colonial games and a Once Upon A Nation storytelling bench in the Family Fun Zone. Visitors will learn about our nation’s history through the award winning, energetic, and interactive Once Upon A Nation storytelling program. They’ll hear fascinating tales of our nation’s history that did not make it into the history books.

* The Momo’s Treehouse booth will have a station for kids to create a customized tin of Thinking Putty for $5. They will also be giving free temporary hair highlights. Their store will have their everyday craft table and play area open as well.

* The Independence Seaport Museum and the National Museum of American Jewish History booth will have fun, free activities for kids. 

MUSEUMS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

* Visit the Betsy Ross House, the Center for Art in Wood and the Clay Studio free demonstrations.

* Historic Philadelphia, Inc. will have a booth to promote Franklin Square, Liberty 360, Once Upon A Nation, and the Betsy Ross House. A History Maker (first person interpreter) will be in the booth to do calligraphy demonstrations.

* Ride Indego to and from Old City Fest. Indego will have a corral service from 12:00pm to 6:00pm to ensure there's always a bike or dock available. Learn more about bike share at rideindego.com.

Other participants -
American Philosophical Society
Arden Theater Company
Betsy Ross House + Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Christ Church
Connect Church
Indego
National Constitution Center
National Museum of American Jewish History
Project Home
Theater Exile

GALLERIES AND ARTISTS

Old City District is the city’s hub for artists, makers, galleries and creative industries.

Galleries  --
Arch Enemy
Bluestone
Bulthaup Studio
Center for Art in Wood
Clay Studio
E-Moderne Gallerie
Grossman Furniture
Hussian College
Larry Becker
Millesime
Minima
More Than Old
Philadelphia Independents
Old City Jewish Arts Center

Artists --
5one7Designs
Adorned by Aisha
Frames by Mox
Local High Clothing
Nature Scripts Photography
Wireworx

* Look for artists creating new masterpieces as they paint, sketch and photographer the scene as it happens. Watch for information on where to find these specially created works after Old City Fest is over.

SHOPPING

Around every corner of Old City find the city’s latest fashions, gifts and home decor. Don’t leave empty handed with top brands, up-and-coming designers and more.

611
The A List Look
Blokes Barbershop
Kink Shoppe
Lakshmi Hair Studio
Level 1
Lost + Found
Momo's Tree House
Never Too Spoiled
Old City T-Shirts
Old City New Bride
Petit Jardin en Ville
Philly Tour Hub
Pinot Boutique
Scarlett Alley
Scout Salvage & Vintage
Smak Parlour
Sugarcube
Tataway
Third Street Habit

OTHER VENDORS

Look for other businesses and supporters of Old City District, including:

Alterra Property
Bow Wow Treats
Coldwell Banker Preferred
East River Bank
Empire
First Service Residential
Green Mountain Energy Company
Hilton Penn's Landing
JT's Shirts
Kaiserman Company
Long & Foster Real Estate
Penn's View Hotel
Settle Down Philadelphia
Sugar House
TD Bank
Uber
Xfinity
Zipcar

For more info about Old City District and Old City Fest, visit oldcitydistrict.org, tweet @oldcitydistrict or call (215) 592-7929.