Rittenhouse Row is a spring festival in Philadelphia that takes over Walnut Street every year. It’s a true street celebration where you can enjoy live music, various family-friendly activities, local products, and signature dishes and cocktails from the city’s top establishments. We’re giving you a closer look at the festival at philadelphiaski.
Rittenhouse Row: What, Where, When?
Each year, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival draws over 50,000 guests—both city residents and visitors eager to get a closer taste of local culture. The event’s main theme is “accessible luxury for everyone,” so admission is free, with souvenirs, food, and drinks available for purchase at your leisure.
In 2024, Rittenhouse Row took place on May 4th. It’s worth noting that during the festival, sections of streets around Walnut Street are closed to traffic. For this reason, it can be difficult to reach the event by car or to find parking.
Organizers recommend opting for bicycles or public transportation via SEPTA. For example, SEPTA’s Broad Street Line has a stop at Broad and Walnut Streets, just a few blocks from the festival. The suburban Regional Rail station is also located nearby.
The festival’s events span several blocks, each with its own unique atmosphere, ready to surprise guests with something special.
18th Street
During Rittenhouse Row, 18th Street transforms into a foodie paradise. In 2024, for instance, you could sample the famous burgers from a.kitchen+bar, enjoy refreshing drinks from Parc, sip unique cocktails from Philadelphia Distilling, and indulge in many other delicious treats.
It’s worth noting that these local establishments attract tourists and city residents throughout the year, not just during the festival. After getting a taste of the local food, festival guests often return to the neighborhood again and again. During the festival, the area becomes even more vibrant and filled with visitors, which adds a special charm and creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
A Stroll Down Walnut Street
This street is the main artery of the festival. Party lovers usually start on the 1500 block of Walnut Street, home to the “Taking It To The Streets” DJ parties. In 2024, the event was hosted by DJ Rob Payne. So, you can expect to hear plenty of vibrant, fresh music and dance with friends.
Of course, no party is complete without delicious food. Here, you could try fresh oysters and shrimp cocktails from Oyster House. In addition, this block features:
- The Sisterly Love Collective Rittenhouse Market, which brings together several popular Philadelphia businesses.
- The Jet Wine Bar’s Pama Sangria Garden.
- El Merkury and Revolution Taco with tasty snacks.
- Fine spirits from BOTLD.
A variety of handmade goods from local artisans is also something to look out for on this part of the street.
Next up is the 1600 block of Walnut Street, the family-friendly zone. Here you can enjoy various games, giveaways, face painting, as well as music from local DJs, students of the Paul Green Rock Academy, and cover bands.
Furthermore, festival attendees have the opportunity to support the local Albert M. Greenfield School by participating in flower arranging or decor making at the Rittenhouse Square Flower Market.
Many different Philadelphia companies showcase their products here, opening pop-up shops for the duration of the festival. As for food, the popular Marc Vetri’s Pizzeria Salvy is a highlight, along with establishments like Spice Finch, Patchwork, Happy Rooster, and Two Robbers.
The family fun continues on the 1700 block of Walnut Street, where entertainment is organized by TD Bank and XFINITY, featuring photo zones and stages with live music. Here you can hear covers of The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and more, performed by local musicians.
Companies such as Equinox, The Rittenhouse Spa and Club, Philadelphia Runner, European Wax Center, Skin House Facial Bar, and many others offer their services to festival visitors. This block has many sections dedicated to health and self-care. There are also tastings of alcoholic beverages from BOTLD and cocktails from Bar Bombon and Wilder, while delicious snacks are offered by local pizzerias and cafes.
Finally, the 1800 block of Walnut Street is home to many renowned restaurants, such as Continental Mid-Town, Butcher & Singer, The Dandelion, and El Rey. Guests can sample refreshing cocktails and tasty dishes while learning more about these establishments and their offerings. This area also features zones with live music and DJs.
The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival program varies and changes slightly each year as new companies and artists wish to participate. This ensures the event never gets stale or monotonous. Here, you can have a great time for free, listen to live music, and get a closer look at Philadelphia’s culture in all its forms, all in a single day.