Throughout the year, Philadelphia hosts a multitude of festivals covering various themes, allowing everyone to plunge into the world of film, science, or the arts. These events attract both tourists and locals alike, as festivals are a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, socialize, and discover something new. We’re taking a closer look at an arts festival that has been a city staple since 1989: the Manayunk Arts Festival. More at philadelphiaski.
What Does the Manayunk Arts Festival Offer Visitors?
The Manayunk Arts Festival is one of the largest outdoor juried arts events in the Philadelphia area. It takes place annually, drawing tens of thousands of visitors who flock to Manayunk’s Main Street for a two-day celebration of arts, crafts, entertainment, and food.
The festival was first held in 1989. Since then, the event has become a beloved tradition, gathering artists from Philadelphia and across the country on one street. It provides a fantastic opportunity for these talented individuals to showcase and sell their unique, handmade works to the public.
Visitors to this vibrant event can browse a diverse array of goods and soak in the lively festival atmosphere that unfolds on the picturesque streets of Manayunk. It’s worth noting that this neighborhood and its main street are located just minutes from Center City Philadelphia and attract tourists year-round, not just during the festival.
This bustling street is home to 275 businesses, including numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Throughout the year, foodies come here to savor delicious local dishes, while nightlife enthusiasts enjoy the local clubs, live musicians, and DJs. Many establishments are situated along the banks of the Schuylkill River, an attractive spot both day and night.
It’s no wonder the Manayunk Arts Festival has become so popular. The two-day event attracts over 150,000 guests annually. More than 300 artists present their work and also have the chance to test their skills and talents in various competitions that are part of the festival’s program.
The festival program typically includes a wide range of artistic categories, such as glass, ceramics, fiber, and wood crafts, as well as jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography, and mixed-media pieces. This means you can find plenty of interesting, unusual, and one-of-a-kind items.
In between Browse the exhibits, festival guests can visit local restaurants and cafes to enjoy this scenic corner of Philadelphia.
The 35th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival in 2024
In 2024, the milestone 35th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival took place. The event lasted for two days, on June 22 and 23.
This year, in addition to the usual exhibitions and competitions, the event featured several new attractions:
- The special Emerging Artist Tent, which invites 30 up-and-coming artists each year to present their work. In 2024, in collaboration with the PHS Pop Up Garden, this space was expanded to include an additional 25 artists who had the opportunity to display and sell their creations.
- Another new feature for 2024 was the Funk Shop curated market, which operated at 4421 Main Street. Here, visitors could enjoy craft beer and burgers and learn more about how they are made.
- A project called “Ten Thousand Flowers” was brought to life by artist Tim Gibson. Everyone was invited to contribute to a collaborative mural that ultimately featured 10,000 colorful flowers.
This shows that the arts festival is never stagnant and enriches its offerings each year. This helps the event remain popular, as there is always something new to see and the opportunity to discover the work of emerging artists. Furthermore, the event serves as a platform for anyone wishing to share their creativity and find an appreciative audience.
How to Get to the Festival
The Manayunk Arts Festival is traditionally held on Main Street in Manayunk. Admission to all events and exhibitions is free. Guests can purchase food, drinks, and artwork at their own discretion.
You can reach the festival by public transportation using SEPTA’s Manayunk/Norristown Line. You’ll need to get off at the Manayunk stop, which is just a few minutes from the event’s locations. Additionally, you can use SEPTA bus routes 27, 35, and 61, which also have stops near the festival grounds.
Several blocks around the festival are closed to traffic. Therefore, it can be difficult to drive and find parking during the event. However, there are free parking lots, which the event organizers announce on the official website. A shuttle service is also available for both children and adults.
One excellent option is to bike from Center City Philadelphia along Kelly Drive via the Schuylkill River Trail to reach the festival.
So, the Manayunk Arts Festival is a popular and well-known summer event in Philadelphia. It’s a place where you can have a great time and immerse yourself in a world of vibrant and original art.
- https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/manayunk-arts-festival/#2024-highlights
- https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/main-street-manayunk/
- https://manayunk.com/events/manayunk-arts-festival.html
- https://kidfriendlyphilly.com/events/the-35th-annual-manayunk-arts-festival/2024-06-23/