Philadelphia’s Italian Market Festival: Everything You Need to Know
A longstanding Philadelphia festival will take over South Ninth Street this weekend, bringing with it food vendors, live music, and dynamic shopping experiences to the heart of Philly’s Italian market….
A longstanding Philadelphia festival will take over South Ninth Street this weekend, bringing with it food vendors, live music, and dynamic shopping experiences to the heart of Philly's Italian market. The market is more than 150 years old.
Each year, Philly's South Ninth Street Italian Market Festival features more than 100 vendors lining the streets and includes several can't-miss events, including the greased-pole climbing competition. In this event, participants form human pyramids as they climb up a lard-covered pole in their attempt to reach cheeses and meats at the top.
Here's what to keep in mind if you're planning to attend:
When Is the Festival?
The two-day event runs from Saturday, May 17, to Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Activities will take place on South Ninth Street between Fitzwater and Wharton streets.
How Can You Get to the Festival?
- Bus: Routes 47, 47M, and 64 will provide service near the market before street detours start.
- Subway: The Broad Street Line stops at Ellsworth-Federal, about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the market.
Can I Drive to and Find Parking Near the Festival?
While the following parking lots are located near the festival, expect that they will be full over the weekend. If you want to grab a parking space, plan to arrive very early.
- Eighth & Passyunk: 1012-1026 E. Passyunk Ave; free for two hours; available 24/7; approximately a 5-minute walk to the festival
- Seventh & Christian Street: 719-735 Christian St; $1 for one hour, $2 for two hours (maximum time); 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; approximately a 3-minute walk to the festival
- South 12th Street: 1339 S. 12th St.; free; available 24/7; approximately a 15-minute walk to the festival
South Ninth Street from Wharton to Fitzwater streets will be closed during the festival. Blocks within that intersecting stretch, including Carpenter, Catharine, Christian, Ellsworth, Federal, and Washington streets, will also be closed to vehicle traffic.
Learn more about the Italian Market Festival on the Visit Philadelphia website.
