Hear Philly: One Of Philadelphia's Largest Street Festivals Returns To Kick Off May
By Andrew Kramer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Spring is in the air and you know what that means...it's festival season! And on Saturday, May 3rd it'll be eight blocks of food, music, art and much more when the South Street Spring Festival returns for a second year.
"This is a free family-friendly festival that runs on South Street from Front Street out to 8th Street," explains Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse District Mike Harris, "and brings out restaurants, artists and music for visitors and the neighbors."
He says their inaugural year in 2013 was a huge success, but expects this year's festival to be even bigger:
"This year we're growing our music scene even more. We're adding two new stages, we have over 40 bands playing all day long, we have some top-quality music going on, so we're really excited. This is turning into a really nice music festival in addition to food and art."
Harris says the music ranges from some of the top bands in the area who play at the local venues to smaller, acoustic bands -- from accordion to folk to rock.
In addition to the wide spectrum of music, he says there are many other activities folks will get to enjoy:
"We're having a Kids Zone, where it's art and acts and activities for kids and families. We are having artists performing throughout the day and making presentations -- that's through the Philadelphia Magic Gardens."
Harris adds there's also plenty of food and drinks for everybody who comes down:
"You're going to have some of the best restaurants in town out there. You have Brauhaus Schmitz doing their 'Maifest' which is a spring festival -- they'll be grilling outdoors, serving German beer and their great selection of sausages. Supper will be out as well as Bridget Foy's and Twisted Tail, so each one's bringing their own outdoor food to the street."
Harris says overall, they're are pleased with the way this year's festival is shaping up:
"We're really thrilled with this festival because it's the largest street festival in the city. The fact that it's free -- we think the music acts that are going to be there are unparalleled, and we think it's just a great day to be out on a historic street hanging out for a full day with friends and neighbors."
The festival runs from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. For more information you can visit the South Street Headhouse District website or download their free mobile app.
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