Top Spring Art Festivals In Philadelphia
Springtime is a rebirth, with trees getting back their leaves, the grass becoming green again and the sun shining just a bit more. Many people like to celebrate or express their artistic side that we made it through the dead of winter. In Philly, it is no different, and many spring festivals are planned for everyone to enjoy. Whether you enjoy looking at paintings, drawings, hand-crafted art, food art or music and dance, you can find something to feed your inner artist or just take in some culture. Here are the top five art festivals this spring.
Art In The Open
Banks of Schuylkill River
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.artintheopenphila.org
Dates: May 16-18, 2014
Local galleries and selected artists will display a variety of different art work, styles and disciplines along the banks of the Schuylkill for this weekend. Other related institutions, such as local art schools, will participate to create a lively festival full of educational opportunities. Each year, a new set of artists is selected to best showcase the art of the city and the river that runs through it.
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Flamenco Festival
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org
Dates: March 1, 2014
This festival is free with Longwood Gardens admission. Come out and enjoy the beauty of spring cropping up at the gardens as well as the artistic dance of Pasion Y Arte of Philadelphia. There will be two shows at Longwood that feature lavish costumes and musical accompaniments in the art of Flamenco music and dance. The event also includes film screenings and classes.
Ninth Street Italian Market Festival
Ninth St. along Washington Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
www.italianmarketfestival.com
Dates: May 17-18, 2014
If food is your preferred artistic medium, then there is no better festival to attend than the Ninth Street Italian Market Festival. Italian food is an art form in itself, but you can also enjoy eating outdoors at the numerous restaurants and eateries. Plus, if you're not interested in official meals, you can taste foods from vendors on the street. Art lovers will also find crafted Italian treasures and the welcome center sells souvenirs. The festival includes the Procession of the Saints and is a family-friendly festival that includes live entertainment and crafts.
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Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
18th St. and Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.rittenhouserow.org
Date: May 3, 2014
Rittenhouse Row comes alive every May for this one-day festival that will feature food, fashion and fun for all ages. The streets will be lined with numerous food vendors to keep attendees energized. Numerous booths will showcase the art of fashion from local shops such as South Moon Under, Born Yesterday, Knit Wit and many more. Entertainment in the form of dance and live music will also be available to enjoy. More than 50,000 people participate in this popular event in one of the loveliest areas of the city (thanks to the cherry blossoms!).
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave
Oaks, PA 19456
(484) 754-3976
www.sugarloafcrafts.com
Dates: March 14-16, 2014
More than 250 local artisans will fill the Expo Center the weekend of March 14 for a spring craft festival. They will be selling jewelry, glass, paintings, home décor, photography and much more. The festival also features interactive demonstrations, live music and food. It's fun for the whole family and it's held indoors, so it will take place rain or shine.
Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
