Top Upcoming Spring Festivals And Events In Philadelphia

The cold and dark of winter is almost behind you, so it's time to shake off that cabin fever and get out and enjoy the city and countryside. This spring, there are numerous festivals and events throughout the city and surrounding suburbs such as food fairs, family fun and once-in-a-lifetime traveling exhibits. You may want to start planning your calendar now.

South 9th Street Italian Market Festival
919 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 278-2903
www.italianmarketfestival.com

Dates: May 19-20

The city's largest open-air market goes festive for the whole family in May. Many restaurants will extend their seating outdoors so you can eat al fresco. Vendors will delight you with their creations of antipasti, roasted peppers and pork sandwiches as well as many other Italian foods. The festival will have face painters and other craft makers for you to purchase handmade Italian items and also offers a visitor's center (919 S 9th Street) that includes a gift shop for Italian treasures.

Philadelphia Science Carnival and Festival
Logan Circle
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.philasciencefestival.org

Date: April 18-28

Logan Circle will feature a free science carnival for all with over 100 exhibits. Children will delight in tasting ice cream made from liquid nitrogen, and there will be two stages of science-themed live entertainment as well as local scientists on site to answer questions and give demonstrations. The carnival is part of a 10-day Philadelphia Science Festival.

Related: Guide To Culture And Cuisine In Philadelphia's Chinatown

Spring Blooms
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org

Dates: March 29-May 19

With spring in full bloom, Longwood Gardens is buzzing, not just with beautiful flowers, but with many bee-themed activities for children. A Bee-Amazed Children's Garden, a maze, buzz trail, fountain and even a queen bee throne will be there for little ones to enjoy. Longwood Gardens has daily gardening demonstrations, including "Notes from the Forest." Enjoy a nice spring day among the beautiful tulips and other flowers.

Philadelphia Book Festival 
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 686-5322
www.libwww.freelibrary.org

Date: April 16-21

This will be the sixth annual book festival celebrating literacy and the art of storytelling. The Book Festival features not just numerous authors speaking, but also crafters, music and activities for families including a "high-jinx scavenger hunt." There will be a storybook character parade featuring beloved book characters Curious George and Madeline and guests can even join the Bernstein Bears for a teddy bear picnic.

Related: 2013 Philadelphia Spring Theater Preview

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.