Celebrate spring sensationally

What better way is there to come out of hibernation and celebrate spring’s beautiful weather than exploring our wonderful city through its many amazing festivals in the next few months? Even if you’re not the hipster type that could peruse the Punk Rock Flea Market for hours, I guarantee that my top three festival recommendations will give you fun, unique ways to spend time outside with friends this season.

For those who are unaccustomed to the light of day after a long winter, a nearby food festival in Manayunk is a perfect fit. The StrEAT Food Festival will take place all along Main Street on April 12 and will kick off Manayunk’s Spring Restaurant Week, where area restaurants offer deals on exclusive three course meals (a great date option for the stingy significant others out there, but make sure to make reservations early!). From 11am to 5pm, over 40 street vendors and food trucks will be offering delicious BBQ, snacks, desserts, produce, and more. Keep an eye out for the special spring ingredient: strawberries! All the while, other merchants and live entertainment will be waiting in the wings for you, once you’ve gotten so full that you can’t even take another bite. This lively, local event will absolutely be a crowd-pleaser, provided that you come with an empty stomach.

If you’re more of an adventurous spirit, venture into Center City on May 2 for the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, which takes over Walnut Street from Broad Street to 19th Street between 12pm and 5pm for an afternoon of food, shopping, music, and fun. Thankfully, many of the most celebrated restaurants (more than 40!) and clothing stores along the Row that you’ve always been too intimidated to go into will be much more accessible during the festivities. This wide array of dining and shopping will be accompanied by live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Described as “Philadelphia’s poshest spring festival” by VisitPhilly.com, and attended by more than 50,000 people every year, Rittenhouse Row’s take on a classic spring fling will satisfy your every need.

Also on May 2 this year is the 3rd annual South Street Headhouse Spring Festival from 11am to 8pm, so kill two birds with one stone and turn that Saturday into an all-day-long party! Hit up the iconic area for a festive shindig much more geared toward music lovers, with 3 stages and even more street locations for all of the bands and artists you could possibly dream of (over 40 of them—why is this such a popular number?). Retail and food vendors will also be at your beck and call to serve you as you celebrate the splendor of springtime with your friends and family in the City of Brotherly Love.

We all know global warming is happening, so why not celebrate the warmth this spring by hitting up one—or all—of these fantastic festivals? I hope to see everyone there!

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