Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood is celebrating the end of summer with more than 150 vendors taking over Frankford Avenue Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. NBC10’s Brenna Weick got a taste of the art, goods, foods and drinks you can grab at the street festival.
Fall has arrived and with the pumpkin spice, falling leaves and cooling temps come plenty of festivals, runs, parades and other events that will leave roads in Philadelphia blocked.
(NOTE: A stretch of Interstate 76 eastbound connecting University City to South Philadelphia will be closed all weekend. Here's how to avoid it.)
Here's your guide to weekend fun (Sept. 28 to 29, 2024) and how to avoid the road closures.
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Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
Philadelphia Ratha Yatra Parade and Festival (Festival of Chariots)
This event is all about the body and soul.
"This year’s parade and festival will be enlivened by kirtan singers coming from around the globe," organizers write. "As the parade makes its way toward the Art Museum, singing and dancing all the way, participants will arrive at the festival site at Eakins Oval. There you’ll find a wonderful bazaar with lots of free food for the body, mind and soul waiting for you- a Vegan/ Vegetarian feast, Cultural Programs by International presenters, Yoga presented by facilitators from various Yoga studios, Seminars on the bhakti philosophy by world-class speakers, a Kid’s area to engage the young minds, and much more."
When? The festival is from noon to 7 p.m. (road closures begin at 6 a.m.)
What roads will be closed?
The City of Philadelphia released this list of road closures:
The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
- 1600 to 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 16th Street and 17th Street (both sides)
The following streets will be closed on a rolling basis for the Festival of Chariots Parade from noon to 2 p.m.:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Logan Circle (both sides)
- North side of Logal Circle
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 19th Street to Eakins Oval (north side)
Fishtown Festivale
For the third year in a row Fishtown Feastivale brings an "outdoor end-of-summer food festival & celebration features local foods including burgers, brisket and Bavarian pretzels, paired with Fishtown favorite cocktails & beer, & over 50 local art & retail vendors," to Frankford Avenue, organizers say. And don't forget the dunk tank!
When? Noon to 8 p.m.
What roads will be closed?
Frankford Avenue between Girard Avenue and Palmer Street.
Midtown Village Fall Festival
Get in on the flavors of fall in the heart of Philadelphia as the 17th annual Midtown Village Fall Festival features arts, beer, cocktails, crafts, food and live music.
When? Noon to 8 p.m.
What roads will be closed?
- 13th Street – from Locust Street to Market Street
- Sansom Street – from Broad Street to 12th Street
- Drury Street – from Juniper Street to 13th Street
- Chancellor Street – from Juniper Street to 13th Street
- Chestnut Street – from Broad Street to 12th Street
Saturday SEPTA bus detours
"SEPTA Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be detoured from their regular routes beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 through approximately 1 p.m.," the City said.
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024
CHOP Parkway Run & Walk
The Parkway 5K Run & 2K Walk "raises funds for breakthrough pediatric cancer research and care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia," organizers say.
When? 7 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m. run/walk begin
What roads will be closed?
The race starts at "the peak of Eakins Oval" and ends in from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, organizer say.
The City of Philadelphia released this list of road closures:
The following streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:
- Eakins Oval (both sides)
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Eakins Oval to Logan Circle (both sides)
- Kelly Drive from Eakins Oval to S. Brewery Hill Drive (both sides)
Open Streets: West Walnut
Center City District has been transforming one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, Rittenhouse Square on Sundays by temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic.
Here is more information on the last weekend of the Open Streets: West Walnut program.
When? 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What roads will be closed?
18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th
Puerto Rican Day Parade
The 2024 Concilio Puerto Rican Day Parade is "a celebration of Latino culture in the heart of the City’s streets," organizers say. "Traditional Latino music, poetry, and dance make this vibrant festival a must-see event."
The event is expected to draw thousands to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
When? Noon to 6 p.m. (road closures start at 8:30 a.m.)
What roads will be closed?
The City of Philadelphia released this list of road closures:
The following streets will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:
- 1600 to 1800 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The following streets will be closed on a rolling basis for the Puerto Rican Day Parade from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Logan Circle to Eakins Oval (south side)
Sunday SEPTA bus detours
"SEPTA Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be detoured from their regular routes beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 29 through approximately 5 p.m.," the City said.
Did we forget something? Please feel free to send us information on the event.
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