Break out your calendars, everyone, because we have entered peak street fair season. Every weekend that it’s nice out, it seems some major Philly thoroughfare is shut down to traffic and full of people living it up in the sunshine. But how to choose? Which ones are best for families? Will there be a taco truck? Almost definitely. Will there be music? Of course! Will there be robots? Sometimes!

 

Before we get started, just a word of advice: if you’re bringing kids, a lot of these fairs get more crowded as the day goes on, so coming early is the way to go. Also, double-wide strollers are just roadblocks for tipsy selfie-takers to trip over, so exercise some judgment, OK?

 

Let’s get started!

Flavors on the Avenue

April 28, 11 am — 5 pm
East Passyunk Avenue, from Broad to Dickinson streets

 

One of our favorite neighborhoods East Passyunk will bring out its best with five blocks of street food, seasonal sips, craft beer, live music, sidewalk sales, and free family fun. Over two dozen of the region’s best restaurants will be offering pay-as-you-go small plates specially priced between $3-$6, so you can try a little of everything. In addition, there will be live bands and entertainment throughout the festival, and over 80 of the region’s top makers and crafters will also line the streets. Look for kids’ art and activity zones up and down the street, including face painting, bouncing, and much more.

 

Fairmount Avenue Arts Crawl

April 28, noon — 4 pm
Fairmount Avenue (from 17^th Street to 25^th Street)

 

This free art festival features more than 40 exhibits in a wide range of media. Philly Art Center (2501 Olive St.) will once again set up their Kid Arts Extravaganza with hands-on art stations, a baby zone, music, and face painting. There will be live performances — both of music and art creation — throughout the festival as well.

Science Carnival on the Parkway

May 4, 10 am — 4 pm
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

The Philadelphia Science Festival ends with a free day of family-friendly entertainment, live performances, experiments, demonstrations, and so much more by more than 150 partners filling the Parkway. There are activities for all ages, including some specifically for kids. Practically every university, hospital, research facility, and cultural institution you can imagine from the Philadelphia area will be in attendance, with hands-on science fun. There is truly something for everyone. Also, foodtrucks galore, because it’s not a carnival without plenty of good eats. For little ones, there’s a special Tot Lot by PNC Grow Up Great; and don’t forget to visit us at the Philly Family table for a fun experiment! See our preview of the whole week in our Family Guide to the Philadelphia Science Festival!

 

South Street Spring Festival

May 4, 11 am — 8 pm
South Street (between Front and 8th), and along Headhouse Plaza (between South and Lombard)

 

A giant, all-ages outdoor block party takes over South Street with over 30 restaurants serving outside, live music all day, and artists selling their creations.  There will also be the South Street Family Zone with fun games and play areas for little ones. In conjunction with the festival, Brauhaus Schmitz will host its 7th annual Maifest, with German beers, dancers, music, food, flower headbands, and even a Maypole.

Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival

May 11, noon — 6 pm
Trenton Avenue (from Norris to Hagert)

 

The centerpiece of this festival is the “derby” portion, where teams drive their human-powered parade floats through a three-mile obstacle course that includes challenges like a mud pit! Prizes are awarded for categories like Best Costume and Best Engineering. The festival also features over 200 local arts vendors, food trucks, and live performances.

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

May 18, noon — 5 pm
Walnut Street, from Broad Street to 19^th Street

 

Live music, shopping, and plenty of delicious food and drinks fill Walnut Street all afternoon. There are so many Stephen Starr restaurants, they get their own block in the festival! Cannoli are filled to order at Termini Bros! There are also lots of fun activities and photo ops. We love this particular festival because you can basically walk down the street curating your own little fleet of paper boats filled with goodies and end up in the park for a picnic!

Italian Market Festival

May 18—19, 11 am — 6 pm
South Ninth Street

 

This festival is just too big to limit itself to one day, so it goes all weekend, offering every Italian delicacy possible, art vendors, live entertainment, a family fun zone, and more. There’s even a Grease Pole Climbing Competition so you can gear up for the Eagles’ next Super Bowl win!

Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival

May 19, 11 am— 5 pm

8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue

 

In addition to the over 150 home and garden vendors lining the avenue, you’ll find lots of delicious food, live music on two stages, and kids’ activities including face painting, crafts, and amusement rides!

 

 

Lead photograph courtesy of East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.