Philly Festivals in May and Beyond

From street food specialties to the best of the art world, festival season in Philly knows how to deliver. A globe-spanning array of offerings comes to the city each year, satiating the passions of every kind of reveler imaginable. Foodies will find much to savor throughout the city, while art lovers will be able to experience the unique creativity of Philly’s own artists. With our Center City hotel in the heart of Rittenhouse, we’re perfectly positioned to act as your retreat from a summer full of festive offerings.

Luckily for us, you won’t have to venture very far at all to find summer entertainment. The free Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival at Walnut between Broad brings it all together. From the renowned high-end restaurants of the area to one-of-a-kind artists, Rittenhouse Row takes over each year to celebrate the business and culture of Rittenhouse Square. Expect to find the best of our neighboring street cafes, beauty salons, designers and jewelers, not to mention the rich selection of beer and cocktail samplings, food demonstrations and local music acts. Over 50,000 visitors make this a must-see every year, so be prepared for bustling crowds on May 21 between 12-5 PM!

Strike out for the Italian Market, and experience a whole other flavor of feast. Boasting some of the most sought-after culinary offerings in Philadelphia, the 9th Street Festival includes traditional Italian specialties, and entertainment at the Washington Avenue Stage. Experience the spiritual side of the day with the Procession of Saints, get caught up in the back and forth of the popular Halfball Tournament, or pick out some special keepsakes from the artisans of the neighborhood. The South Street Festival is held Saturday and Sunday May 21-22, 2016 from 11 AM to 6 PM, with attractions both indoors and outdoors in case of rain.

As a truly global city, Philly’s melting pot status makes for one of the most exciting summer events in the Northeast. Looking ahead to the rest of spring and summer, the PECO Multicultural Series sets the stage for celebrations of Islamic, Irish, Brazilian, Caribbean, Mexican and Indian heritage, among many others. Get a chance to learn about the many vibrant neighborhoods that make Philly special, and don’t hesitate to sample the many foods, drinks and activities from across the world. Stay in Philly at any point from June 5 through September 25, 2016, and you’ll have a vast choice of festival days.

If you’re eager to get your fill of Philly flavors, May is a month to truly enjoy a stay at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Make us your spring destination, and experience the incomparable array of art, music, food and culture that comes to Philly each year.