The weather is cooling down and the leaves are changing color, which can only mean one thing: Chestnut Hill’s Fall for the Arts Festival is fast approaching. On Sept. 15, Germantown Avenue will be transformed into an outdoor arts and crafts marketplace when the popular event returns for its 40th year.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be live demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, culinary delights, and boutique shopping for all attendees of this family-friendly (and pet-friendly) event. Roughly 275 diverse vendors and artists will bring their talents and products to Chestnut Hill. Although most vendors are coming from the Mid-Atlantic region, some come from locations as far away as New Mexico. A unique array of choices will be on display and for sale, such as oils, watercolors, etchings, photography, sculpture, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry, and accessories.
During the entire length of the festival, a Makers Village will be set up on the 8000 block of Germantown Avenue, featuring skilled artisans showing off their crafts. Diva Design Studio is one such business that specializes in wreath-making for all occasions. Not only are there traditional spring or fall wreaths, but Diva Design Studio also makes wreaths for holidays such as Juneteenth and Kwanzaa.
Another vendor at Makers Village will be Outlaw Arts, a local business that works with ceramics and invites attendees to make bowls, plates, and other clay creations. Other artisans present will include FAE Woodworking and Muse Studios, specializing in oil pastel crayon art.
For the foodies hoping to grab a quick bite to eat, stop by McNally’s food tent at 8634 Germantown Ave. Not only will there be hot dogs and beer, but also Schmitters, the famous one-of-a-kind sandwich that has become a staple in Chestnut Hill (and beyond). Schmitters are made with steak, cheese, fried onions, tomatoes, salami, and dressing made from mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, try one of the many other restaurants and eateries along Germantown Avenue.
Bookworms can join in on the fun by visiting Hilltop Books’ sale at 8636 Germantown Ave., while drama lovers can get a taste of the theatric with live entertainment from the Stagecrafters Theater at 8130 Germantown Ave.
From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be live music at the Bethlehem Pike Stage at 8701 Germantown Ave. The Dukes of Destiny will take the stage from 11:30 to 2, playing blues and old-school soul. First established in 1985, these Philadelphia musicians are seasoned veterans of the local music scene. Then, from 2:00 to 5, Jon Savage and the Classic Rockers will take over. Hailing from Ewing, NJ, this band has also performed at many festivals throughout the metro area.
According to Courtney O’Neill, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, a celebration of the arts in Chestnut Hill is a perfect fit.
“Chestnut Hill has a lot of arts and culture history as far as galleries, the Stagecrafters Theater, and the Woodmere Art Museum,” O’Neill explained. “We have a rich history of architecture and preservation. So it makes sense for us to celebrate that part of our community.”
The focus for this year’s Fall for the Arts was making sure there would be vendors and artisans up and down the entire stretch of the festival. Starting from Willow Grove Avenue all the way up to Rex Avenue, there will be a full array of vendors and activities. O’Neill says this will show visitors what a “walkable and beautiful community we have.”
If you plan on visiting the Fall for the Arts festival this year, O’Neill emphasizes that visitors should be mindful of the community’s neighbors.
“I know that’s not exactly an exciting talking point, but we have this event to celebrate the community and we want to make sure we’re respectful,” O’Neill said.
The streets between the 8000 and 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic to provide enough space for vendors and visitors. There will be parking lots available for the day for $10. Using SEPTA services to get to Fall for the Arts is also highly encouraged. The Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West regional rail lines as well as SEPTA bus routes 23, 77, 94, 134, and L all provide easy access to Chestnut Hill.
The Fall for the Arts festival will take place on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 6.
