Philadelphia’s Garden District comes alive during Chestnut Hill’s annual Home + Garden Festival on Sunday, May 3 (rain date Sunday, May 17). From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 250 vendors, including local Chestnut Hill businesses, artists and crafters, will line the streets of Germantown Avenue, transforming the corridor into a vibrant, open-air marketplace.
Known for its award-winning green spaces and vibrant mix of independently owned shops and restaurants, Chestnut Hill’s 30th annual festival offers the best of both worlds, inviting attendees to refresh their home décor with the newest trends, enhance their gardens, pick up seasonal blooms, or discover one-of-a-kind artwork from local artisans.
The event is just one this month in Northwest Philadelphia. Mt. Airy Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 (rain date May 3), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. And Roxborough’s Spring Fest & Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show is a week later, on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Roxborough Pocket Park, 6170 Ridge Ave.
At the Chestnut Hill festival, attendees can enjoy live craft demonstrations at a maker’s village, learning new techniques, engaging with artists, and watching creativity come to life. Food lovers can savor offerings from two of Chestnut Hill’s newest hot spots, including Lovat Square, an upscale wine shop and tasting room, and the Blue Warbler, a café, diner, and neighborhood pub. A lineup of local food trucks will also be on hand, serving everything from plant-based favorites at FlatBelly Veg to Korean-Mexican fusion from Korea Taqueria.
For entertainment, visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, including sets by Philadelphia-based blues and soul band The Dukes of Destiny and rock cover band The Walk-Ins. Meanwhile, Stagecrafters Theater will showcase a special history-themed lineup of performances during the festival, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary while honoring the company’s 90-year legacy in Chestnut Hill.
“The Home + Garden Festival really captures what Chestnut Hill does best: bringing people together in a way that feels authentic to the neighborhood,” said Courtney O’Neill, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District. “It’s a celebration of the artists, designers and small businesses that contribute to Chestnut Hill’s identity and a reflection of the talent that exists within our community.”
Drawing thousands of festival-goers each year, the Home + Garden Festival offers visitors the chance to explore more than 80 specialty and locally owned retailers and restaurants that make Chestnut Hill a one-of-a-kind destination. The festival pairs with the numerous home and garden stores located within neighborhood, including Robertson’s Flowers, a multi-generational family business operating since 1927; Laurel Hill Gardens; Home Works; Kilian Hardware, a family-run staple since 1913; EMBER; Gabby & Summer Classics; Ennulat Art & Design; NoName Gallery; Giraffe; Gravers Lane Gallery; HOST Interiors; Tailored Home; Kitchen Kapers; Garden State Tile; FavAUrite, and Artisans on the Avenue.
Chestnut Hill schedule of events
Makers village (8000 block of Germantown Avenue): Enjoy live demonstrations as artisans showcase their craft and share their techniques beginning at 11 a.m.
Live music: Bethlehem Pike stage (intersection of Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike, Dukes of Destiny from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Walk-Ins from 2-5 p.m.
More activities:
● Outdoor at McNally’s Tavern (8634 Germantown Ave.): McNally’s will host an outdoor cookout. In addition to cooking up tasty sandwiches like the Schmitter, McNally’s will offer beer and spring-inspired slushies.
● Used book sale at Tavern on the Hill (8636 Germantown Ave.): Tavern on the Hill will be hosting Hilltop Books, the bookstore of the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library.
Mt. Airy Day, Saturday, May 2
Mt. Airy Day is not only a street festival of music, food, rides, vendors and fun. It was originally created to bring together both East and West Mt. Airy residents. The Sedgwick playground and that block of Germantown Avenue was the most logical location for the first Mt. Airy Day festivals until it moved further down the avenue to where it is today – between Upsal and Johnson streets.
Germantown Avenue is accessible by the 23, H, and XH bus routes, and the Chestnut Hill East and West Regional Lines. Organizers encourage walkability for this event; parking is first come, first served.
Roxborough Spring Fest, Saturday, May 9
This annual event returns for a full day of community celebration, bringing together local businesses, live entertainment, classic cars, food, and family-friendly fun along Ridge Avenue, from Green Lane to Fountain Street.
As part of the citywide Philadelphia250 celebration, this year’s event will also feature Roxborough as a marquee destination for a special Liberty Bell installation in Pocket Park, adding a historic touch to the neighborhood’s annual tradition.
The Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show will showcase a wide variety of classic, antique and custom vehicles on Ridge Avenue. There will be fan-favorite voting and judged awards.
Live music and entertainment: There will be live performances throughout the day from local musicians, as well as street performers and pop-up entertainment, in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Local vendors and makers market: Shop a curated mix of local vendors, artisans, and small businesses offering unique goods and handmade products, candles, art, gifts, and local favorites like honey, produce and specialty items.
Food and drink: Enjoy a wide selection of food and drink options from local restaurants and food vendors and trucks.
A community wellness village is a new addition to Spring Fest, and will serve as a central hub for health, wellness and community resources. Offerings will include health screenings and wellness information from local providers and organizations, as well as interactive activities and demonstrations.
Family fun and activities: Spring Fest is designed for all ages, with activities for kids and families including face painting, crafts, and interactive games and activities.
