Mt. Airy's popular Supper Sessions street festival returns on Wednesday, Aug. 14, bringing residents and business owners out to celebrate all that the neighborhood has to offer.
"There really is no better way to get to know your neighborhood, and your neighbors," said Phil Dawson, executive director of the Mt. Airy Community Development Corp., which sponsors the event. "One of our merchants was telling us that she still encounters residents at the events who are trying her food for the very first time, seven years after she opened."
Altogether, more than 60 vendors come to the two-block stretch of Germantown Avenue between Mt. Airy and Mt. Pleasant Avenues, including an expanded array of food trucks and stands. Many are based in Northwest Philadelphia and are owned by women and people of color, reflecting the event's commitment to supporting local and diverse entrepreneurs.
This month, music lovers are in for a treat with an expanded lineup of live performances. DJ MyThai will provide beats throughout the night, while singer-songwriters Miles Orion Butler (owner of Germantown Espresso Bar) and Christa Aikins (of Young American Hard Cider) will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The evening will culminate with a dynamic folk and rock performance by Deb Callahan from 7 to 9 p.m.
For those looking to show their Mt. Airy pride, three new T-shirt designs will be available at the Go Mt. Airy tent, including a tie-dye version of the popular MTV design. Additionally, a 2024 festival cup printed on Klean Kanteen stainless steel pints will be sold for $12, offering $1 off beer pours at the event's six alcohol vendors.
Beverage options will be plentiful, with Attic Brewing Co., Tired Hands, and Young American Hard Cider offering craft beverages. Bar Lizette will serve signature cocktails, while Toska Restaurant & Brewery and McMenamin's Tavern will pour a variety of beers.
Participating brick-and-mortar restaurants include Bar Lizette, Avenues Cafe, Jyoti Bistro, and Trattoria Moma. They'll be joined by popular food trucks such as Cousins Maine Lobster, Federal Donuts, Korea Taqueria, and Deke's Bar-B-Que, along with Toska, McMenamin’s and many others.
Local shops along the avenue will stay open late, including Blacqskirt Design House, Vera Doyle boutique, Rothe's Florist, Owen's Antiques, and Queenie's Pets. And Bennett Compost will be collecting food waste, and offering attendees a chance to sign up for a free trial of home composting services.
The family-friendly event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and features activities such as story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. Easily accessible by public transportation, Supper Sessions encourages attendees to walk or bike to the festival when possible.
Proceeds from merchandise sales support Mt. Airy CDC's community programs in housing, children's literacy, small business services, and real estate and infrastructure.
The rain date for this event is Aug. 21.
