Neighbors across northwest Philly and beyond can look forward to a whole weekend of local spring festivals this Saturday and Sunday, including Mt. Airy Day and Downtown Glenside’s Arts Festival on Saturday, May 3; and the Chestnut Hill Home + Garden Festival on Sunday, May 4.

Mt. Airy Day, happening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Germantown Avenue between Johnson and Upsal Streets — including Cliveden Trust and Upsala Mansion — has a long history in the neighborhood. 

Organizer Linda Bell, president of East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN), noted that Mt. Airy Day has been an annual celebration for more than 50 years. It was founded to bring folks on the east and west sides of the neighborhood together, and draws about 5,000 people each year. 

“It’s more than a street fair,” Bell said. “It’s a celebration of community, where you’ll find families, friends, and businesses coming together in a lively, welcoming environment. The mix of history, culture, and creativity sets us apart from similar events in the area.”

Mt. Airy Day brings vendors, food, and free performances (including DJ Big Cuz, MC Boogieman Dela, Son of the 215, the Alfie Pollitt trio, and lots more). A Kids Zone will offer games, crafts, kid-friendly shows, and bounce houses. 

While the fest was previously a joint effort between east and west, EMAN has been organizing Mt. Airy Day since 2023. “I envision that East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mt. Airy Neighbors will be able to resume collaboration next year, as we are stronger together,” Bell said.

Meanwhile, in nearby Glenside, Philly families who want a quick trip outside the city limits will find lots to enjoy. The civic nonprofit Downtown Glenside Foundation (DGF) hosts this year’s Glenside Arts Festival with help from Arcadia University, whose student artists will be on hand among about 50 vendors. Organizer Maureen Haff (one among many volunteers), president of DGF and owner of Sweet Magnolia boutique, is proud that the fest has been running for more than 20 years.

This year’s event happens on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Easton Road between Glenside Avenue and Waverly Road. In addition to artists and vendors, including artisans from the northwest neighborhoods, the fest will spotlight local venues and businesses, like the new House of Magic opening in the old PNC Bank building, which will feature a free outdoor magic show, and The Craftorium, which will host a variety of kids’ activities, including pony rides. 

There’ll be free entertainment from four different bands, and food trucks, including the viral favorite Humpty’s Dumplings. Haff also recommends visiting local restaurants, such as the Glenside Pub, The Ways Restaurant and Brewery, El Limon Taqueria, Dreams Ice Cream, and more. 

On Sunday, Germantown Avenue fills up once again with the Chestnut Hill Home + Garden Festival, now in its 29th year, happening 11 a.m.-5 p.m. between Rex and Willow Grove Avenues. It’ll be a bonanza of spring and summer inspirations, with more than 300 home and garden vendors including garden art and decor, heirloom veggie plants, hardscaping and masonry, clothing and jewelry, and lots more, including hundreds of local restaurants and businesses ready for diners and shoppers (Killian Hardware, founded in 1913, is Philly’s oldest hardware store). 

“Every year, it brings together locals and visitors to celebrate local businesses, craftsmanship, community, and the start of spring,” said Karise Allen-Crew of the Chestnut Hill Business District, who added that this year’s festival is the biggest yet. 

The popular Maker’s Village is back on the 8000 block of Germantown Avenue. Watch artisans work on crafts like pottery, macrame, woodworking, and crochet, and learn about beekeeping and get (safely) up close and personal with an observational hive. Kids can get their hands on some clay and try candlemaking.

Most vendors are local, because Chestnut Hill has “a strong focus on supporting local businesses and small-batch creators,” Allen-Crew said, but the event also draws makers and particularly family-owned businesses from throughout the tri-state area who “align with the festival’s spirit of creativity and craftsmanship.”

On the entertainment side, Stagecrafters Theater will offer face painting and children’s shows, including an adaptation of “Hansel and Gretel.” The Dukes of Destiny, Carty Brown, and the Walk-Ins will play on a free outdoor stage, and there will be more live music all day at the Venetian Social Club. Come hungry for food up and down the Avenue, from dumplings to funnel cakes to the famous Schmitter sandwich at McNally’s Tavern, and try sips from local breweries and winemakers. 

“It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience in Philadelphia’s Garden District,” Allen-Crew said of the tree-lined cobblestone streets and local flair. “It’s truly become a beloved spring tradition in our neighborhood and a signature event for Chestnut Hill.”