DVAA CLOSED ON MAY 3RD — MEET US ON SOUTH STREET
On Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the South Street Headhouse District and Da Vinci Art Alliance will host South Street’s annual spring festival South Street Live! (formerly South Street Fest). In partnership with Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, this open street event will transform 9 blocks of South Street into a hub of energy, creativity, and community, giving visitors the opportunity to experience an entire season’s worth of festivals in one day—only on South Street!
South Street Live! is a community rooted event featuring 175+ local vendors and small businesses, live performances, immersive art, and cultural experiences that highlight what makes this commercial corridor so vibrant. From west to east, South Street Live! programming will include:
Brauhaus Schmitz’s Maifest (700 Block of South Street) - Dance around the Maypole and enjoy live music, face painting, flower crowns, and more!
Atomic City & The DreamEerie’s Free Comic Book Day (600 Block of South Street) - Local vendors, DJ performances, nerdy fun, and more!
South Street Vinyl Block Party (500 Block of South Street) - Enjoy an afternoon of record shopping and vintage vendors!
Nocturnal Takeover (South Street & East Passyunk Avenue) - Grab your board because Nocturnal will be popping up with an open street skate jam including DJs, food, drinks, and giveaways!
Sustainability Center (400 Block of South Street) - Shop local vendors specializing in reuse, and meet leaders of the green movement including our event partner, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages!
Artist Row (300 Block of South Street) - Known as a historic setting for all things art, come discover local artists, organizations, and visit South Street legends like Eye’s Gallery.
The Cultural Hub (200 Block of South Street) - Home to our main performance stage, join us for a showcase of creative organizations, non-profits, and local community groups from around Greater Philadelphia!
Twisted Tail Kentucky Derby Lane & Plaza Jawn (Headhouse Plaza @ 2nd and South Streets) - Enjoy international fare from Southern comforts to Mexican, Italian, and more! Relax with live music, cold beverages, and watch the Kentucky Derby on a jumbo outdoor screen while the kids enjoy sports activities with the Philadelphia Union!
Queen & Rook’s Fantasy Renn Faire (100 Block of South Street) - Live performances including swordplay and fire dancing, local vendors, renaissance faire food, and more!
Enjoy beer gardens and outdoor bars from Banh Mi & Bottles, Reef Lounge, O’Neals Pub, Bridget Foy’s, Paddy Whacks, and many more. Neighborhood favorite Kampar will be making a special appearance, serving up Iced Kacang, a Malaysian shaved ice dessert. Other highlights include pineapple pina coladas from Queen Village Food Market, art activities from Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the return of the Lemon Bourbon Smash “adult juice pouch” at Tattooed Mom’s to-go bar, and exclusive merch from Jim’s Steaks South Street.
Our main stage, The Cultural Hub at South & American will feature performers from Mutya Philippine Dance Company, Modero & Company, Three Aksha Dance Company, and more, showcasing traditional and contemporary reflections of cultural identity within our Greater Philadelphia community. The festival as a whole will include performances spanning the length of South Street, including stages at Brauhaus Schmitz, MilkBoy South Street, South & American Streets, The Twisted Tail, and Queen & Rook.
This family-friendly festival spans South Street from 8th to Front Streets, with special festivities on every block. The west entry point is at 800 South Street and the east entry point is at 100 South Street. This event is perfect for all ages, and is a fantastic way to support local businesses! Festival go-ers can sign up for South Street Live! SMS updates here!
For more information on all things South Street and South Street Live!, follow @southstreetphilly and @davinciartalliance on Instagram. For additional information on the festival, vendor and sponsor opportunities, and more, visit SouthStreetLive.info. For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please reach out to Sarah Cowell at kscopephilly@gmail.com or visit SouthStreet.com.
About South Street Headhouse District:
The South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) is a business improvement district, or BID, which aims to provide a safer, cleaner, & well-managed community for the benefit of local business owners, residents, and visitors of the South Street Area. The SSHD has a rich history that has revolved around providing public safety, sanitation, and other services in addition to the helpful services provided by the City of Philadelphia. Now, SSHD continues planning improvements in the urban area by developing and emphasizing the artistic and creative aesthetic within the dynamic and diverse business community. Located between Queen Village and Society Hill, the SSHD is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Philadelphia and is home to over 400 businesses. The Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, Philly AIDS Thrift, Repo Records, and the Historic Fabric Row are some of the many attractions that can be found in this area. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, a new favorite spot to shop, or simply a chance to learn about the interesting history behind the area, the South Street Headhouse District has many opportunities for fun and exciting experiences.
About Da Vinci Art Alliance:
Since 1931, Da Vinci Art Alliance (DVAA) has served as a home for marginalized voices and a catalyst for social change. Founded by 16 Italian immigrants seeking creative refuge, DVAA continues to connect diverse communities through art that challenges, empowers, and transforms. Approaching a century of service, we remain a vital force in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, equipping artists to reimagine the future and confront today’s challenges.