PHILADELPHIA, PA — The streets of Kensington are gearing up for one of Philadelphia’s most eccentric and beloved events. The 17th Annual Kensington Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival returns on Saturday, October 25, 2025, promising a full day of art, music, food, and human-powered chaos—capped off by its famous mud pit finale.
For the first time in its history, the event shifts from spring to fall, transforming Frankford Avenue from Sergeant to York Street into a vibrant corridor of creativity from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, with food, drink, and activities available pay-as-you-go.
The day’s centerpiece remains the legendary parade of kinetic sculptures—no-motor, human-powered vehicles designed for both beauty and absurdity—rolling through Kensington’s streets before plunging into the mud pit on Hagert Street. This year’s event adds a kids-only mud ride, a second performance stage, new costume contests for children and pets, and the debut of Awful Wrestling, a tongue-in-cheek parody show featuring all the drama of pro wrestling and none of the athleticism.
“Through feedback with the community, we are bringing it back to its roots of creativity, artistic creation, and neighborhood enthusiasm,” said Marc Collazzo, Executive Director of the Fishtown District. “The region will be treated to the best of Kensington—its businesses, artisans, makers, and entertainers. The historic kinetic vehicles, the mud pit, Awful Wrestling, and the family-friendly festivities make this a special destination event.”
Festival highlights include a sprawling Arts & Makers Market, live DJ sets curated by Great Circles, food from local favorites such as Sacred Vice Brewing, Riverwards Produce, and Los Gallos Restaurant, and performances from neighborhood bands. The event culminates with Awful Wrestling from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., closing the festival on a raucous note.
Participants can compete for prizes in categories like Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, People’s Choice, and the Bob Phillips Memorial “Best Small Team” Award. Registration for derby participants and art vendors is open at kensingtonkineticarts.org.
The event is co-hosted by the Fishtown District and the East Kensington Neighbors Association, with sponsorship from Jacquin’s, Red Bull, Two Robbers, and Crooked Tea, and additional support from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Penn Treaty Special Services District.
The 2025 festival promises a mix of absurdity, artistry, and community spirit that only Kensington can deliver — where creativity gets a little muddy, and everyone goes home smiling.
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