PHILADELPHIA, PA — Fourteen blocks of Northern Liberties will become a sprawling outdoor celebration of Philadelphia food, music, art, and neighborhood pride when the 2nd Street Festival returns for its 16th year.
The free festival will take over North Second Street from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street on Sunday, Aug. 2, bringing together more than 250 restaurants, food trucks, artists, makers, retailers, community organizations, and entertainment offerings. The 10-hour event traditionally draws more than 40,000 visitors to the neighborhood.
This year’s festival will also keep Philadelphia’s America 250 celebration going with patriotic art activities, themed attractions, and a nighttime red, white, and blue giveaway.
“2nd Street Festival is back and bigger than ever in Northern Liberties,” festival co-founder and Standard Tap owner William Reed said. “It is the true grand finale for a historic summer in our city with a nonstop, 10-hour celebration of local food, beer, art, and music.”
Reed added that organizers have spent months preparing for the festival and promised “a special 250th nod this year — and lots of fun surprises.”
Live Music Across Two Festival Stages
Music will fill the neighborhood throughout the day, with 18 acts scheduled across stages at Second and Germantown streets and Second and Fairmount streets.
The Germantown Stage lineup includes Todd Fausnacht & His Band, Daphne Ellen, The Size, Feaster, Alright Junio, Fullscreen, Max Swan, Party Nerves, and Moonroof.
The Fairmount Stage will feature Jimmy Everhart, Caroline Quinn, IMY3, Canyon Flower, Sandcastle, Sophie Coran, Big Club, and St. James and The Apostles.
Festival co-founder Oron Daskal, owner of North Bowl and South Bowl, recalled the event’s neighborhood beginnings.
“When we started this festival, we just wanted to celebrate our neighborhood and have fun doing it,” Daskal said. “It’s amazing how much interest it draws now and how much life it brings to 2nd Street.”
Food Trucks, Restaurants and Outdoor Drink Gardens
More than 50 restaurants, bars, breweries, and mobile vendors will serve food and drinks throughout the festival footprint.
Ten outdoor beer and cocktail gardens are planned at neighborhood businesses including 700 Club, Bourbon & Branch, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Jerry’s Bar, North Bowl, Standard Tap, and Urban Village Brewing Company.
Food trucks and mobile vendors will include Cousins Maine Lobster, Humpty’s Dumplings, Mom-Mom’s Polish Food Cart, Fishtown Pickle Project, MozzArepas, Ravioli Remix, The Little Sicilian, Galaxy Softy, and several other regional favorites.
Local restaurants and cafés will also serve guests outdoors, giving visitors opportunities to explore the neighborhood’s dining scene while moving between performances, shopping areas, and family activities.
More Than 150 Artists and Makers
Art Star will curate approximately 50 vendors along the 600 block of North Second Street, offering ceramics, jewelry, illustrations, stained glass, clothing, candles, paper goods, pet accessories, and other handmade products.
Another 100-plus artists, makers, and crafters will be located throughout the festival. Their offerings will range from Philadelphia-themed artwork and sustainable jewelry to handmade children’s clothing, pottery, photography, vintage apparel, home décor, and customized gifts.
The event will also feature more than two dozen Northern Liberties retailers and service businesses, along with community organizations and other pop-up exhibitors.
Activities for Children and Families
Families can visit The Piazza for a splash zone, playground activities, face painting, crafts, and other child-friendly entertainment.
Scheduled attractions include:
- Stilt walkers beginning at noon
- America 250-themed children’s art activities from noon to 5 p.m.
- Complimentary face painting from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Pop-up performances by Project Positive throughout the festival
- A performance by the West Powelton Drumline at 5 p.m.
- Philly Girls Jump Double Dutch from 6 to 8 p.m.
- A red, white, and blue glowing giveaway from 8 to 10 p.m.
Well-behaved dogs are also welcome but must remain on leashes.
Beyond creating a day of entertainment, the festival supports neighborhood organizations and the services they provide to local residents and businesses.
“The event is important to bring attention to our neighborhood, but it also raises money for our neighborhood organizations,” festival co-founder Owen Kamihira of El Camino Real said.
Event Details
- What: 16th Annual 2nd Street Festival
- When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, from noon to 10 p.m.
- Where: North Second Street between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission; food and drinks are available for individual purchase
- More Info: https://2ndstfestival.org or @2ndstfestival on social media
With music playing, food trucks lining the streets, and local artists displaying their work across more than three-quarters of a mile, the festival offers residents and visitors a full day to explore Northern Liberties and celebrate the people and businesses that give the neighborhood its character.
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