PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Sunday, November 2, from noon to 5 p.m., hundreds of Philadelphians will don their favorite plaid and gather at Braid Mill for the third annual Philly Flannel Fest, a fall celebration that has quickly become one of Germantown’s most popular community events.
Co-hosted by Braid Mill and LIVE 24HRS, the local event agency founded by Robbie Long, the festival blends neighborhood pride with small business energy. Last year’s event drew more than 1,500 attendees, filling the renovated mill with food trucks, craft brews, live music, and family activities. This year promises even more, with expanded programming both inside the historic building and on the surrounding grounds.
For co-founders Matt and Seth Shipon, the festival represents more than just a seasonal gathering — it embodies Braid Mill’s mission to rebuild the social and entrepreneurial fabric of Germantown.
“Hosting Flannel Fest here is symbolic,” said Matt Shipon. “The building once produced fabric. Today, it’s helping us rebuild the social fabric—bringing together the leaders shaping Germantown’s future.”
The Shipon brothers, fourth-generation Philadelphia entrepreneurs, purchased the Braid Mill property in 2019 and transformed the former textile factory into a 40,000-square-foot hub for local innovators. After officially opening in early 2023, the mill now houses small businesses, nonprofits, and creative professionals across private studios, coworking spaces, and event venues.
Braid Mill’s members include a mix of artists, wellness professionals, educators, and community organizations that use the space for daily work and collaboration. Regular workshops and events—like Flannel Fest—reinforce the founders’ goal of creating a modern community hub grounded in shared purpose.
This year’s Philly Flannel Fest will feature:
- Local food trucks and craft beverages from neighborhood vendors
- Live music and performances throughout the afternoon
- Indoor and outdoor activities for families, rain or shine
- Pay-what-you-wish admission (registration required via Eventbrite)
“Many of last year’s attendees were visiting for the first time,” said Seth Shipon. “They left realizing that Braid Mill isn’t just another workspace—it’s a neighborhood anchor. Events like this remind us what community really means.”
For more information or to register for Philly Flannel Fest, visit braidmill.com.
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