Saturday, May 16, 2026
The Italian Market Festival, Free Pony Rides, and a Brewerytown Block Party
Spring is fully open. The Italian Market Festival takes over seven blocks of South 9th this weekend, Girard Avenue throws a 100-vendor street fest with a kids zone, and Fletcher Street Stables runs free pony rides in Strawberry Mansion. All four picks are free. Italian Market is the only one that runs Sunday too.
Big energy
South 9th Street Italian Market Festival
Saturday + Sunday · 10 AM – 5 PM
South 9th Street (Wharton to Fitzwater) · Bella Vista · · All ages
🟡Take SEPTA · Parking inside the 7-block closure is gone by 10; strollers are easy on the closed streets
South 9th Street shuts down for seven blocks of food, music, and tradition both days. The 30-foot greased pole goes up at 9th and Montrose (teams sign up day-of and climb for cash, meat, and cheese), the Procession of Saints walks down the street Sunday morning, and 100+ vendors line the closed blocks with Italian classics plus international cuisine, jewelry, and crafts.
View details →Sunday only, eight blocks east
Headhouse Farmers Market
Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Lombard · Society Hill · Sunday · 10 AM – 2 PM
Headhouse runs Sunday under the historic Headhouse Shambles: bread, produce, coffee, prepared food, and rotating vendors. Eight blocks east of the Italian Market if you want to make a Sunday loop of it.
View details →Liked this issue?
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