Attendees savor delicious food and lively performances at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival is set to take place in Philadelphia, featuring over 100 vendors and a variety of food options. The event will highlight the rich cultural history of the 9th Street Shopping District, showcasing live music, a parade, and unique competitions. Visitors can enjoy traditional Italian dishes, and participate in the greased pole challenge while being immersed in the festive atmosphere of the city.
Philadelphia is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2025 South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, scheduled for the weekend of May 17-18. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, inviting residents and tourists alike to experience the vibrant culture of one of the oldest outdoor markets in the United States. The event will take place along South 9th Street, stretching from Fitzwater to Wharton streets, and will also include Washington Avenue, Christian Street, and several cross streets.
The festival commemorates the 110-year history of Philadelphia’s 9th Street Shopping District, which has been a central hub for commerce and culture in the city since its inception. At this year’s event, attendees can explore over 100 vendors offering a diverse array of culinary delights and beverages, ensuring a feast for the senses. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase dishes such as bruschetta, chicken cutlets, macaroni and meatballs, tacos, and various sweet treats.
In addition to delicious food, the festival will feature a captivating live music lineup. Performances will include DJs Timmy DeSimone and Eric Bartello, as well as bands like SlayTownCity, the Juliano Brothers, 99 Reasons, and the Michael James Band. Sounds of the festival will reverberate from three different music stages: the Beer Garden and Christian Street Stage, the Washington Avenue Stage, and the newly added Philadelphia Union Stage.
Among the festival’s key events are the John Marzano Half Ball Tournament on Saturday and the Procession of Saints parade on Sunday. This parade kicks off at 11 a.m. from St. Mary Magdalen Church and features life-size statues representing various saints alongside marching bands, making it a colorful highlight of the weekend.
A distinctive feature of the festival is the greased pole challenge, where teams will compete to climb a 30-foot grease-covered pole for exciting prizes, which include meats, cheeses, gift cards, cash, and annual bragging rights. Participants can register for the challenge on-site each day, providing an opportunity for friendly competition.
Some of the festival’s most well-known vendors include Isgro’s Pastries, Genos Steaks, and Di Bruno Brothers, which are expected to draw crowds eager to sample their culinary offerings.
For those planning to attend, public transit options are readily available, with bus routes 47, 47M, and 64 operating close to the market. The Broad Street Line is also a convenient option, approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Ellsworth-Federal stop, making access to the festival easy.
The organizers of the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival aim to cultivate community spirit and pride by attracting both locals and visitors to enjoy the cultural and culinary diversity of the area. With anticipated weather indicating possible rain on Saturday and partly cloudy skies on Sunday, festival-goers are encouraged to prepare accordingly for the weekend.
As Philadelphia prepares to welcome guests to this time-honored event, the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of food, culture, and community.
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