If you are like most Center City residents, you may occasionally make the rare trip outside the downtown city limits to visit Manayunk’s StrEAT Food Festival, attend the bike race, or maybe even check out the Harry Potter festival in Chestnut Hill. We’re sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news… but you are missing some really awesome events just minutes away from Center City!
Nicknamed “Philadelphia’s Village in the City,” Mt. Airy is a neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. Hop on the SEPTA line and see all that there is to do in this great neighborhood. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:
Upcoming Events in Fall
Street Fare: Sip, Savor, Stroll – This line-up of 50 food trucks and local restaurants will be taking to the street, literally, with their most delicious plates! The family-friendly event is set to take place on Germantown Avenue between Sedgwick Street and W. Mt. Airy Avenue. Enjoy artisanal cocktails, craft beer, wine, finger foods, sandwiches, desserts, and live music this Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
We can’t help but name-drop a few of our favorite vendors who will be in attendance: Dump-N-Roll, Foolish Waffles, Jyoti Indian Bistro, Mac Mart Cart, Matt’s Food Truck, PB and Jams, Phoebe’s, Say Cheese, Streetside BBQ, The Cow and The Curd, The Whirly Pig, and Trolley Car Diner!
Live music from two stages feature some of Philly’s best local artists including School of Rock, ReLive, Hennessey Bonfire, Bethlehem & Sad Patrick, Philly Bloco, and The Band Sheep. Last year’s event drew more than 15,000+ attendees, so don’t be left in the dark. For the full list of food trucks and restaurants, event updates, and community news, check out the full Go Mt. Airy site or follow @gomtairy on Twitter.
Alma Mater – This beer garden/sports bar/restaurant is the latest addition to the Mt. Airy food scene. With an opening date of September 17, Alma Mater will begin attracting alums from the city’s wide expanse of higher education options. All students, alums, and non-alums are welcome, but those wearing college gear do get to cash in on some cool student discounts. Follow them on Facebook for details about upcoming events, music, comedians, and more… you won’t want to miss their Zombie Dance Party to be held on October 31!
Earth Bread + Brew is best known for their legendary flatbreads and handcrafted beers. While we first fell in love with them only a year ago at Street Fare, it seems that their reputation has spread well past the boundaries of their charming neighborhood. After seven years of success in Mt. Airy, Earth Bread + Brew plans to open a brewpub at 1720 Fairmount Avenue. According to Philly Mag, the pub will be branded as Bar Hygge with an awesome on-site brewery, Brewery Techne. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
Mt. Airy Arts Garage – This organization produces socially engaged art projects, event, concerts, classes, exhibits, murals, community projects, and more! On September 19, they will be hosting an event called Art Bash to honor local artist James Dupree. Just a few of the highlights in store for the evening include live jazz from Dena Underwood, a silent auction, and great food from local establishments. Preview the silent auction items and read up on more details from the event here.
Mt. Airy Village Fair – Come out for the 9th Annual Village Fair on Sunday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festivities promise food from Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Weaver’s Way Co-Op, Farm Truck Philly, and Mucho Bueno, plus a pet pageant, a pie eating contest, a petting zoo, and a full day of performance artists. This event will be a great way to welcome fall and explore a different section of this lively town. Check out the Facebook page for more info!
Final-ly Friday – Every final Friday of the month through October 30, Mt Airy stays open late to showcase their charming town. Come out to shop the neighborhood’s local retail boutiques, grab dinner or a drink at one of their yummy restaurants and bars, and catch one of their awesome guest performers live. If you plan on going to the season’s final Friday, be sure to dress in your scariest Halloween costume and don’t forget to stop by Trolley Car Diner for free beer samples!
Events to Look Forward to
While these next two events have already taken place this year, mark your 2016 calendars to take advantage of Mt. Airy’s seasonal event lineup:
Park Before Dark – This Thursday night event series runs from July to August in Lovett Library Park. Rotating food trucks, entertainment, and activities for all ages gets the Mt. Airy community out and about to enjoy the warm, summer months. Last year’s gazpacho competition was a hit, while rotating activities like open mic nights, salsa lessons, barbecue demonstrations, and children’s sing-a-longs help make this free event so popular with the locals.
Moonlight Movies – Catch one of your favorite flicks in an open-air theatre. Showings start promptly at 8:30 p.m. and run every Friday and Saturday night from June through August. This year’s literary-based programming had local bars and restaurants in the fun, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for 2016. Follow Go Mt. Airy on Facebook for all of the latest events, updates, restaurant openings, and more!
Have you been to Mt. Airy? Where is your favorite spot? Tell us in the comments!
