When
The First Friday evening of each month, rain or shine, year-round. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where
Most galleries can be found between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.
The Experience
Want proof of Philadelphia’s happening art scene? Come down to Old City for First Fridays. On the first Friday evening of every month the streets fill with art lovers of all kinds who wander among the neighborhood’s 40-plus galleries, most of them open from 5 until 9 p.m.
A casual atmosphere encourages art and people watching, eating at Old City’s many restaurants and just plain mingling. There’s diversity both in the crowd and among the galleries, adding flavor to the experience. Most galleries can be found between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.
History
Started in 1991 by a group of galleries as a collaborative open house evening, First Fridays grew quickly into one of Philly’s most vital, signature cultural events. Old City’s historic commercial buildings have fostered a SoHo-like cultural ambience with the densest network of galleries in the city.
The fun begins on Saturday, May 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Old City merchants - which collectively make up The Independent's MallTM -- will bring their wares to the sidewalk in celebration of the third-annual "Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll." Over 50 merchants - boutiques, spas, restaurants and galleries -- will participate in this family-friendly shopping event, to showcase their products in a unique and festive atmosphere.
Merchants throughout Old City will set up outdoor tables to offer bargains and new Spring/Summer merchandise, while galleries will showcase current and upcoming exhibitions and artists. Select merchants will also host trunk shows, demonstrations and door prizes.
Shoppers are invited to stroll through the quaint historic streets and visit their favorite Old City merchants while discovering new ones too. As a special treat, musicians will perform festive tunes on street corners and complimentary beverages, cocktails and snacks will be served at many locations to add to the spring celebration.
After the cold, dark months of winter, the Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll is like an awakening for spring. Last year thousands of visitors descended into Old City to participate in the weekend of spring-filled fun.
"We're so excited to show people all of what Old City has to offer," says Jeanne O'Karma, owner of J. Karma. "We want to motivate people to regularly visit Old City and discover the neighborhood's eclectic character that distinguishes it as a premier dining, cultural and shopping destination."
Old City is home to over 270 businesses, including 110 restaurants, 25 clothing and accessory boutiques, 20 homeware and furniture stores, 30 art galleries, 20 salons and spas, and 15 gift shops.
We hope you'll join us on the sidewalk!
The fun continues on Sunday, May 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Old City merchants - which collectively make up The Independent's MallTM -- will bring their wares to the sidewalk in celebration of the third-annual "Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll." Over 50 merchants - boutiques, spas, restaurants and galleries -- will participate in this family-friendly shopping event, to showcase their products in a unique and festive atmosphere.
Merchants throughout Old City will set up outdoor tables to offer bargains and new Spring/Summer merchandise, while galleries will showcase current and upcoming exhibitions and artists. Select merchants will also host trunk shows, demonstrations and door prizes.
Shoppers are invited to stroll through the quaint historic streets and visit their favorite Old City merchants while discovering new ones too. As a special treat, musicians will perform festive tunes on street corners and complimentary beverages, cocktails and snacks will be served at many locations to add to the spring celebration.
After the cold, dark months of winter, the Old City Sidewalk Sale & Stroll is like an awakening for spring. Last year thousands of visitors descended into Old City to participate in the weekend of spring-filled fun.
"We're so excited to show people all of what Old City has to offer," says Jeanne O'Karma, owner of J. Karma. "We want to motivate people to regularly visit Old City and discover the neighborhood's eclectic character that distinguishes it as a premier dining, cultural and shopping destination."
Old City is home to over 270 businesses, including 110 restaurants, 25 clothing and accessory boutiques, 20 homeware and furniture stores, 30 art galleries, 20 salons and spas, and 15 gift shops.
We hope you'll join us on the sidewalk!
