PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As summer kicks into high gear, so does excitement for one of the tri-state area’s biggest events: the 35th annual Manayunk Arts Festival. This two-day extravaganza returns to vibrant Main Street Manayunk, promising a weekend of art, food and community spirit.
The festival showcases the talents of more than 300 artists and craft experts from across the country, Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm
About 150,000 visitors come here to appreciate art, enjoy live music, and explore local shops and eateries along the busy street. Visitors can expect handmade goods including ceramics, jewelry, photography and paintings.
“We’re really excited about today. Manayunk is back and it’s going to be great!” exclaimed Joe Abruzzo of Bayou Bar and Grill, one of the local establishments adding culinary flair to the event.
Co-owner of Bayou Bar and Grill and Cactus Cantina, Joe Jowett, said they’re serving some of their main dishes like chicken tacos, classic nachos, “Best of Philly” wings, loaded waffle fries and the summer hit: the hardshell Chesapeake Bay crabs .
Paul Karcsh, a mixologist from Cactus Cantina, highlighted their key drinks, including the “Purple Haze,” “Schuylkill Punch,” “Blue Sky” and of course the signature margaritas, so festival-goers have plenty of options to stay cool during the festivities.
For Todd Walk, a fixture at the festival for nearly three decades, the event represents more than just an opportunity to showcase his art.
“When people come in and talk to me, at first they like it because of the colors, and the more I talk, they just stare and discover unusual things [geometric shapes, foreign languages, or graffiti]Walk said, “It’s more just to get a little bit of chaos.”
The Manayunk Arts Festival is not just a showcase for established artists. It provides a platform for emerging talent. This year, the festival is partnering with the PHS Pop Up Garden in Manayunk to present 25 emerging artists in addition to the main event, further enriching the festival’s cultural offerings.
With its blend of creativity, community and delicious food, the Manayunk Arts Festival remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s cultural calendar, attracting art lovers and families for a weekend of celebration and discovery.
Check out the Manayunk Arts Festival site for more information about the festivities, including artist profiles, event schedules and parking details.
This story was written by Victoria Newsome.
CBS News Philadelphia staff
