Flavors on the Avenue to make its return April 24

Contributed photo

A popular food festival is returning to East Passyunk after a two-year hiatus.

Flavors on the Avenue is back to bring guests culinary offerings, sidewalk sales, live music and a day full of entertainment on April 24.

The revival comes after the free all-ages event was canceled the last two years because of the pandemic.

“The return of Flavors on the Avenue is the perfect way to welcome back larger events to East Passyunk and celebrate the support that the public has shown to our businesses over the last couple years,” said East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District Executive Director Adam Leiter. “Flavors showcases everything East Passyunk has to offer, from the diverse culinary talents of our growing and evolving food scene, to the wide variety of retail options that continue to expand. It’s our open invitation for people from across the region to share our love of food and to come together to explore the Avenue and enjoy a beautiful spring day in South Philly.”

The outdoor festival showcases live entertainment, more than 80 craft vendors and fun-filled family-oriented activities along East Passyunk’s bustling business district that is home to more than 160 independently owned shops and restaurants. 

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can explore a myriad of the city’s most delectable, diverse food selections, ranging from Mexican to Asian-inspired to Southern-influenced fare. Fan-favorite restaurants and bars will host can’t-miss specials for one day only with standout offerings.

Guests can find a chicken waffle cone with minted watermelon, Nashville hot sauce and orange espresso créma at Flannel at 1819 E. Passyunk Ave. or grab a Chinese BBQ pork sandwich and a vegan spicy cold sesame noodles at Bing Bing Dim Sum  at 1648 E. Passyunk Ave.

A DJ will be spinning vinyl records at Stogie Joe’s Tavern (1803 E. Passyunk Ave.) where they will be serving up Square Pie Pizza or farther down the block you can find pho tacos known as beef phorathas at Teas N’ Mi at 1907 E. Passyunk Ave.

Noir at 1909 E. Passyunk Ave. will have a local DJ and signature Montreal-style Italian fare while Manatawny Still Works at 1603 E. Passyunk Ave. will dish out signature cocktails “Cruel Summer” crafted with vodka (or gin) and lavender lemonade; and “Just Like Heaven”, a refreshing cucumber and mint cocktail.

Guests can work up an appetite by searching for one-of-a-kind, hidden gems in the form of wares, books, home décor, art and accessories by browsing various sidewalk sales courtesy of Amelie’s Bark Shop, South Fellini, Deja42 Art Gallery, A Novel Idea and more. Additionally, Nice Things Handmade presents a collection of the region’s top makers and crafters with paintings, pottery, furniture, jewelry and everything in between. More than 80 vendors will be posted along the Avenue with an eclectic mix of hand-crafted goods and locally made finds. 

The event stretches from Broad Street to Dickinson Street and folks of all ages can enjoy live music from local musicians Snacktime Philly, The Cheddar Boys, Dot Rose of Dottie’s Serenade Service, Mark Brown Saxophone and Angelo Outlaw and Eric Proctor.

Performers will be located at various spots along the Avenue including the Singing Fountain at East Passyunk and Tasker Street; Mifflin Triangle at East Passyunk and Mifflin Street; the PPA Lot at 1628 E. Passyunk; and The Gateway at Broad and McKean streets.

A full list of participants, events and entertainment scheduled for the festival can be found at visiteastpassyunk.com.