Philly AIDS Thrift is bringing back its annual Block Party and fall festival this Saturday, Sept 26, with a full day of free fun in South Philadelphia.
From noon to 6 p.m., the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge and Monroe Streets) will house a community celebration featuring live music and performances, food trucks, local vendors, games, dancing, a celebrity dunk tank and the sixth annual pie-eating contest.
Longtime WXPN host and producer DJ Robert Drake will return as the event’s emcee with live entertainment from Philly Elmo, the PME Drumline, Philadelphia funk-and-soul artist Killeé, and UgLi, a queer and trans-fronted four-piece rooted in the city's DIY punk and alternative scene.
The fan-favorite Celebrity Dunk Tank will also once again give attendees the chance to send familiar local personalities into the water for a good cause. This year’s participants include James Beard Award-winning chef Phila Lorn, Juana Tamale chef and owner Jen Zavala, Crash Bang Boom co-owner Stef Jolles, WXPN host Eric Schuman, plus, longtime Philly AIDS Thrift manager Adam Proctor. Staff and volunteers will also take turns in the tank throughout the afternoon.
The celebration will also feature Philly AIDS Thrift’s sixth annual pie-eating contest. Pies will once again be provided by MANNA through its annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser. The contest is open to attendees, with sign-ups available on the day of the event (while spots last).
Additionally, more than 30 local artists, makers, small businesses, and vintage vendors will line the block with clothing, artwork, accessories, collectibles, handmade goods, and other unique finds. Families can also enjoy activities like face painting, balloon animals, a high striker and balloon pop games. Food options span Polish-American favorites from Mom-Mom’s and Mexican fare from La Camelia, plus Evil Genius Beer Company will serve craft beer throughout the afternoon.
At its heart, the block party celebrates the mission of Philly AIDS Thrift, which turns donated secondhand goods into funding for local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
“We all have days we look forward to every year, and our Block Party is one of mine,” says Philly AIDS Thrift’s Board President Michael Byrne. “It embodies everything that makes Philly AIDS Thrift special: our staff, volunteers, donors, and, above all, our community. It really is community supporting community while having a great time."
"Since 2005, that support has helped turn a small neighborhood thrift store into an organization that has provided millions of dollars to HIV/AIDS service organizations across the Delaware Valley. That is something we are incredibly grateful for. The Block Party gives us a chance to celebrate everything this community has helped build, thank the people who continue to make our work possible, and simply enjoy an incredible day together.”
For more information on the event and organization, visit phillyaidsthrift.com
MORE: Philly AIDS Thrift awards $404K in grants to support local HIV/AIDS services
Philly AIDS Thrift is bringing back its annual Block Party and fall festival this Saturday, Sept 26, from noon to 6 p.m. The festivities will take place on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge and Monroe Streets).
The Philly AIDS Thrift block party is free to attend and open to the public.
There will be plenty of food available for purchase. Food options span Polish-American favorites from Mom-Mom’s and Mexican fare from La Camelia, plus Evil Genius Beer Company will serve craft beer throughout the afternoon.
The celebration includes live music and performances, food trucks, local vendors, games, dancing, a celebrity dunk tank and the sixth annual pie-eating contest.
