East Passyunk revs its engine for Annual Car Show and Street Festival

East Passyunk is home to some of the most talked about spots in the city, and also, some of the most unique festivals.

One of those colorful celebrations includes the annual Car Show and Street Festival, which will return this weekend for its 15th year. Hosted in partnership with the Northeast Muscle Car Club, the event will kick off at 11 a.m. on July 31 and will feature 200 muscle, classic, antique, custom, and show cars, trucks, and motorcycles lined along East Passyunk Avenue. Visitors can also expect street vendors, sidewalk sales, family activities, live music, and regional craft artisans at the celebration, which has been under much anticipation after a two-year hiatus.

The acclaimed showcase is meant to wow car lovers, and highlight what makes the different versions of automobiles stand out.

“South Philly’s largest summer street festival is back and sure to showcase an eclectic range of cars, truck, and motorcycles along with East Passyunk’s amazing food and drink offerings,” said EPABID Executive Director Adam Leiter in a statement. “We’re welcoming visitors from around the region to come admire the cars, enjoy live music, and get a taste of the Avenue’s food and shopping scene.”

Like in years past, the show will feature a slew of different categories that automobile owners can win in, including: Top 50, Best Stock, Best Modified, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Truck, Best Motorcycle, Best Low Rider, Best 50’s Custom, Best Street Rod, and Best of Show Car and Motorcycle. Space is available on a first come, first served basis with entry taking place at the intersection of Broad Street and East Passyunk Avenue and registration at 1636 East Passyunk between 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. this Sunday (car entry is $20 per vehicle.)

Being at the eclectic neighborhood in South Philly also offers the chance to check out East Passyunk Avenue’s award-winning and acclaimed restaurants, some of which will operate with special hours for the day, featuring a variety of festive foods and seasonal libations. Highlights include Juana Tamales, Noir Restaurant, River Twice and Ocho Rios Parilla.

Live entertainment will also be in full swing with performances from Brown Sugar (a Rolling Stones Tribute Band), the Philadelphia School of Rock, Elegance Quartet (electric string rock and roll), Country Rogue, and more. As a release states, the sounds of live music can be heard up and down the corridor with standout locations such as the Singing Fountain (East Passyunk and Tasker), outside of Stogie Joe’s and Pistola’s Del Sur, Mifflin Triangle (East Passyunk and Mifflin), and City Fitness (1701 E. Passyunk Ave). Family-friendly activities include roaming stilt walkers waving above the crowd, interacting with folks and taking photos.

Arts and crafts will also be part of the festival, with Nice Things Handmade curating an updated selection of handmade items from dozens of local crafters and artists including art, décor, ceramics, jewelry, wares, gifts, and goods, held at the Singing Fountain. And finally, East Passyunk Avenue’s businesses will host booths and racks in front of their respective locations for browsing and shopping during the festival.

East Passyunk Avenue’s 15th Annual Car Show and Street Festival is open to the public and free to attend, with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 7.  For information, visit visiteastpassyunk.com