With the fall season comes a ton of opportunities to dive into everything creatively that the season has to offer, and Philadelphians can do just that this month in Chestnut Hill.
2021 marks another year for the annual Fall for the Arts Festival in the picturesque section of the city, and as always, the extravaganza will transform Germantown Avenue into an outdoor arts and craft marketplace. The festivities will take place on Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all ages are invited out to explore the offerings spanning from art, live demonstrations, children’s activities, music, culinary delights and boutique shopping. Those looking to attend can head to the streets between the 8000 and 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue, which will be closed to vehicular traffic to provide visitors with a socially distanced experience.
The whole feel and aesthetic of the festival is not just unique to the vendors lining the streets this season either. As the release states, proclaimed “Philadelphia’s Garden District” by the City of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill has lush gardens and trees lining the cobblestone streets of Germantown Avenue that come alive in the fall. The architecture that spans three centuries of design is not so bad to look at either.
What visitors can look for in terms of festival-specific offerings spans from over 100 talented artists throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and from as far away as New Mexico. The array of crafts and collectibles being offered vary from oils, watercolors, etchings, photography, sculpture, pottery, wood crafts, jewelry and accessories. As the release states, the Makers Village aims to celebrate both the beauty of a finished piece of art as well as the act of making it.
Attendees should note that for this event they must abide by the City of Philadelphia’s current COVID-19 safety guidelines, meaning all guests are required to wear masks at the 2021 Fall for the Arts Festival, both indoors and outdoors.
One of the new festival attractions includes the new local artists and artisans’ Children’s Amusement Zone, which boasts face-painting and train rides. There will also be plenty of live music to check out with stages on Germantown Avenue: At the Bethlehem Pike Buckley Park Stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be the Classic Rockers, and then from 2 to 5 p.m. the City Rhythm will play. Then at the Bethlehem Pike Stage from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be the Dukes of Destiny, followed by a entertainment from 2 to 5 p.m. where Philadelphians can check out a performance from the Arlene Hilton Jazz Quartet.
Food-wise there are also going to be plenty of options with offerings spanning from Bahia Bowls (think $8 selected smoothies, $5 protein bites, and $9 regular pitaya and acai bowls), Old Fashioned KettleKorn, Chestnut Grill, McNally’s (both great for outdoor dining), The Fresh Market (think refreshing beverages and a kids’ pumpkin decorating area), Weavers Way Co-op (offering beverages and locally-made snacks to-go), Stateside Vodka (serving seasonal cocktails and bottle sales) and more.
Businesses and restaurants will also be joining the fun. Offerings include: A Harvest Kitchen Raffle for restaurant gift cards from Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels; a $1-10 remnant sale and all in-store accent pieces $5-20 from The Perfect Stitch; 20% off fall sweaters and buy 2 get 1 free bakery items from The Bone Appetite; Open registration for dance and theatre classes ($20 registration fee), complimentary classes, and live dance routine performances from Scene-N-Action Productions Company (SNAPCo); and more. Those interested can check online to see what will be added as the date approaches.
Outdoor-dining wise, visitors can check out Bredenbeck’s Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor, Chestnut Hill Brewing Co, El Poquito, Market at the Fareway, Mimi’s Café & Market and more to enjoy the food and weather of the fall season.
For more information about Chestnut Hill, visit chestnuthillpa.com
