Germantown Arts District throws first ever Block Party

When the Germantown Arts District (GAD) was created last November, the organization lived by the motto: “Art breeds culture, and culture thrives in Germantown.” The district set out to become a destination for creatives to express their work, from artists to musicians and everyone in between. 

So far, GAD has been setting out to create this environment by hosting monthly Fourth Friday-themed events that allow creatives in the community to showcase their talents and skills. But this weekend, Philadelphians who head to the area instead can find the first-ever Germantown Arts District Block Party. 

“We are extremely excited to announce the first GAD Block Party—a celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Germantown Pride is something I have always had, like many of my neighbors,” says GAD Founder Kristen Clark in a statement. 

Clark continued: “We are creating the Germantown we wish to see and want to give face and value to that idea. With this party, we hope to reach Germantown locals and supporters who have yet to fully embrace their creative selves and ignite the culture of the Germantown Arts Renaissance.” 

The inaugural activation will take place this Friday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 10 p.m. And as a release states, the event will serve as an opportunity for the GAD and Germantown community members to connect and get to know each other better. 

While there, visitors can find live music and dance performances, food trucks, local vendors, artists, and games that will “allow guests and Philadelphia neighbors to immerse themselves in an evening of art, connection, community, and excitement” along Germantown Avenue (the 5400 Block). 

The release also states that as the Germantown Arts District celebrates past Fourth Friday events, they will also mark the organization’s future this weekend—aka The Germantown Arts District will announce the date of their first annual GAD Arts Festival coming to the area in the Spring of 2024. It will ultimately feature live entertainment, different vendors and businesses, plenty of food options, and more. But for now, Clark and everyone at GAD is planning to make the Germantown Arts District Fourth Friday Block Party a night to remember.

Anyone interested in learning more can follow Germantown Arts District on Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok, and Twitter, or like their Facebook page. More information can also be found at GADPhilly.org