The city is suiting up for the 15th Annual Kensington Derby and Arts Festival this Saturday, and 2023 is looking to be the biggest celebration yet.
The festivities will take place on May 13, from noon to 6 p.m., between Trenton Avenue from Norris Street to Frankford Avenue. In attendance will be 200+ artists, musicians, performers, food and drink vendors—and then, the more unique aspects of the day of course: The parade of handmade vehicles navigating obstacles throughout Fishtown.
As a release states, there will be a new parade route this year spanning three miles, and it takes participants from the festival through the Fishtown neighborhood and over to American Street, navigating multiple obstacles along the way before doubling back to the festival grounds for a mud pit finish. Winners will be crowned in categories that have ranged over the years such as Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, Best Breakdown, Media Choice and, of course, the highly coveted Judge’s Choice Award.
Another new facet to this year’s festival comes from its partner, NextFab.
“The mud is ready to fly once again on Trenton Avenue,” said Fishtown District Director of Operations Kae Anderson in a statement. “NextFab is thrilled to be partnering with the Kensington Derby this year as the official Kensington Derby HQ. By opening up our makerspace for a three-month workshop series, teams [were] advised by our technical experts on how to construct beautiful and functional sculptures. Additionally, in a pop-up hosted by our partner, Rabbit Recycling, teams will have access to free sustainable building materials.”
She added, “Art and engineering have always been the focal point of this event, and now thanks to our partnership with NextFab, this year’s derby will be more inclusive and accessible than ever before. We are excited to see what wacky creations our derby teams come up with this year for our 15th anniversary.”
On top of the new facets from NextFab, the 15th Annual Kensington Derby and Arts Festival has expanded its footprint this go-around, and all of it will largely be filled by vendors.
Highlighted participants in 2023 include Amelie’s Bark Shop, H&H Books, Mother Butter, Knot-It Macrame, Yardsale Press, The Coffee and Cream Candle Co., New + Wesley, School of Rock Philadelphia and much more.
Food vendors will include fan-favorites including Blazin J’s, Kona Ice, Calle del Sabor, Cousins Maine Lobster, Kismet Bagels, Moshava, Husky Jawn, Mister Softee, East Coast Mini Donuts and others.
This year, Cloud Cups (a local and award-winning gelato company) will also preview their new Fishtown location during the event with a pop-up at Pizza Brain—preview flavors span brown sugar pop tart, white coffee, raspberry, lemon, frose, kiwi, butter pecan and more.
Thirsty Philadelphians can additionally have some local favorites in the form of beverages with fare from Evil Genius, Two Robbers, Philadelphia Distilling, Stateside Vodka and more posting up on site.
Registration is now open for competitors, and as a release states, thanks to generous support from Penn Treaty Special Services District, there is no fee to participate in the Derby parade this year.
This year’s derby route will start at Trenton and Dauphin. From there, teams will make their way through the course, hitting obstacles sponsored by various local small businesses. Visitors interested in spectating can find more information online about the race route and also, the specific locations of where obstacles will be located.
Lastly, the 15th Annual Kensington Derby and Arts Festival will also host a line-up of live music with two stages and a variety of performers, including New Groove, Ardvark Felon, Son of the 215 and more, playing sets throughout the day.
More information about the festival, with registration for art vendors and derby teams, can be found at kensingtonkineticarts.org. Philadelphians can also stay up-to-date with festival news on Facebook or Instagram.
