Every Thursday this summer, Manayunk is aiming to become a one-stop shop for all Philadelphians looking to stroll, sip and see a line-up of offerings from its local creative community. The area’s Stroll the Street initiative is returning in 2024 with an entire season of weekly themed events filled with live music, art, makers, vendors, activations, food/drink specials and more.
“Stroll has quickly become a fun, hyperlocal event in Manayunk highlighting the community, local businesses and vendors, and artists,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Events Coordinator Caitlin Marsilii in a statement. “We’re really excited to lean into the neighborhood’s creative side in creating community-driven art projects, performances, and concerts. All are welcome to paint, sing, play, or dress up their dog on the MNYK Artbox.”
The theme of “Art” will take over June, “Music” in July, and “Pets” in August, and each night will always have a roster of different artisan vendors offering up jewelry, art, vintage clothing, gourmet hot sauce, candles, pet treats, and more.
As a release notes, musicians will also perform up and down Main Street at spots like Canal View Park, Ring Street, in alleyways, and out front of various businesses. Stroll the Street-specific food, drink, and shopping specials will be listed on Manayunk.com each week, and Cotton Street will host rotating MNYK Artbox activations throughout the summer tying in with the monthly themes.
Manayunk area businesses will join in on the seasonal fun as well, by offering specific specials: Winnie’s Manayunk will offer varied weekly food/drink specials tying in with arts, music, and pet month; The Brass Tap will host weekly promotional beer specials; Philadelphia Runner will feature weekly discounts and Thursday night group runs at 6:30 p.m., and much more. MNYK Artbox is the latest feature to the annual event —it premiered in 2023 — but this year, the Artbox will welcome a tufting demo, community paint night, drum circle, jazz band, open mic night, doggie fashion show, and other activities, while the mini-stage stationed on Cotton Street will host art demos, interactive activities, and unique musical performances.
The occasion is also a great time to explore the area’s artful additions—like the 15+ hanging rainbow umbrellas on Gay Street or the garden with hanging leaves, twinkling lights, and succulent paintings adorning the fence on Station Street. For arts month in particular, June will hold a Paint Night on June 13, an interactive tufting demo on June 20, and a Family Fun Night on June 27. In July, there will be no Stroll the Street on July 4, but remaining music month activities span an Interactive Drum Circle with Joseph Tayoun on July 11, Manayunk Open Mic night on July 18, a Gardyn Jazz Orchestra on July 25 and more.
August, aka pet month, on the other hand, will feature a Peanut Butter Puppy Paint on Aug. 1, a Doggie Fashion Show with Roberto Negrin on Aug. 8, Pet Bandana Making with Portable Picasso on Aug. 15, Canine Caricatures on Aug. 22, a Pup Cup buffet on Aug. 29 and much more.
As a release notes, Manayunk’s Stroll the Street is part of the 200th anniversary celebration of Manayunk, and in honor of the occasion, Manayunk Development Corporation will host a year of events for the Manayunk Bicentennial that honor and celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history. Manayunk will be celebrating 200 years from January to December with programing and events, including the Founders Philly Freeze Out, Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, Manayunk Arts Festival, Dog Days of Summer, Stroll the Street, Out and About in MNYK, Manayunk Wing Woman, Halloween in Manayunk, Holidays in Manayunk and more.
Manayunk.com will be updating details about each night as the summer progresses for Stroll the Street. Philadelphians can also visit the website and follow @manayunkdotcom for updates on social media.
