Philly loves festivals. Whether they're jamming you up on Broad Street or giving you free food in Midtown Village, you can generally expect the same $4 bottled water, overused/underserviced Porta-Potty and a host of shitty bands who stand behind you and the headliner. Here are our picks for festivals that won't break your budget or spirit, and will actually do something other than keep you holed up in festival purgatory during those hot summer days.
May 14th-15th: Art Star Craft Bazaar
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Featuring local craft vendors offering housewares, paper goods, dolls, prints, ceramics, clothing, accessories, paintings/drawings, sculpture, and "many other one-of-a-kind curiosities", the Art Star Craft Bazaar has all of your Etsy-inspired needs. A slew of local bands will also be performing including New Sweden, Xavier Mate, The Josh Olmstead Band, Like A Fox, North Lawrence Midnight Singers and New Speedway. Visit the official website for more information.
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May 4th: The Apple Farm Arts and Music Festival
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Held in Elmer, NJ, The Apple Farm Festivals boasts some pretty big artists on their bill. This year's show will be headlined by Gogol Bordello, Ani Difranco and Good Old War. There will also a crafts fair and a beer and wine tent! Tickets are only $40 so this is one festival you can actually afford to attend. Click here for tickets and more information.
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US Pro Cycling Championship: June 5th
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Yes, there will be a ton of youngsters, solo cup-in-hand lining the streets and making parking in Manayunk incredibly difficult. But, to be fair, this is always one of our favorite pre-summer weekends. Get to "the wall" early (like 8am) to start things off right, then head down the hill to Mad River for the all-day party, complete with food, drinks, music and--more drinks.
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June 18th: The Southern Shore Music Festival Festival
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Offering crafts and handmade food, The Southern Shore Festival in Millvile, NJ is another must-see event for this summer. Performing artists include Deer Tick, Jamioe's Jassssz Band, Justin Townes Earle, Sharon Little, Justin Plaskett and Patty Blee. Past headliners have included: Little Feat, Trout Fishing in America and Arlo Guthrie. Click here for tickets and more information.
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June 25th-26th: Dave Matthews Caravan
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Even if you left Dave Matthews Band in 1998, this year's DMB Caravan will give you a run for your money. AC will be invaded by bands such as Dr. Dog, Fitz & the Tantrums, The Flaming Lips and about a gazillion others during this two-day, not-to-be-missed event. For tickets and more info, click here. |
July 22nd-23rd: The XPoNential Festival
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The anticipated WXPN festival always brings a great lineup of local acts that you either haven't heard or should be hearing. The festival will be held at Wiggins Park in Camden and the lineup includes Ben Folds, Ra Ra Riot, Sun Airway, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Hayes Carll and Book T. Click here for tickets and more information. |
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