One of the best things about the spring and summer months making our area parks come alive again with all the colors from flora is the multitude of weekend art festivals, shows and other arts-related events that weave their way onto the canvas.
Over the next three months, there are a host of events throughout the city catered specifically to showcasing art. From the works of local artists to pieces of fine art to even branching off the canvas with events catered to spoken word and poetry, it’s all out there – all summer long.
We provided this quick rundown of which merely scratches the surface of where to go if art is your thing, if you’re casually browsing or just looking for something to do outside a little different.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show
Get inspired while you casually stroll through the park. Over 140 artists will have their works displayed in pop-up exhibitions all around Rittenhouse. You might want to reconsider putting off that creative project once you see all those works of art around you. | June 7-9. 11 am. Free. Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. facebook.com
The People’s Festival
It’s up to you to determine what this festival is. The control is in the hands of the performers, who will be bringing their own music, art and poetry to show off on stage. This event is part of the Performance in Public Spaces series, which offers free cultural events throughout the city all summer long. | June 15. 11 am. Free. Vernon Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. phillyfunguide.com
Manayunk Arts Festival
This outdoor festival has been putting tri-state artists in the spotlight for thirty years. Hundreds of vendors that create all types of art will be there to catch your eye. Drop by the Emerging Artists tent to see what Philly artists on the come up are creating. Endless inspiration and beautiful visuals are definitely to be expected. | June 22. 11 am. Free. Locations vary. manayunk.com
Art Star Pop-Up Market
Get all your handmade tchotchkes in one stop at this market that spotlights local art and craft vendors. If you can’t make it, you can catch this crafty bazaar happening every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. With each new date comes new vendors, and with new vendors comes new shit to buy. | July 13. 11 am. Free. Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd. artstarcraftbazaar.com
Power of Color Market
This market celebrates the works of art of vegan, POC creators. Hosted by South Philly vegan convenience store, V Marks the Shop, this day is completely dedicated to the movement. It’s the second annual happening of this celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the art world, so get in on it. | July 20. 12 pm. Free. Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St. facebook.com
Shakespeare in Clark Park
We can only imagine how spectacular this four-day performance of King Lear is going to be. It’s live theater in a lively park to celebrate a playwright who has long been dead. Witness some fine theatrics without having to pay beaucoup bucks for a front row seat. | July 24-28. 7 pm. Free. Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave. shakespeareinclarkpark.org
Darksome Art & Craft Market
Get spooky in one of America’s oldest cemeteries at the second installment of this dark market. Treat yourself to oddities and treats from over 80 vendors. You may end up spending more money than you really have… that’d be the real horror. Enter at your own risk. | Aug. 3. 10 am. Prices vary. Mount Moriah Cemetery, 6201 Kingsessing Ave. facebook.com
Nipsey Hussle Tribute Exhibit
Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Let art keep the spirit of Nipsey alive at this exhibit in his honor. Free wine will be served as you observe the works of local artists featuring the musician. Give Neighborhood Nip the artistic tribute he would have loved. | Aug. 17. 2 pm. Prices vary. Philly Art Collective, 253 N. 3rd St. eventbrite.com
Keystone Comic Con
Immerse yourself in nerd — um, we mean pop — culture at this three-day event hosted by ReedPOP. Sylvester Stallone is one of the major personalities in attendance this year. Geek out at Philly’s exclusive convention for all fandoms. | Aug. 23-25. 12 pm. Prices vary. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1100 Arch St. keystonecomiccon.com
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