Philadelphia, PA – Northern Liberties Business Improvement District presents the inaugural Northern Liberties Spring Festival presented by Sprouts Farmers Market. The all-ages, all-day celebration will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00am to 5:00pm, at 3rd and Poplar, as well as inside and around Liberty Lands. The line-up will feature two stages, live bands, music and dance performances, food trucks, cold cocktails, made-in-Northern Liberties beers, hot dog eating contest, kids’ yoga, neighborhood small businesses, artists and makers, pet portraits, DIY flower bouquets, make-and-take craft station, and many other surprises. The event is open to the public. Admission is complimentary. Food, drink and shopping are pay-as-you-go. For more information and updates, visit explorenorthernliberties.com and follow @northliberties on social media.
“Northern Liberties has always been a neighborhood that defies easy description,” said NLBID Executive Director Sydney Rexroad. “It’s creative, it’s historic, it’s growing and it’s deeply local. Spring Festival is our way of throwing open the doors and celebrating everything that makes us unique and different. It is a true block party for the whole community – families, foodies, music lovers, dog owners, art collectors, you name it. If you haven’t spent a Saturday in Northern Liberties lately, May 9th is the perfect excuse.”
Northern Liberties Spring Festival is a must-attend spring event to showcase the small business, arts, culture and maker community in and around Philadelphia’s fastest growing neighborhoods and business districts.
LIBERTY LANDS KIDS’ ZONE (913 N. 3rd)
Liberty Lands Kids’ Zone presents a full day of family fun with music, movement, hands-on activities, photo moments, toddler play area and more. This is a must-visit destination for families where play, performance and community come together in one joyful space.
Liberty Lands Stage (11:00am to 5:00pm)
Sponsored by GoPuff and Little City Montessori
The Liberty Lands Stage will feature a rotating lineup of engaging, kid-friendly performances spanning music, dance, movement, astronomy and interactive storytelling. Each set is designed to invite participation and spark imagination for children of all ages.
11:00am – Kids Yoga with Kelly Pauly of Creative Kids Movement Network
12:00pm – TBA
01:00pm – TBA
02:00pm – Liberty City Arts Presents Hansel and Gretel
03:00pm – Huston West, Banjo
04:00pm – Living Arts Dance Studio
Interactive Activity Area: Libby’s Garden
Adjacent to the stage, families can explore “Libby’s Garden,” a playful activity zone inspired by Liberty Lands’ beloved snail mascot. Designed with toddlers and young children in mind, this self-guided space encourages movement, sensory play and imaginative exploration. Children can hop between “garden spots,” spin and play with hula hoops, build and stack, or engage in simple hands-on activities like seed scooping.
ORTLIEB’S HOT DOG HANGOUT (3rd and Poplar)
Ortlieb’s, with roots dating back to the 1860s in the neighborhood, will present the Northern Liberties Spring Festival Hot Dog Hangout. Look for local vendors and a live Ortlieb’s curated stage of favorite local artists. Hot Dogs outside all day and the bar is open inside as well.
Outdoor Stage (11:00am to 5:00pm)
11:00am – School of Rock Band (house band)
12:00pm – The Broke Brothers (singer songwriter)
12:45pm – Freelance Sweatpants (indie rock)
01:30pm – The Blackouts (college alternative rock)
02:15pm – Skip Winters (alternative singer)
03:00pm – Mandy Valentine (indie country)
03:45pm – Cadre Noir (soul and r&b)
04:15pm -The Warhawks (alternative rock)
Happy Hour After Party Inside (5:00pm to 7:00pm)
4:00pm – Comedy Open Mic
5:15pm – Hotdog Eating Contest
6:00pm – High Leaf (psychedelic rock)
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Shop local, shop small. Support your Northern Liberties small businesses.
“One of our core missions is to make Northern Liberties a destination, not just a place to pass through,” said Rexroad. “This festival puts our small businesses, artists and restaurants front and center, and that’s exactly where they belong. We’re incredibly proud of the community that shows up and shows out in this neighborhood every single day.”
The early line-up for businesses from the commercial corridor and neighborhood includes:
* 2nd Street Animal Hospital – Complimentary pet screenings for “Lump & Bumps” by a board certified Veterinarian, as well as selling pet products.
* DuVela Physical Therapy LLC – Performance driven Physical Therapy.
* Elevated Film Productions – Elevated Film Productions creates drone aerial images and videos for realtors, renovators, events, artists and more. We also create interior drone video tours for real estate listings and mementos for homeowners.
* Engel & Volkers Philadelphia – A leading global, luxury real estate company serving communities worldwide.
* Farm N’ Sea Pets & Piggyback Treats Company – Sustainably crafted goodies for pets; raw food, chews, pet care products, accessories and more.
* Indy Hall – Connecting kind and curious professionals online and in-person.
* LaserPhilly – Array of giftable goods from more than 250 brands.
* Love City Vet – Veterinary care for pets
* Pelvio Physical Therapy – Mobile and clinic physical therapy.
* Ray’s Reusables – Plastic free, refill station for household essentials.
* Roots Generate – Sustainable fashion brand specializing in handcrafted Batik fabric, handwoven Kente and African mudcloth pieces.
* Sprouts Farmers Market – Special spring festival activation.
* STUMP Plants – Plants, gifts, workshops and more.
* Trunc – Socially responsible handcrafted goods including jewelry, body care, apparel, art, home decor and more.
FOOD AND DRINK
Come hungry and thirsty for a taste of the Riverwards. The early food and drink line-up includes:
* El Camino – Specializing in Mexican favorites and Texas bbq.
* Hudson Table – Fresh made focaccia bread. Culinary event space, cooking classes for adults and kids, meal kits and chef competitions.
* Humpty’s Dumplings – Scratch-made deep-fried fusion dumplings.
* Jerry’s Bar – Neighborhood bar with craft beer, specialty cocktails, wine and food.
* Milk Jawn – Small batch, premium ice cream with dairy and vegan flavors.
* Ortleb’s – Hot dogs all day outside, cold drinks and beer inside.
* The Random Tea Room – Loose leaf and iced tea.
* Urban Village – Locally made-in-Northern Liberties beers.
ARTISTS & MAKERS
Over two dozen top local and regional artists, makers and crafters will set-up in and around Liberty Lands park and down N. 3rd Street. Look for everything from home decor, custom art, pet portraits, fashion, photography, jewelry and more. Look for:
* Artthruadhd – Custom cutting boards, coasters, bottle openers, and decorative rugs.
* Bambino Glasswares – Locally hand blown glasses, homewares, and decorations.
* Beach Winks – Handcrafted shadowboxes inspired by the sea.
* Beelinked Permanent Jewelry & More LLC – Permanent jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and rings.
* Botanical Funk – Original surreal artwork on a wide variety of materials such as; repurposed skate decks, vintage license plates, postal stickers, concrete planters, parking tickets, apparel, and much more.
* Carly’s Crochet Critters – Homemade crochet plushies.
* City of Clay – Handcrafted, polymer clay-based products.
* Dulce Creations – Homemade soy candles.
* HookedbyTammy – Crochet plushies.
* Lily Lough Jewelry – Waterproof jewelry including rings, necklaces, earrings and more.
* Liz Pop Art – Philly themed art prints, stickers, cards, and signature illustrations.
* Lunar Sparkles Glitter Bar – Mobile glitter bar specializing in glitter face art and tattoos.
* Marissa Evans Photography – Photographer capturing city, abstract, nature, food, drink, portraits, and scenes.
* mohrdoesart – Pet portrait artist making stickers, prints, T-shirts, and decorations.
* Mr. Scooot illustrations – Character based illustrations; paintings, prints, stickers, pins etc.
* Petal to The Metal Decor – Pressed flower art.
* Pharm To Flame – Chemical free candles made with soy wax.
* Philly Candles – Handmade candles.
* Shay Lynn: Jewelry Art & Apparel – Waterproof and long lasting jewelry, prints, and apparel.
* The super boutique – Handmade apparel and accessories.
OTHER VENDORS
* Brarnolds Vintage – Vintage clothing shop.
* Coco and Coast – Women’s clothing brand.
* Cool Shades
* Cry Later Collective – Mobile boutique with playful statement apparel.
* Ensemble Arts
* Eternity Vintage – Hand picked vintage goods.
* For The City – Philadelphia sports apparel.
* Glow on Wheels – Mobile smile enhancements including whitening, tooth gems, grillz, custom retainers, night and sport guards, bleaching trays, and more.
* Lucky Bond – Permanent Jewelry.
* MagHugg – Magnetic can sleeve that holds your phone.
* Maid in Bloom – Elegant floral arrangements for all occasions.
* Oby found vintage – Vintage and retro clothing.
* @OxyBathAndCotton – Vintage clothing.
* Petal to the Metal Decor – Pressed flower art.
* Pin it
* Thrive Flower – Hemp based wellness products and information.
SPONSORS
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District organizes and presents Northern Liberties Spring Festival Sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. Thank you to supporting sponsors, including GoPuff, Wonder, Little City Montessori, M3 Printing, WSFS Bank, Specialty Productions, Aversa PR and Do215.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information and updates, visit explorenorthernliberties dot com and follow @northliberties on social media.
ABOUT NORTHERN LIBERTIES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District was formed in 2018 to provide supplements to the municipal services of the City of Philadelphia; maintain a safe, clean and vibrant commercial district for the benefit of the residents, users, and owners within the district, and to citizens of Philadelphia and the region; to create opportunities for the business and residential communities to come together to make improvements to the district; and develop and implement programs and services that ensure that Northern Liberties continues to be a desirable place to live, work, shop, invest and visit. For more information, see explorenorthernliberties dot org.