Philadelphia, PA – Let the mud fly! Fishtown District and East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) are excited to welcome back the Kensington Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2025. For one unforgettable day, Frankford Avenue from Sergeant Street to York Street will transform into a vibrant corridor of art, music and human-powered spectacle. From 12:00pm to 8:00pm, neighbors and visitors can enjoy a no charge celebration of local creativity, highlighted by the festival’s signature grand finale, the legendary mud pit. Watch daring teams parade their no-motor, human-powered vehicles down Frankford Avenue and into the famed mud pit on Hagert Street. Winners are then crowned in categories that have ranged over the years like Best Art, Best Costume, Best Engineering, Media Choice and Judge’s Choice.
This year features a brand-new kids-only ride through the mud for extra thrills. Other changes and surprises this year include a move from spring to fall, the addition of a second stage, new kids’ and dogs costume contests, and the debut of Awful Wrestling. The parade is no charge to participate, open to all ages and abilities with a bike, helmet, and pun-y team name. Kensington Derby and Arts Fest is free to attend, with food and drink pay as you go. The event is family and fido friendly, with 21 and up to drink (with identification). For more information, or to register as a derby participant visit kensingtonkineticarts.org and follow @kensingtonkineticarts. This year the event is rain or shine – with shine preferred. However, rain isn’t stopping this parade.
“Through feedback with the community, we are bringing it back to its roots of creativity, artistic creation, and neighborhood enthusiasm. The region will be treated to the best of Kensington by showcasing its businesses, artisans, makers, and entertainers. The historic kinetic vehicles, the unique ride through the mud pit, the exhilarating performances of Awful Wrestling, and Halloween and family-friendly activities make this a special destination event,” said Marc Collazzo, Executive Director of the Fishtown District.
HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY:
* Arts & Makers Market: Local artists and crafters will sell and create live, offering sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and more. Enjoy interactive art demonstrations throughout the day.
* Music & Entertainment: Groove to Great Circles DJs spinning energetic sets that keep the street alive from start to finish.
FAMILY FUN AND COSTUMES – NEW:
* Kids’ Halloween Costume Contest with prizes for the most creative looks.
* Pet Costume Contest showcasing our four-legged friends’ best outfits.
* Awful Wrestling- a family-friendly spectacle, all of the pageantry and none of the athleticism of pro wrestling, closes the evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
DERBY SCHEDULE:
12:00pm to 1:00pm Sculpture Previews at 2418 Martha St
1:00pm to 2:00pm Derby Route begins
2:00pm to 3:00pm MUD PIT EXTRAVAGANZA
5:00pm to 6:00pm KID’s MUD PIT
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Kensington Derby has become a mainstay in the area, and for the first time, organizers have moved it to the fall. The 2025 Kensington Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival is proudly sponsored by Jaquins, Red Bull, Two Robbers, and Crooked Tea, with additional support through grants from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Penn Treaty Special Services District.
More information about the festival, with registration for art vendors and derby teams, can be found at kensingtonkineticarts.org. Stay up-to-date with festival news on Facebook or Instagram. @kensingtonkineticarts
ABOUT FISHTOWN DISTRICT
Founded in 2020, the Fishtown District comprises the newly formed Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District as well as the long-standing neighborhood business association Fishtown Co. Our mission is to improve conditions & quality of life for businesses and property owners in the district, attract new commerce to the area, and work to amplify Fishtown’s long-term economic development by creating a thriving retail corridor that attracts both residents and visitors to its vast array of services, shops, and dining while preserving Fishtown’s rich history and diverse creative & innovative character, visit fishtowndistrict.com
ABOUT EAST KENSINGTON NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION
EKNA was founded in 2004 with help from the community organizing arm of NKCDC. EKNA’s mission is to organize the voice, concerns, and actions of East Kensington residents. Geographically, East Kensington is bounded by Norris Street to the south, Frankford and Trenton Avenues to the east, Lehigh Avenue to the north, and Front Street and Kensington Avenue to the west. For more information, visit www.ekna.org.