May 20, 2024

The Manayunk Arts Festival celebrates 35 years

300+ artists will take over Main Street Manayunk on June 22 and 23 for the annual festival

By The Manayunk Development Corporation

Provided Courtesy/Manayunk Development Corporation

The Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 35th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 22nd from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 23rd from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The tradition of being the tri-state area’s largest outdoor juried art festival will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters. Nearly 100,000 collectors, buyers, and designers will visit Main Street for this iconic event.

35 years ago, in June of 1990, Manayunk hosted its first arts festival. Festival organizers closed the street, lined it with juried artists and crafters, and gambled that people would travel far and wide to spend the day in Manayunk, and the bet paid off. From the very first year, record crowds attended the show, and from there, Manayunk as a district was off and running.

The Manayunk Arts Festival, organized and operated by the Manayunk Development Corporation, is free to the public and will feature artists from eight different disciplines: fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting & drawing, photography, and wood & sculpture. Visitors can also plan to enjoy food and beverages from Manayunk’s renowned restaurants and cool off by shopping at Manayunk’s unique boutiques and stores.

A special feature of the show is The Emerging Artist Program which features local and up-and-coming talent. This initiative allows young artists to begin showing and selling their work. Each artist is allowed to participate as an emerging artist for up to three years and then are extended an invitation to participate in the show. Many of the Emerging Artists are now regular participants in the show. This year, emerging artists will be featured in the Main Street Emerging Artist Tent sponsored by Manayunk Brewery, Salon L, The Main Street Team at Copper Hill Real Estate, and Winnie Clowry in addition to 25 Emerging Artists in the Garden being featured at the PHS Pop Up Garden.

Each year one artist’s work is chosen to be the face of the festival. It has always been an honor to the chosen work as it's featured in magazine ads, posters, billboards and TV ads. The 2024 poster artwork, Poppy, is courtesy of Anastasia Alexandrin!

The Manayunk Arts Festival is a rain or shine event — dress accordingly!

FESTIVAL PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

It is highly encouraged to take public transportation to the event. With just a 15-minute train ride from Center City, attendees can take the Manayunk-Norristown Line to the Manayunk Station all weekend or SEPTA Bus Routes 61 and 35. Limited Parking is available at 4000 Main Street lot and Green Lane lot. Handicapped parking is available at Main and Levering Streets.

A round-trip shuttle service is also available for $4 per person ($2 for children). Proceeds benefit the North Light Community Center. FREE shuttle parking is available at the following locations: 555 City Avenue on Presidential Blvd. in Bala Cynwyd and Ivy Ridge Train Station on Umbria Street.

555 City Avenue Shuttle Loop Stops