It’s certainly been quite the summer for free concerts in Philadelphia. Between the weekly affairs along the water at Morgan’s Pier to the monthly block parties in the Piazza courtesy of Radio 104.5, there has been no shortage of free entertainment.
On Sunday things will be taken to the next level when the annual 2nd Street Festival returns to the Northern Liberties neighborhood. The all day mini festival is filled with a number of different musical acts spread across three stages. Headlining the day will be The Low Anthem who return to the Philadelphia for the first time since going on hiatus. And the best part? The entire thing is free! Yup, you read that right, free.
Stretching down 2nd Street from Germantown Avenue to Green Street, the 7 block long party kicks off at noon and wraps up at 10 PM. Festival stages will be set up Germantown Avenue, Laurel Street, Fairmount Avenue, and at the Piazza.
Besides The Low Anthem, a number of rising local acts will be playing throughout the day. Festival goers will be able to catch New Sweden, Banned Books, The Bailey Hounds, and Blayer Pointdujour & The Rockers Galore. Check out the schedule below for a full listing of who’s playing and where.
Aside from the copious amount of artists and bands playing, 2nd Street will also be lined with different craft vendors, workshops, green initiatives, kids programs, and more. Restaurants will be hosting special promotions and beer gardens will be set up as well. North Bowl will be throwing another rager this year. On Sunday they will play host to a special edition of Shakedown featuring some of the city’s best DJs including Rich Medina, Rob Paine, Willyum, and more. An outdoor tent will be set up during the festival, and afterward things will be brought inside to keep the party going til 2 in the morning.
2013 marks the third year of a special partnership between the festival and the Philadelphia Folk Society. Since the beginning of their relationship, PFS and the 2nd Street Festival have teamed up to bring in headliners such as tUnE-yArDs and Man Man. Together they continue their streak by bringing in The Low Anthem to play at the Piazza Stage. West Philadelphia Orchestra and Vacationer will grace the stage as well.
Festivities begin at 12 noon on Sunday August 4th. It’s a family event and people of all ages are welcomed. The event is rain or shine, but judging from the weekend forecast it looks like it will be a lot more shine than rain.
