You are here: Home / Philadelphia Dining / Tacos, Tunes, and a Dunk Tank: What to Expect at the Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party

Tacos, Tunes, and a Dunk Tank: What to Expect at the Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party

August 25, 2026 By

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026, because Philly AIDS Thrift is taking over the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue for their 21st Anniversary Block Party and Fall Fest.

Running from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, this free event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a massive community party featuring a curated lineup of entertainment, food, and shopping. Here is your guide to what’s happening at one of South Philly’s biggest fall traditions.

The Soundtrack The incomparable DJ Robert Drake (WXPN) returns to keep the energy high as emcee and DJ all afternoon. Live performances kick off with the unmistakable sound of Philly Elmo & PME Drumline, bringing percussion, movement, and joy to combat gun violence with their message, “Put down the guns and pick up some drums.”

Later in the day, catch the psychedelic funk, rock, and classic soul of Killeé, an artist known for Prince-inspired strong showmanship. Rounding out the lineup is UgLi, a queer and trans-fronted Philadelphia band blending punk, emo, and grunge.

The Annual Celebrity Dunk Tank A crowd-favorite fundraiser, the dunk tank gives you the chance to plunge familiar Philly faces into the water. This year’s “victims” include:

  • Adam Proctor: Philly AIDS Thrift’s own longtime manager.
  • Phila Lorn: James Beard Award-winning chef (Mawn, Sao).
  • Jen Zavala: Top Chef alum and owner of Juana Tamale.
  • Eric Schuman: The voice of WXPN’s “Indie Rock Hit Parade.”
  • Stef Jolles: Co-owner of iconic punk boutique Crash Bang Boom.

The 6th Annual Pie-Eating Contest Retire CBS3 news anchor and LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame inductee Jim Donovan will emcee this sloppy, fun tradition. The pies are provided by MANNA in connection with their “Pie in the Sky” fundraiser. Spots are limited, so participants should sign up on-site early.

Eats, Drinks, and Shopping Come hungry. You can grab Polish comfort food (pierogi, kielbasa) from Mom-Mom’s, Mexican favorites (tacos, burritos) from La Camelia food truck, and local brews from Evil Genius Beer Company.

The block will be lined with over 30 local small businesses, artists, makers, and vintage vendors. Look for unique finds from South Street Art Mart, Philly-centric apparel from South Fellini, and punk rock gear from Crash Bang Boom.

Don’t forget to head inside Philly AIDS Thrift to browse their legendary selection as they officially kick off the Halloween season. It’s the perfect time to find a one-of-a-kind costume while supporting vital local HIV/AIDS service organizations.

Filed Under: Philadelphia Dining
About Jennifer Herman

Jennifer moved to Philadelphia in the spring of 2008 for a job, with no real plans of planting any roots.

However, here she is almost 4 years later and madly in love with the City of Philadelphia. An avid music fan since she can remember, her business partner and her started a music marketing firm in the summer of 2010. They work with local promotors, managers and independent musicians from all over the city (and beyond) to help spread the sounds of all the awesome local talent that the city of brotherly love encompasses. Music, technology, media and design are pretty much what makes her (and her company!) tick. She's so glad to be a part of MyPhillyAlive.com, helping spread the musical love that this awesome city has to offer!