Ultimate Guide to the 2026 2nd Street Festival: Food, Music, and Fun

With 14 blocks of activations and over 250 vendors, navigating the 16th Annual 2nd Street Festival on August 2, 2026, is an adventure in itself. Whether you are coming for the sprawling beer gardens, the live indie rock, or the curated artisan market, here is your definitive guide to making the most of Philadelphia’s biggest summer block party.

Bites and Brews

Come hungry, because the food and beverage program is unmatched. The festival will feature 10 distinct beer and cocktail gardens perfect for grabbing a cold drink and people-watching.

Participating Beer Gardens Include:

  • 700 Club
  • Bourbon & Branch
  • Cantina Dos Segundos
  • El Camino Real
  • Jerry’s Bar
  • Joe & Kay
  • Newsroom Philly
  • North Bowl
  • Standard Tap
  • Urban Village Brewing Company

If you prefer to eat on the move, 25 of the region’s top food trucks and mobile vendors will be serving up diverse culinary treats. Expect crowd favorites like Cousins Maine Lobster, Fishtown Pickle Project, Mom-Mom’s Polish Food Cart, and Humpty’s Dumplings. Dozens of Northern Liberties brick-and-mortar eateries will also be serving directly on the street, including Circles Thai, Nourish, and Piazza Alta.

The Live Music Lineup

Live music is the foundation of the 2nd Street Festival. Settle in at one of the two main stages to catch some of Philadelphia’s best local talent.

TimeGermantown Stage (2nd & Germantown)Fairmount Stage (2nd & Fairmount)
12:00 PMTodd Fausnacht & His BandJimmy Everhart (Solo) – Starts 12:15
1:00 PMDaphne EllenCaroline Quinn – Starts 1:15
2:00 PMThe SizeTBD – Starts 2:15
3:00 PMFeasterIMY3 – Starts 3:15
4:00 PMAlright JunioCanyon Flower – Starts 4:15
5:00 PMFullscreenSandcastle – Starts 5:15
6:00 PMMax SwanSophie Coran – Starts 6:15
7:00 PMParty NervesBig Club – Starts 7:15
8:00 PMMoonroofSt. James and The Apostles – Starts 8:15

Family Fun and America 250th Celebrations

The festival goes above and beyond to cater to families. The Piazza will transform into a hub of all-ages entertainment featuring a splash zone, playground, and circus performers.

Key Family Activities:

  • Stilt Walkers by 7textures (Starting at Noon)
  • America 250th Themed Kids Art Activity (Noon to 5:00 PM)
  • Complimentary Face Painting by Chelsea Does It (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
  • Pop-up performances by Project Positive (Noon to 10:00 PM)
  • West Powelton Drumline – Official 76ers Drumline (5:00 PM)
  • Philly Girls Jump Double Dutch (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
  • Red, White and Blue Glowing Giveaway (8:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Shop Local: Art Star and Makers

Ready to do some shopping? Beloved retailer Art Star will curate the 600 block of N. 2nd Street, bringing together dozens of high-end, hyper-local artisan makers. Browse handmade goods ranging from polymer clay jewelry by Clay by Kendra and vintage apparel by Queer Candle Co., to custom woodwork from Secret Society Woodcraft. An additional 100+ makers and community groups will be scattered throughout the rest of the festival footprint, ensuring you won’t leave empty-handed.

16th Annual 2nd Street Festival Brings the Ultimate Summer Block Party Back to Northern Liberties

About Alexis_Aarons

Fashion, sports, entertainment and events, Alexis loves to write about it all! With over four years of public relations experience she has come to MyPhillyAlive to communicate all of the wonderful offerings of her hometown. While earning her BA in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina, Alexis had the opportunity to intern for the Philadelphia Eagles before being asked to be the Philadelphia area Ambassador for Charleston Fashion Week.