Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia
Prepare your stomachs for one of Philadelphia’s most loved springtime traditions:the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, happening this weekend, May 17 and 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stretching across seven blocks of South Philly, this free, open air event celebrates over a century of culture, cuisine, and community in the nation’s oldest continuously operating outdoor market.
Food, Flavor & Festivities
Via Italian Market’s Website
The festival features over 100 vendors offering everything from classic Italian dishes like cannoli, sausage and peppers, and roast pork sandwiches to Mexican tacos, gelato, and cocktails in whole pineapples. Local favorites such as Di Bruno Bros., Isgro Pastries, and Los Gallos will be serving up their specialties which are not to miss. Enjoy a wine slushie while strolling through the market or watch as chefs go head-to-head in pop-up food competitions.
Music, Games & Greased Poles
There are two main stages at 9th & Washington and 9th & Christian Street, featuring local bands and DJs. The festival also hosts the John Marzano Halfball Tournament on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Christopher Columbus Charter Schoolyard.
But the real showstopper? The Grease Pole Climbing Competition. Watch as teams form human pyramids to climb a 30-foot lard-covered pole, competing for Italian meats, cheeses, and top bragging rights. This tradition, known as Albero della Cuccagna, is a wild experience that you have to see to believe.
Getting There
With street closures and limited parking, public transportation is your best bet. Take SEPTA routes 47, 47M, or 64, or hop off the Broad Street Line at Ellsworth-Federal and walk 10–15 minutes to the festival. This is a rain-or-shine event, so bring your appetite, your camera, and your love for all things Philadelphia!
After indulging in all that amazing Italian food, why not sip on something bold? Philadelphia’s serving up some serious flavors this weekend. Check out the best cocktail spots here.
