PHILADELPHIA - One of South Philadelphia's most electrifying art destinations is throwing a neighborhood party. Nice Things Handmade and the Percy Street Project have announced the official debut of First Fridays on Percy Street, starting on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The open-air community celebration will take over the 1300 block of S. Percy Street in the heart of Passyunk Square, with a second summer installment scheduled for Thursday, July 3. The free, all-ages event welcomes families and pets alike, promising an energetic block party atmosphere nestled inside a glowing Alley's famous for its illuminated murals.
The series unfolds on a block already famous for urban transformation. Percy Street is home to "Electric Street," a striking neon light installation created by artists David Guinn and Drew Billiau in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Knight Foundation. The public art project famously turned a once-troubled alleyway into one of the city's most distinctive, glowing landmarks. David Guinn, who remains a driving force behind Percy Street, maintains the space alongside local community members and fellow creators to ensure the neighborhood gem stays vibrant.
For Nice Things Handmade owner and founder Elissa Kara, this new event series represents a natural evolution for the space. She notes that Percy Street has always been about neighbors coming together to rally and create something beautiful and joyful from an overlooked corner of the city. Elissa Kara envisions First Fridays as the next chapter in activating the block, providing artists of every medium a physical place to showcase their work while establishing a brand-new South Philly summer tradition.
The June kickoff features a heavily anticipated culinary return to the neighborhood. Beloved Philadelphia baker Phil Korshak is stepping back up to the grill, serving hot dogs and street treats as a preview of his brand-new brick-and-mortar venture, Korshak Parkside Provisions, which is slated to open later this summer at 13th and Reed Streets. On the sweeter side of the Alley's, Chilly Banana will be on hand to dish up dairy-free, vegan banana whips loaded with a magical assortment of toppings.
Entertainment will echo from every corner of the block throughout the evening. Banjo player Houston West will welcome attendees at the Reed Street entrance, while The Jillian Ashcraft Quartet performs a live set from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the 9th Street entrance as part of The Shady Cat Speakeasy. In the center of the block, DJ Linz and Mars will be spinning music throughout the event. Live art will also take center stage through a showcase sponsored by Rosebear Arts, featuring local talents Zach Woomer, Worldsgraytest Art, and Luke Weichmann, who will paint live on a massive, four-sided free mural wall. A rotating lineup of local artists will continue to create seasonal mural installations throughout the summer series, constantly adding fresh layers to Percy Street's existing backdrop.
In addition to the live entertainment, the event will host more than 40 local makers, crafters, and independent businesses. Attendees can browse a deep roster of Philadelphia talent showcasing handmade goods, fine art, apparel, and jewelry. Featured vendors include Ally's Art, Bodacious Caricatures, Collide Zine, Crown Collective, DK Hannon Illustration, Designs By Rel, DrS Glass, Fantastically Damaged, Fever Dreams Artwork, Goosepoop Games, Hooked by Tammy, Jewelrywithme, Lily Lough Jewelry, Kimiko Benjamin, Meal Ticket Jewelry, Mystical Mechanic, Nicholas Bennett Home, Philly Ain't Bad, ThatsBearlyArt, The Creep Boutique, and Unruly Patchouli, with dozens more to be revealed closer to the event dates.
The driving force behind the marketplace, Nice Things Handmade, operates its permanent gift boutique and art gallery nearby at 1731 East Passyunk Avenue. Curated by Elissa Kara, who specializes in hand-spun, hand-dyed textile arts, the shop supports 75 top regional and national artists. While many makers have shifted entirely online, the boutique focuses on maintaining a physical space where patrons can appreciate the tactile variations, stitchwork, and true quality of physical craft—a philosophy that now extends into the neon glow of the Percy Street block party.
Sources
- Nice Things Handmade & Percy Street Project Press Release – Event details, vendor coordination, and seasonal scheduling for 2026.
- Mural Arts Philadelphia Archive – Historical background on the development of the "Electric Street" public art installation.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is for food and foodies. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.
