PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philly AIDS Thrift has announced the grand return of its beloved anniversary block party, street festival, and Halloween kick-off event. Celebrating a major milestone, the Philly AIDS Thrift 21st Anniversary Block Party will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The no-charge, family- and fido-friendly event transforms the streets outside the iconic store on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge St. and Monroe St.). Known as one of the biggest fall festivals in Philadelphia, this annual tradition returns just off South Street to celebrate community spirit and raise vital funds.
Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN, DJ Robert Drake, will serve as emcee and spin tunes all day. The live lineup includes high-energy percussion from Philly Elmo & PME Drumline, funk-and-soul-influenced artist Killeé, and queer/trans-fronted DIY punk band UgLi.
One of the festival's most anticipated highlights is the annual Celebrity Dunk Tank. This year's lineup features prominent local figures willing to take the plunge for a good cause, including:
- Phila Lorn: James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of Mawn and Sao.
- Jen Zavala: Chef and Owner of Juana Tamale and former Top Chef contestant.
- Stef Jolles: Co-Owner of Crash Bang Boom punk boutique.
- Eric Schuman: WXPN host of "Indie Rock Hit Parade."
- Adam Proctor: Philly AIDS Thrift's longtime manager.
Attendees can also look forward to the 6th Annual Pie-Eating Contest, emceed by retired 15-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor Jim Donovan, with pies generously provided by MANNA.
Beyond the entertainment, the day includes games, activities, and over 30 local craft and vintage vendors, including South Street Art Mart and South Fellini. Foodies can enjoy Polish-American favorites from Mom-Mom's, Mexican cuisine from La Camelia food truck, and craft brews from Evil Genius Beer Company.
This celebration highlights how Philly AIDS Thrift turns secondhand treasures into vital funding for local HIV/AIDS service organizations. Since its founding, the organization has donated over $5.7 million back to the community, including more than $400,000 in grants to 33 local organizations this year alone.
The event also serves as the official region-wide kick-off to the Halloween season, with Philly AIDS Thrift solidifying its reputation as the region's #1 Halloween thrift costume destination.
"We're so excited to celebrate 21 years of Philly AIDS Thrift with the community that has made all of this possible," said Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, Executive Director and Co-founder. "The Block Party brings together so much of what we love about Philadelphia: the music, food, local artists and businesses, and people coming together."
For more information, visit phillyaidsthrift.com.
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