Philly summer festival season kicks into overdrive today. For the Italian Market Festival, Connie’s Ric Rac sponsors two days of music that features the likes of Johnny Showcase, Thee, Idea Men, Toy Cannons, and Lovers League. Meanwhile South Philadelphia Taproom plays host to their 9th Annual Wheat Beer Festival which features music from West Philadelphia Orchestra, St. James & The Apostles, Arrah Fisher and The Jawnz.
But the big festival event of the afternoon might just be in Fishtown, which plays host to its annual Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and the always-interesting Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby. While over 200 local art and food vendors sell their goods, the streets will be filled with several bicycle powered moving sculptures racing through mud to compete for best in show. But for the first time in awhile, the timeless art fest will also feature live music curated by Cloud Entertainment. The Deadeyes will bring a stripped-down version of their violin-fueled rock, while Conversations will bring some vibrant danceable indie pop. Brian Fitzy is sure to put fun spin on familiar tunes with his electric violin. The event will also be followed by an afterparty at Bottle Bar East that benefits Rock to the Future. BTW: It’s going to be beautiful out so make it out somewhere today. Trenton Avenue Arts Festival, Trenton Avenue (btwn Norris St. and Frankford Ave.), 12pm, Free, All Ages – Bill McThrill