Arts, food, nusic, more at Lansdowne arts fest Sept. 10
LANSDOWNE » The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is proud to present the Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival on Sunday, Sept. 10. From noon-6 p.m., Lansdowne Avenue will close and become a pedestrian-only thoroughfare between East LaCrosse and Baltimore avenues. Centered in the heart of the historic downtown in front of the Lansdowne Theater, this exciting street festival is expected to draw more than 2,500 people for a full day of music, makers, craft brew, food trucks and more.
The team from Conshohocken Brewing Company will be back again this year to pour throughout the day at the festival’s pop up beer garden. This new regional brewer crafts IPAs, Imperials and more. Festival organizers are delighted to have them join us to share their “fresh, highquality beers with the good people” in Lansdowne.
Over 35 local artists and makers will sell their wares along Lansdowne Avenue. Festival-goers can look forward to one-of-a-kind creations and demonstrations by the artists. Items include ceramics, photography, painting, drawing, jewelry and mixed media.
Activities include Xscape the Room, which offers “live action escape games.” For children, YMCA’s Kid Zone returns in the parking lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue. The Kids’ Zone will include an inflatable obstacle course, jugglers, free arts and crafts and many more free activities to keep kids happy.
Many of the restaurants and shops along Lansdowne Avenue will open their doors to festival visitors throughout the day and into the evening, with alfresco dining along the avenue as well as food and drink specials. Popular spots include The Avenue Deli, Regency Café, and the Icery. Other nearby restaurants will be setting up outdoor booths and several food trucks are coming. Food trucks include Rio Brazilian Steak Truck, Cheese E. Wagon, and Kung Fu Hoagies.
“This year’s Festival continues to expand on our community’s commitment to arts and music,” said LEDC Executive Director Deborah Brodeur. “It is always exciting to watch how the Festival changes from year to year, and this year’s outdoor street festival will be bigger and better than last year. The festival is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and diversity in artists and musicians in this area.”
There will be two music tents — one with DJ entertainment and one with live music. Throughout the day, attendees can experience a diverse range of sounds performed by local artists in the Music Tent. “We have a very strong musical line up this year, there is truly something for everyone,” said Bob Beach, music director for the Arts on the Avenue Festival. This year’s music schedule will include:
• Noon: Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra String Quartet at noon
• 1 p.m.: Fingerstyle Andy McLeod
• 2 p.m.: Acoustic Americana duo Last Chance
• 3 p.m.: Joan and Joni, a tribute to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell guitarist
• 4 p.m.: Cowboy group Sons of Pitches
• 5 p.m. Minas Brazilian Jazz and Kids’ Parade (with instruments made at the Kid Zone)
For a complete schedule and a roster of musicians and exhibitors, visit www. lansdowneartsontheavenue.com. jazz The festival is a rain or shine event and is easily accessed by SEPTA. For schedules and fare rates, contact SEPTA at 215-580-7800 or at www. septa.org
Free parking is available either on the side streets, at the municipal lot on North Highland Avenue near Baltimore Avenue (behind the Dunkin’ Donuts) or in the two SEPTA train station lots only one block from the festival.
The Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival is presented by the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). The LEDC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support, encourage and promote sustainable economic growth in the Borough of Lansdowne. We do this through focused economic development activities and services, as well as through a series of programmatic events. For more information on the LEDC, visit www.lansdownesfuture.org