Every year, the S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival brings unique traditions out for the public to enjoy, and 2026 will be no different, with dates set for Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.

Taking place throughout the iconic and historic Philadelphia landmark (aka the Italian Market itself), locals and visitors will be able to walk through 112 years of history within the venue while also perusing through vendors, trying provincial fare, listening to live music, and partaking in some of the quirky attractions that make this celebration one-of-a-kind.

Live entertainment will be featured throughout the weekend at the Washington Avenue Stage. On Saturday,  the Curtis School Jazz Band will kick things off from noon to 2 p.m., followed by Shore Dogs from 3 to 5 p.m. On Sunday, 99 Reasons will take the stage (noon to 2 p.m.) with the Michael James Berg Band closing out the weekend (3 to 5 p.m.) Festivalgoers can also enjoy live DJ sets with Timmy DeSimone camped out at the 12 Steps Down Stage (9th and Christian streets) on both Saturday and Sunday, and DJ Eric Bartello at the 9th and Montrose Piazza for the duration of the fest.

The annual John Marzano Half Ball Tournament is also returning on the first day of the festival at the Christopher Columbus Charter Schoolyard, with games beginning at 10 a.m. A longtime neighborhood favorite, the tournament supports the John Marzano Wood Bat Scout League, and teams are welcome to register on-site the morning of the event.

The fun continues on Sunday, May 17, with the historic St. Paul Parish Procession of Saints beginning at 11 a.m. The procession will start at Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church, pause at 9th and Washington Avenue for the traditional Blessing of the Market, and conclude at Saint Paul Catholic Church at the corner of South Hutchinson and Christian streets.

And lastly, but most certainly not least, the 30-foot high grease pole will be on-site both days. Greased with lard, teams will be able to compete for prizes — like meats, cheeses, gift cards and money — by making their way and hanging from the top of the pole — and it’s definitely not as easy as some might think. Teams can register on-site the day of the event and try their hand at the uniquely Philly challenge.

In addition to all of the fun that the festival brings, some of the area’s bars and restaurants will also be joining in on the extravaganza with special offerings. Chef Dave Conn’s seasonal American restaurant Alice, for one, will be serving up a one-time-only to-go menu (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

The menu features an Aperol Spritz for $15, Peroni for $7, and a Spaghett — a “beer spritz” made with Aperol, Miller High Life, and lemon juice — for $10, alongside rosé by the glass ($10 for 6 oz. or $15 for 9 oz.), plus dishes like spaghetti and crabs and charcoal-grilled wings, both priced at $15.

With a full lineup of entertainment, traditions, and local flavors, this year’s celebration promises another jam-packed weekend in one of Philadelphia’s most beloved destinations.

To learn more information on the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, visit  italianmarketphilly.org

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