Save Philly Festivals!
Why Philly’s Festivals Need Saving — And How DiasporaDNA Is Stepping In
Philadelphia’s festivals aren’t just fun, they’re the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. They boost local businesses, spark cultural pride, and create spaces where communities connect. But these vital events are under threat.
"Philly has a vibrant outside culture that's doesn't need sanctioning"
Octavia Aheebe - West Philly Resident
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, skyrocketing city costs are forcing cancellations. For example, the Midtown Village Fall Festival–once a major economic driver–saw security and city service costs nearly double from $18,800 in 2019 to $40,000 in 2025. Organizers report being “crushed” by rising police patrol fees, which can consume up to 44% of a festival’s budget. The Northern Liberties Night Market canceled entirely after receiving a $24,600 city bill. Event leaders struggle to find alternatives like private security, leaving beloved traditions at risk.
DiasporaDNA believes festivals are worth fighting for. Festivals are living archives of culture, joy, and community resilience, and our programs aim to preserve, celebrate, and sustain them:
Philly Festivals Network: Think Tank
Launching in 2026, the Think Tank will be a full-day gathering of festival producers, sponsors, funders, city officials, and cultural leaders. Together, we will share ideas, build connections, and strengthen collaboration across Philadelphia’s festival community.
Philly Festivals Tour
Hop on the Philly Festivals Tour and take a ride through the city’s vibrant festival history. Experience a tapestry of music, dance, cuisine, photos, videos, and stories from the neighborhoods that bring these celebrations to life. The Tour showcases the events that make Philly shine: from block parties and concerts to parades, fairs, and full-scale festivals.
Philly Festivals Website
Currently in the works, our website (www.phillyfestivals.org), will serve as a central hub for everything festival-related in Philadelphia. It will feature an interactive calendar, event recaps, videos, ticket links, and more–making it easy to stay connected to the city’s festival culture.
Community Archiving Initiative
Festivals are fleeting, but their stories are worth preserving. This initiative captures oral histories, physical and digital artifacts, and diverse community contributions from celebrations of global majority cultures. The goal: to safeguard these memories, build cultural resilience, and make them accessible to the public.
Toolkit for Organizers
Designed for festival organizers, block captains, and community leaders, this toolkit offers practical guidance for creating intentional, impactful, and community-centered events. Volume 2, debuting at Think Tank Day, will incorporate insights from our Planning Session to help festivals thrive sustainably.
Media Justice: City of Festivals Docuseries
The City of Festivals docuseries amplifies the people behind Philadelphia’s celebrations — from festival-goers sharing memories to organizers revealing the artistry and labor that make these events possible. Through lively and celebratory video reels, the series captures how festivals shape collective memory, community belonging, and joy across the city.
Philly’s festivals are worth fighting for. With storytelling, advocacy, and collective action, DiasporaDNA is ensuring these traditions don’t just survive–they thrive. By preserving memories, supporting organizers, and amplifying the value of festivals, we can keep Philadelphia’s neighborhoods vibrant and culturally rich for generations to come.