2011 PHILLY FESTIVALS FOCUS ON EVERYTHING FROM SCIENCE & STRAWBERRIES TO MUSIC & MUSHROOMS

New Additions To The Festival Roster: Philadelphia International Festival Of The Arts &

Philadelphia Science Festival

PHILADELPHIA, March 4, 2011 – Philly has always been a festival kind of town, and that’s especially true in 2011 with two major additions to the festival roster in April. The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts features 31 commissions, 135 events and more than 140 partners for a 25-day cultural extravaganza, while the Philadelphia Science Festival takes to the streets, bars, museums and classrooms of the city with 55 events that show the importance of science is in everyday life. Beyond April, revelers can continue to celebrate many of their favorite things as festivals pay homage to everything from mushrooms, music, food, film, apples, art and more.

Here’s a look at the many fetes planned in Philly for 2011:

March:

• Traditional tea ceremonies, taiko drums, origami demos, sushi classes, music, films, Japanese theater performances, kids’ activities and other activities taking place during the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival bring the traditions and culture of the “Land of the Rising Sun” to the Shofuso House and other venues throughout the region. March 4- April 10. (215) 790-3810, jasgp.org/cherryblossomfestival

April:

• Musicians, dancers, actors, jugglers, puppeteers and acrobats delight young audiences at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts during the 27^th annual Philadelphia International Children’s Festival. April 7-9. (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org

·         The first-ever Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) brings together 135 arts organizations for a 25-day extravaganza celebrating music, dance, theater, painting, circus acts, fashion, culinary arts and many other art forms. It all culminates with an outdoor extravaganza on Broad Street—complete with a giant ferris wheel, live entertainment and high-flying aerialists who will dazzle crowds while performing more than 200 feet in the air. April 7-May 1. (215) 790-5800, pifa.org

·         With hands-on events for kids, sophisticated activities for adults and a carnival that takes place along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the first Philadelphia Science Festival takes science out of the lab and demonstrates the role it plays in everyday life. April 15-28. (215) 448-2366, philadelphiasciencefestival.org

• The strip known as East Passyunk is reaching its zenith as a hot destination for quality craft beer and food, and Flavors of the Avenue raises awareness of this culinary progress and prowess. More than 20 of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants and bars gather to dish out their goods, while bands, a fashion show and a craft market entertain the outdoor crowd. April 30. (215) 336-1455,visiteastpassyunk.com

May:

• Strawberry treats of all sorts, live entertainment and pie-eating contests add to the festivities at the 42^nd annual Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village. April 30-May 1. (215) 794-4000,peddlersvillage.com
• Budding interior designers can get decorating and home makeover ideas from more than 150 home and garden vendors at the Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival, a six-block, fun-for-everyone party that includes demos, live entertainment, alfresco dining, amusement rides and earth-friendly displays along Germantown Avenue. May 1. (215) 247-6696, chestnuthillpa.com
• New Hope’s eighth annual New Hope Celebrates Pride includes the Pride Parade, athletic events, a performance by comedian Poppy Champlin, a dance and more. May 11-15. newhopecelebrates.com

·         The Rittenhouse Row Festival transforms Philadelphia’s trendiest shopping district into a come-one, come-all street fest for a day
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