Philly AIDS Thrift will transform a stretch of South Philadelphia into a full-scale street festival on Saturday, September 26, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., marking 21 years since the nonprofit first opened its doors in 2005. The free, family- and dog-friendly block party spans the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue, between Bainbridge and Monroe streets, and doubles as both a community fundraiser and the official kickoff to Halloween season at one of the region’s most popular thrift costume destinations.
Music, Performances, and a Celebrity Dunk Tank
Peabody Award-winning WXPN host and producer DJ Robert Drake returns as emcee and DJ for the full afternoon. He’ll be joined on the entertainment lineup by Philly Elmo & PME Drumline, the nonprofit percussion group that uses music to engage youth and combat gun violence; Killeé, a Philadelphia funk-and-soul artist who blends psychedelic rock and classic soul with an emphasis on live showmanship; and UgLi, a queer and trans-fronted four-piece rooted in Philly’s DIY punk scene.
The fan-favorite Celebrity Dunk Tank also returns, featuring James Beard Award-winning chef Phila Lorn (Mawn and Sao), chef and Top Chef alum Jen Zavala (Juana Tamale), Crash Bang Boom co-owner Stef Jolles, WXPN’s Eric Schuman, and longtime store manager Adam Proctor.
Pie-Eating Contest, Vendors, Food, and More
The 6th Annual Pie-Eating Contest, emceed by 15-time Emmy Award winner and Philadelphia’s first openly LGBTQ+ television news anchor Jim Donovan, returns with pies provided by MANNA — the Philadelphia-based nonprofit that delivered its 25 millionth medically tailored meal in June 2026. Sign-ups are available day-of, with limited spots.
More than 30 local vendors will line the block, including South Street Art Mart, South Fellini, Crash Bang Boom, and Tamme Handmade. Food will come from Mom-Mom’s pierogi and kielbasa truck and La Camelia’s Mexican food truck, while Fishtown’s Evil Genius Beer Company will pour craft beers throughout the afternoon. Additional activities include face painting, balloon animals, a high striker, and balloon pop.
Two Decades of Community Investment
Since its founding, Philly AIDS Thrift has directed more than $5.7 million to nonprofit organizations providing HIV prevention, care, housing, and support services across the Delaware Valley. In the current grant cycle alone, the organization awarded more than $400,000 to 33 local organizations, including Bebashi – Transition to Hope, The Attic Youth Center, and the William Way LGBT Community Center.
“What started twenty-one years ago with a small group of longtime AIDS activists and a tiny storefront with no heat has grown into something sustained by our shoppers, donors, volunteers, staff, and friends,” said Executive Director and Co-founder Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou.
The block party is free and open to the public. For full details, visit the Philly AIDS Thrift official website or follow the organization on Instagram and Facebook at @phillyaidsthrift.
