Ensemble Arts Philly is kicking off the new arts season with the return of the Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a free, day‑long celebration of music, theater, dance and visual art for the whole family. The event will take place Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Plaza stage inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
More than 60 local arts groups on one stage
Leslie Patterson‑Tyler, Senior Vice President of Community Impact & Civic Engagement at Ensemble Arts Philly, says the festival will feature over 60 arts and cultural organizations offering a variety of activities. “We’ll have live performances, interactive and immersive artistic experiences, giveaways, and venue tours,” she explained.
Attendees can expect a mix of high‑profile and community‑based programming. The Plaza stage will showcase numbers from the Kimmel Center’s Broadway series, including a preview of the upcoming production of Mamma Mia! and a tribute to Alicia Keys’ musical Hell’s Kitchen. A string quintet composed of Philadelphia Orchestra musicians will add classical flair, while Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ballet, The Philly Pops and other local groups present short performances throughout the day.
Family‑focused fun and special discounts
In addition to the free performances, the festival will offer 50 percent off tickets to select Kimmel Center shows – a discount Patterson‑Tyler called “unheard of.” She added that the reduced‑price tickets are a way to encourage families to enjoy group outings beyond the festival itself. “This is a great way to get that group activity out of the group chat,” she said.
Kids can explore hands‑on art stations, try their hand at creating their own mini‑sculptures, and participate in interactive storytelling sessions. Local vendors will provide food, crafts and giveaways, making the event a full‑day outing for parents, grandparents and children alike.
Kimmel Center marks 25 years
The festival also coincides with the Kimmel Center’s 25th anniversary. The venue plans a special celebration later in the day, highlighting its role as a cultural hub for the city and its commitment to supporting local artists.
Ensemble Arts Philly’s mission is to make the arts accessible to all Philadelphians, and the Fall Arts Fest is a flagship example of that goal. By offering a free, high‑quality cultural experience in the heart of Center City, the organization hopes to spark ongoing interest in the city’s vibrant arts scene and encourage residents to attend future performances at the Kimmel Center and other venues.
For more information about the festival schedule, participating organizations and discounted ticket offers, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
