Monthly Tacony Traditions Bring the Crowds

Tacony has several traditions that encourage our friends and neighbors to enjoy the outdoors, but none so new and frequent as First Fridays and Third Thursdays! Every month, the Tacony community comes out twice; once for an event focused on art and artists at the Tacony LAB, and once for produce, vendors, and live music at the Jack Costello Boxing Club. Since these little festivals have started, businesses have noticed a marked improvement in positive traffic on Torresdale Avenue and Taconyites from all over the neighborhood have been reconnecting with friends and family!

First Fridays began in December with a Maker's Market, and ever since the Tacony LAB has been hosting monthly events with refreshments, music, and art. Each month, Taconyites explore the LAB, support local artists, and enjoy time spent on Torresdale Avenue. This month, First Friday will be held on June 2nd from 6-9 p.m. and will host the Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia for their First Annual Art Exhibition. The event will feature work from various artists, a spoken word performance by Universetika at 7:45, and a performance from the Rubato School of Music. Join us at 6918 Torresdale Avenue to support the AAC!

Since April of this year, the Tacony Community Development Corporation has been working with local organizations and vendors to put on an outdoor, family friendly event on the third Thursday of every month at the Jack Costello Boxing Club, located at 6846 Torresdale Avenue. Featuring a rotating cast of food trucks and live musicians, Third Thursdays have made a significant positive impact on the Torresdale Business Corridor, bringing crowds of anywhere from 100-300 Taconyites every month! Each Third Thursday also has fresh produce from Capriotti Brothers available for sale, as well as bread from Nonno Ugo's Italian Bakery.

The next Third Thursday will be held on June 15th from 6-9 p.m., and we're very excited to host members of the band Free Range Folk! Free Range Folk is based in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, where they've been performing and growing a cult following for more than a decade. They describe their sound as a blend of Americana and bluegrass and call it "roots dirt rock." This month's Third Thursday will also include homemade desserts from You Need Dessert!, soy candles from Candle Sweet Candle, and works of art from Michiirei, Fay String Art, and Price Club. Other vendors include CityReach Church, who will be hosting a bracelet making activity; The Block Gives Back; Representative Joe Hohenstein; The Tacony Civic Association; and the Jack Costello Boxing Club. Follow along on our social media to find out who else is going to be there!