A guide to the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
This weekend, DIY is an understatement. If someone can think it — and make it — you’re likely to see it parade through Kensington on Saturday, May 16, for the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby. A gathering of both artistic and functional proportions, the event is sponsored this year, its 10th annual, by the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union.
This weekend, DIY is an understatement. If someone can think it — and make it — you're likely to see it parade through Kensington on Saturday, May 16, for the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby. A gathering of both artistic and functional proportions, the event is sponsored this year, its 10th annual, by the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union.
Here's what you need to know.
Route
Human-powered sculptures will wheel through a 3.6-mile route starting at Trenton Avenue and Norris Street at 12:30 p.m. The parade will also end here around 3 p.m. with a grand mud pit finish.
Where to watch
Norris Street and Susquehanna Avenue and Cedar Street: Drum line and dancers will bring the intersection to life. Also, Silly String. Don't forget the Silly String. Food and drink specials at Loco Pez (2401 E. Norris St.), Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen (2370 E. Norris St.) and ReAnimator Coffee (1523 E. Susquehanna Ave.).
400 block of East Girard Avenue at Columbia Avenue: Milkcrate Café (400 E. Girard Ave.) will hold a record sale, and DiPinto Guitars (407 E. Girard Ave.) is throwing a record-and-music-equipment flea market. Fill up on Derby Day burger specials at Sketch Burger (413 E. Girard Ave.) after … or before.
300 block of East Girard Avenue at Marlborough Street: A few weeks late, but this viewing spot is paying homage to the fashion styles of the Kentucky Derby, so bring out those hats again. Girard Brasserie (300 E. Girard Ave.) will have the Mint Julep mixers. BYO bourbon.
Frankford and Girard Avenues: Things get soapy in the Sculpture Wash, a special collaboration between Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave.), Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave.) and Fette Sau (1208 Frankford Ave.), all of which will have food and drink specials.
1300 block of Frankford Avenue: What's an outdoor party without some food trucks? They're here. Same with music, a sale at Adorn Boutique (1314 Frankford Ave.), and drink specials at La Colombe coffee truck.
Frankford Avenue and Oxford Street: Drink for the furry pals at PSPCA (1546 Frankford Ave.), where they'll have animal-themed drinks. Sulimay's Urban Salon (1600 Frankford Ave.) will be grilling up hot dogs, and Steap and Grind (1621 Frankford Ave.) will have discounts on iced tea to wash it all down.
2217 Frankford Ave.: Bring your pets for four-legged fun.
2311-13 Frankford Ave.: Two of life's most lauded delicacies — ice cream, from Little Baby's, and pizza, from Pizza Brain — are served to perfection at this stop.
2472 Frankford Ave.: Cold brew from new to the 'hood Incarnate Coffee.
Awards
Have your say in who walks away with the People's Choice Award. Voting runs from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony is set for 3:45 p.m. A panel of judges will determine the winners for Best First-Time Entry, Best Breakdown, Best Art, Best Engineering, Best Costume, Worst Pun, Best Pack, Best 1-2 Person Entry, Best Overall Theme and Judges Choice.
Arts Festival
Besides the procession, an all-day festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. along Trenton Avenue from Norris Street to Dauphin Street. Expect local artists, restaurants, musicians — about 200 of them — to be showcasing their goods and selling their eats.
For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.