Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be rolling in the dough to enjoy art galleries and museums. Some of the most talented visual artists have work that can be viewed for free, as long as city-goers know when and where to go to experience this beautiful art. College students, this means you. Keep reading for a list of different art (and sometimes music) exhibits available in Philly this week — and all for free.
Craft Phila – Liberty Bell Fair
When: Saturday May 16, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday May 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Where: Independence Square (20 South 6th Street) Cost: Free!
Come out to the center of historic Philadelphia in Old City and enjoy an open-air artists and makers fair right across from the famous Liberty Bell. The fair will feature beautifully handmade craft and wares, visual arts, and fashion, all by talented independent artists from the area. The event will also offer delicious food from some of Philly’s top food trucks, craft brews, musicians and performers, prizes, and take-home crafts for children.
Word & Image: Contemporary Artists Connect to Fraktur
When: Monday April 13 – Sunday June 14 Where: Free Library of Philadelphia (1901 Vine Street) Cost: Free!
This intriguing exhibition is one of two held by the Free Library as part of their Framing Fraktur event, a three-month celebration of the manuscript art made by German immigrants known as Fraktur. This particular exhibit displays drawings, paintings, woodblock prints, and embroideries by seven international artists who created their work to convey their respective cultures.
Chester County Studio Tour
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Throughout Chester County Cost: Free!
A 2-day tour event featuring 100 artists and 47 studios, CCST encourages local art-lovers to view one of their maps, browse through participating artists, and pick a road to follow and stop at local studios along the way. The event has charted scenic roads for viewers to travel along until they reach all, or a few, of the studio destinations. Each studio features different types of visual art.
Kensington Kenetic Sculpture Derby & Arts Festival
When: Saturday May 16, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Where: Trenton Avenue and Norris Street Cost: Free!
The Philadelphia Federal Credit Union is hosting this 9th annual fun, wacky, outdoor festival in the Kensington neighborhood. Local residents call it the “best day in the neighborhood.” It will feature nearly 200 art vendors along with a parade of human-powered sculptural floats. This non-traditional design competition encourages creativity and a sense of community through the hilarious costumes and quirkly float themes.
Haverford Spring Fest
When: Sunday May 17, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Where: 2 Brookline Blvd, Havertown Cost: Free, but $2 donation encouraged
Haverford Spring Fest is a celebration of spring and the blooming art and music culture of Haverford township. The festival will include art and business vendors and a performance lineup that includes generations of headliners from Philly’s music scene, along with food, drinks, and a fun zone for kids. This is a perfect chance to enjoy the outdoors in the new spring weather and celebrate a sense of community with neighbors.
