"Out & About in MNYK highlights the diversity and heart of Manayunk,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Branding & Digital Marketing Manager Janine Gasarowski. “We’re proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and create a space where everyone feels seen, celebrated and welcomed.”
A Weekend Packed with Pride and Entertainment
The core festival day on Saturday, October 4th, will feature an exciting array of open-air activations and performances. Attendees can explore an LGBTQ+ artisan market across two vendor zones, enjoy a lively Drag Story Time, witness a spectacular open-air drag show, and experience the inaugural Manayunk Idol Karaoke Competition. The night will culminate with a double feature of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Shadowcast by the Transylvanian Nipple Productions.
This year's festival proudly partners with renowned groups like Brittany Lynn and Philly Drag Mafia, the Philadelphia Freedom Band, TNP Productions, and DJ Da Boo Boo, ensuring top-tier entertainment and community engagement.
New Highlights and Expanded Festivities
Adding to the excitement this year is the introduction of the Manayunk Idol Karaoke Competition Canalside, offering contestants the chance to win prizes and perform with the Philly Drag Mafia. Another convenient new feature is a complimentary shuttle service running between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturday, connecting the Out & About in MNYK festival with Roxtoberfest on Ridge Avenue, making it easier for attendees to enjoy both community celebrations.
Weekend Schedule Snapshot:
Warm-Up – Friday, October 3, 2025
- 7:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM): Drag Bingo at Winnie's – Kick off the weekend with laughter, prizes, and fierce performances hosted by Brittany Lynn. Tickets are $25 and include 5 bingo games.
- 7:30 PM (Doors 7:00 PM): Broadway's Baddest: A Miscast Villains of Broadway Night of Cabaret at Fat Lady Brewing – The Pretzel Theater Company presents a unique evening of talented performers taking on iconic villain roles with a twist. Tickets are $15.
Main Festival Day – Saturday, October 4, 2025
- 9:00 AM: Philadelphia Runner Out & About 5K with Queer Run & Hoka – Lace up for a queer-inclusive, no-charge group fun run led by Queer Run, with Hoka offering demo shoes.
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Out & About in MNYK Artisan Vendor Market – Support local LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+-supporting businesses at two locations: Canal View Park and RichardsApex Lot. Vendors include Alto Apothecary, ARI Jewelry Design, Beetle & Bison Artisan Candles, From Mine, to Yours, GB Jewelry, HONEYWOLF Acupuncture, Hyperfixation, Intention niyyah, Kelly Schanes Designs and Risaramics, Maddie Made: Prints & Paintings, Narcotics Anonymous, Philly Dodgeball, Smoooookie, Square Peggy, The Bead Lab, Vintage By Bruce, Waters & The Wild, and Wick-It-Wax.
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Awakenings Pole & Aerial Dance Fitness.
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: New Shuttle between Out & About in MNYK and Roxtoberfest – Enjoy complimentary shuttle service connecting the two festivals.
- 11:00 AM: Drag Story Time at Gay Street (Outdoors in Art Alley) – Hosted by Philly Drag Mafia's "Don" Brittany Lynn. No charge.
- 11:00 AM – Noon: Gold Standard Giveaway at Performance Kitchens & Home (4429 Main Street).
- 12:00 PM: Drag Storytime at Cupid’s Bookshop (106 Grape Street).
- 12:15 PM: Philadelphia Freedom Band – Marching band performance starting at RichardsApex and heading down Main Street. No charge. The Philadelphia Freedom Band (PFB) is a charity organization of talented musicians providing visible, active support to the LGBTQ+ community.
- 1:00 PM: Open-Air Drag Show with Philly Drag Mafia and DJ Da Boo Boo at Gay Street (Outdoors in Art Alley) – No charge. Philly Drag Mafia has been a part of the event since its beginning in 2019 and holds multiple "Best of Philly" awards.
- 3:00 PM: Manayunk Idol Karaoke Competition at Canalside Manayunk – Hosted by Brittany Lynn and DJ Da Boo Boo. Contestants sign up in advance online for a chance to win gift certificates and perform with Philly Drag Mafia. No charge.
- 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM: Rocky Horror Picture Show with Transylvanian Nipple Productions at Venice Island Performing Arts Center – Doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets are $20 per person. Costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged for this iconic cult classic experience. TNP is a Philadelphia-based shadowcast performing since 1997.
- 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM): Night of Queer Comedy at Fat Lady Brewing (4323 Main Street) – A showcase of funny queer comedians in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere with craft brews and tasty bites.
Wind-Down – Sunday, October 5, 2025
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Noon (Doors 11:00 AM): Out & About in MNYK Drag Brunch at Fat Lady Brewing (4323 Main Street) – Featuring Philadelphia’s own Ms. Terr, Dinah Lonliness, and Hungry da Clown. No charge for entry; food and drinks are pay-as-you-go.
Supporting Manayunk Businesses
The Out & About in MNYK Festival is made possible by the dedicated support of local merchants and community spaces. Participating businesses include Awakenings Pole & Aerial Dance Fitness, Canalside Beer Garden, Hotbox Yoga, Intrins Inq, Lucky's Last Chance, Mia Ragazza, Philadelphia Runner, Regal Main Street, RowZone Fitness, Taqueria Amor, The Goat's Beard, Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, and many more.
For the full Out & About schedule, tickets, updates, and detailed information, please visit the Manayunk Development Corporation's official event page.
ABOUT MANAYUNK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION:
The Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the business development, management, and promotion of the Main Street business district. MDC also cooperates with other civic and community organizations in the Manayunk area to plan and carry out community programming and physical improvement projects that benefit both businesses and residents. The MDC is committed to advancing the general welfare of the greater Manayunk area, empowering the community to thrive, and ensuring its businesses prosper. They promote numerous functions annually, including the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, New Hope Auto Show, Halloween Events, New Hope Holiday Events, New Hope Film Festival, New Hope Celebrates Pride Week, Winter Festival, Delaware Canal Festival, and many more.
