This Weekend - The Narberth Spring Sidewalk Festival

What happens when the Narberth Music and Arts Fest, Sidewalk Sale, First Friday, and the Circus all fall on the same weekend? And how about if that weekend kicks off a month-long celebration, called NarbART Guitar Month?  It all adds up to the Narberth Spring Sidewalk Festival.

One of the Main Line’s favorite small towns, Narberth has evolved into a wonderful mix of past and present.  In just the span of a couple blocks, a great collection of interesting little shops and boutiques share the downtown with “Mayberry-esque” classics, like a locally owned grocery store, hardware store, drugstore, toy store, and movie theater.

Sidewalk Sales have been a Narberth tradition for years, offering shoppers a chance to find bargains as they stroll the Narberth downtown in the spring weather.  These May weekends have inspired many a Mother’s Day present over the years from the roster of unique family-owned shops. 

As a special treat this year, shoppers will get to see unique pieces of guitar-inspired art in many of the store windows.  This NarbArt Guitar Month  was created by Beth Warren and the team at Sweet Mabel Gallery and Studio.  They naturally brought Dan Gold from Danny’s Guitar Shop on board, and then started working with local artists to create some great original guitar art.

The Sidewalk sale runs all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but things really kick off with Grillin’ and Chillin’ on Thursday evening.  Local DJ, Kevin Murphy, spins the tunes, while locals enjoy street food and beautiful spring weather after work on Forrest Avenue.

Narberth’s First Friday continues the guitar theme with live music all around town.  Sweet Mabel, Danny’s Guitar Shop, Narberth Café, Homemade Sandwich Shop, and The Greeks will all have live music in the evening.  After 10pm, The Great American Pub of Narberth will host a live band, and McShea’s will feature a guitar jam with Nik Fox, Zach Fay & Chris Coyle.  Sweet Mabel, the epicenter of all things First Friday in Narberth, will have a special showing of guitar art.  Their neighbor on the Hill, The Handwork Studio will be showing Kids Needle Art.

Saturday starts with an 11am train station circle performance by the young dancers from DanceXpress.  The Narberth Business Association has carnival games and a free moonbounce on Forrest Ave for kids who need a break from sidewalk shopping. 

The Circus grounds down in the park will a busy place, with performances at 1:00, 4:30 and 7:30pm.  Keep an eye out for the caravan rolling into town, and you may be able to see the tent go up.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at Borough Hall.  Proceeds go to support the Narberth Community Library.

The weekend finishes strong, with the Narberth Music & Arts Festival, on Sunday from 2-7pm.  This street party is complete with great food and drinks from McShea’s and The Greeks, face painting, dancers, and free live music all day.  Making its debut will be Artists’ Alley, a collection of artists and artisans in tents lining Forrest Avenue.  Acts include Vox Prophet, Narband, The Lucky Stiffs, and Powerhouse.   Everyone attending is encouraged to to bring canned goods or make a donation to Philabundance.

For more information, see www.narberthonline.com.