After doing all of your shopping online for more than a year, are you longing to try things on? Did being cooped up inside make you want to spruce up your living space? Do you value locally-made products? If so, you’ll love the pop up shopping opportunities springing up around the city.
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia will host a series of Pop Up shops starting on Friday, June 4. Each weekend local artisans, and businesses owned by people of color and women have been invited to create pop up shops and displays in the hotel lobby. The fashionable new Center City hotel is located at 1620 Chancellor Street, off 17th Street between Walnut and Locust. “We are striving to support local artists and small business owners while also offering guests a distinct experience with Philadelphia flavor,” said Gilbert Santana, general manager of the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia. “Locals too are invited to stop by the hotel to discover new artists and small businesses." The hotel intentionally sought out partnerships with Black- and minority-owned businesses, in keeping with Hyatt’s Change Starts Here commitment. To commemorate Juneteenth, the hotel welcomes October Gallery, one of the oldest African American galleries in the country, followed by Fason de Viv, offering Haitian-inspired fashion designed by a mother/daughter duo.
Schedule:
June 4 & June 5 - Tesoro by Brit Reed Tesoro is a handmade ethical and sustainable leather goods brand, based in Philadelphia. Founded by Brit Reed, Tesoro provides timeless, beautiful and functional leather bags and accessories for those who care about the environment and want their dollar to make a positive impact. Each item is made with leather made in the USA, and handmade with care in their Kensington studio. June 11 through June 13 - Fabric Workshop and Museum Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted both to the creation and presentation of innovative works of art. The institution’s name honors its roots in screenprinting, aligning well with the hotel’s design which also draws from the region’s rich history in textiles. This pop-up shop will feature a selection of artist-designed fabrics and some of FWM’s best-selling products, including bags, bandanas, napkins, umbrellas, ties and other artful gift items. Special edition items include Kiki Smith’s Owl and Pussycat (2002), a flip doll inspired by Edward Lear’s 1871 poem about two unlikely sweethearts and ceramic artist Jun Kaneko’s printed canvas Dash bag (1979/2007), which is akin to a flexible, portable vase.
June 18 through June 20 - October Gallery -- Celebrate Juneteenth, October Gallery’s 36th Anniversary & Father’s Day One of the oldest African American galleries in the country selling mostly contemporary Black art. The gallery has hosted one of the nation’s largest African American Art Expos for 30 years, until the pandemic in 2020. Stop by to enjoy the work, pick up something to spruce up your home and find father’s day gifts to fit any budget. June 25 through June 27 - Fason de Viv Black-owned Fason de Viv offers a carefully-curated selection of unique, affordable, ethically, and environmentally conscious items including a collection created by Zen Samad, the founder, and her mother, as well as other Philadelphia artisans. The Haitian-inspired store in the Fashion District has an eclectic mix of fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decor, art, and beauty brands.
July 16 through July 18 - Feast Jewelry by Adrienne Manno A line of line of contemporary jewelry and accessories, that derives inspiration from designer Adrienne Manno's love of industrial design, combined with her passion for manipulating natural materials. She uses found and sourced organic elements including freshwater pearl, shell, coral, and glass to create pieces that can range from everyday jewelry to wedding day treasures. As an exercise in sustainability, she designs using up-cycled materials when possible, to lighten the footprint of the brand while adding a vintage aesthetic.
July 23 through July 25 - Joshua Hebbert Joshua Hebbert (aka Object Maker) is an artist/designer/potter from Philadelphia. His highly crafted vessels use layers of colored porcelain to create unique patterns. Whether you are searching for a vase to display a fresh bouquet or a set of cups for cocktails, Hebbert’s work will add dynamic patterns and vibrant colors to any living space. The pop ups are free and open to the public. Masks must be worn and health and safety protocol must be followed at all times. Upcoming: For news about more pop ups coming soon follow the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia on Instagram.
This historic building across from Independence Hall was the world’s first building to house a stock exchange, maritime exchange and grain-trading exchange simultaneously. Now the Beau-Arts building is home to an artisanal food hall featuring food and drink vendors from around the globe. This summer The Bourse is teaming up with Art Star, a local boutique, to create a pop up market on weekends. Local craft vendors will be on the outside patio on 5th Street selling quality handmade and artist-designed goods every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Select vendors from the Bourse Food Hall will be open offering food and drink. The Bourse is located at 111 S. Independence Mall East (On 5th Street, between Market and Chestnut).
Center City retailers and neighborhood small businesses will set up shop in Dilworth Park, on the west side of City Hall, every Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Starting June 11 and running through October 2. During the kick-off weekend, there will be a pop-up garden with strolling entertainers and live music. Throughout the summer, there will be activities at Dilworth Park including roller skating on the new roller rink, weekly concerts (on Wednesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m.) and exercise classes.
Cherry Street Pier was an industrial space until it was re-imaged as a cool, open-air event space. It’s built in the shell of a 100-year-old abandoned municipal pier that juts out into the Delaware River near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge providing breath-taking views. The Pier is home to artists’ studios, beer and food trucks and a line up of events ranging from musical performances to pop up stores. Shop beautiful, handmade treasures from local creators every first Friday and the third Sunday of the month. And don’t miss the Sisterly Love Food Fair, a traveling food market, on June 19, July 17 and August 21. This women-led initiative promotes Philadelphia’s women-run hospitality businesses that were affected by the pandemic. Vendors offer pre-packaged items including baked goods, handmade pasta, ramen kits, artisanal condiments and more. Free. Cherry Street Pier is located at 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Juneteenth Pop Ups - Lansdale and Manayunk/Roxborough
Lansdale: Black-owned businesses will line East Main Street in Lansdale on Saturday, June 19 to commemorate Juneteenth. Plus music and food vendors.
Manayunk/Roxborough: A day of recognition, shopping and celebration is planned at 5226-30 Ridge Avenue in Manayunk/Roxborough. Black-owned businesses will be selling clothing, jewelry and accessories, homemade desserts, soul food and self care/wellness items. Plus music. June 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Outdoor Markets on Wesley Avenue in Glenside Shop at the small businesses that line Wesley Avenue in Glenside during the charming community’s outdoor markets. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through June 12. Live music. Food available. These smaller, more frequent events are replacing the annual Spring Arts Festival this year and health protocol will be observed. For a list of weekly vendors, visit
This small business collaborative specializes mostly in handmade, all-natural food products. Other artisan products are also available. Shop online or at weekly outdoor markets every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 208 Carter Drive, Suite 13B in West Chester. Samples available.
It’s never been more important to support local shops and these pop up shops mean it’s never been more fun either.
by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. Visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com for more tips. Looking for safe places to social distance? Vaccinated? Need gifts? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.
For more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including a list of the sweetest places for sweets, where to take outside exercise classes and information about pop-up beer gardens: click here.
Supporting local shops has never been more rewarding, especially with these exciting pop-up events. As you explore the variety of offerings, consider checking out stylish tweed bags, which are making a strong comeback this season. Their classic charm and versatility make them a perfect addition to any wardrobe. From handmade leather to artisanal crafts, there's something for everyone at these pop-up shops. Enjoy discovering new local favorites while adding a timeless piece like a tweed bag to your collection!