September 01, 2026
Danielle Walton/For @CampusPhilly
Campus Philly expects more than 3,500 students at the CollegeFest Block Party on Race Street on Sept. 19. The free event will feature live music, drag performances, a student lip-sync battle and giveaways.
For one Saturday in September, Race Street will become a giant welcome-to-Philly party for college students.
Campus Philly expects more than 3,500 students at its CollegeFest Block Party on Sept. 19. The free event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. between 19th and 20th streets, outside Moore College of Art & Design.
The stage lineup mixes live music with a little friendly competition. DJ Til the AM, DJ Console and Hue Hinton & Band will perform, while students can step into the spotlight for a lip-sync battle led by Drag Queen Entertainment. Samara Lanegra and Astala Vista will also appear for drag performances.
Away from the stage, organizations and businesses will fill the block with activities, giveaways and free products geared toward college life in Philadelphia.
The block party is the biggest gathering point during CollegeFest, a weeklong program running Sept. 14-20. Students who register in advance will receive a digital pass offering free admission to more than 30 museums, historic sites and attractions on select days.
The list covers many of the places students are told they should visit after moving to Philly. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Zoo, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Penn Museum, the Mütter Museum and the National Constitution Center are all participating. The pass can also be used at Battleship New Jersey in Camden.
Registered students can ride the Philly PHLASH for free throughout CollegeFest. New Indego members can also get their first month of Indego30 for $1, which includes unlimited rides of up to one hour for 30 days.
CollegeFest and the block party are free for college students, but advance registration is required. Students must show the confirmation email containing their digital pass to enter the party and participating attractions.
The complete museum schedule and CollegeFest registration are available through Campus Philly.
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Race Street between 19th and 20th streets
Outside Moore College of Art & Design
1916 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Free for college students
Advance CollegeFest registration required
This content was generated by PhillyVoice Media Events, not by the newsroom staff.
