Kidchella Music Festival is BACK!

Friday, June 26, 2026
4pm-9pm
*Online registration is now closed.
Walk ups are still welcome.

In partnership with Wawa Welcome America, Kidchella 2026 is back!

Get ready to sing, dance, and play at Kidchella 2026 at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse! This FREE family music festival transforms Smith into a kid-friendly concert experience featuring live performances, hands-on activities, food, play, and nonstop fun for children and families of all ages.

This year’s incredible lineup includes performances by:
Interminable
Courtnee Owens
Dende
The Bearded Ladies Cabaret

Youth performances by:
Beyond the Bars

Bring your blankets, dancing shoes, and festival spirit for one of Philadelphia’s most joyful family events of the summer!

About the Artists
Kayid S. Jackson, Youth Emcee, is an actor and musician with five years of experience and training through the Wilma Theater All Stars Program. Kayid is a Theater Major at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and has appeared in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Raisin in the Sun, and All in the Timing.

Interminable is a Philadelphia-based band that creates original music in Spanish, blending Mexican son jarocho, jazz, rock, funk, and electronic influences into a vibrant and innovative sound. Led by award-winning musician Ximena Violante, the group explores themes of community, cultural connection, and social justice while celebrating queer, trans, Black, and Brown voices.

Courtnee Owens is a Philadelphia-based DJ, creative professional, and music curator known for crafting vibrant sets that blend soul, Afrocentric rhythms, R&B, and dance music. A fixture in Philadelphia's music and arts community, Owens brings an energetic and inclusive approach to every performance, creating experiences that celebrate connection through music.

Dendê Macêdo is a Brazilian-born percussionist, singer, composer, educator, and multi-instrumentalist based in Philadelphia. A former member of the renowned percussion ensemble Timbalada, Dendê has performed at major festivals and cultural venues around the world while sharing the rich musical traditions of Bahia, Brazil. Through his performances and educational programs, he inspires audiences with infectious rhythms, cultural storytelling, and a passion for creativity and sustainability.

The Bearded Ladies Cabaret is an acclaimed Philadelphia-based queer arts organization known for its bold, genre-defying performances that blend music, theater, cabaret, drag, and storytelling. Through original works that explore identity, community, and culture, the company creates engaging and thought-provoking experiences for audiences of all ages.

Beyond the Bars is a Philadelphia nonprofit organization that empowers young people through music education, mentoring, and creative expression. By providing free access to instruments, instruction, and performance opportunities, Beyond the Bars helps youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover the transformative power of music.

Coming to Kidchella? Please READ the "KNOW BEFORE YOU GO" section below.
We are expecting a very large turnout for this event. Please read the below information so you have all the necessary information and can have a great experience.

The concert and partner activities will take place on Smith’s expansive Front Lawn. The Playground will be open for play and additional activities. The Giant Wooden Slide will be open! The indoor Playhouse will be CLOSED although the lower level bathrooms will be open - you can access them through the Playground.

Gates Open: 3:45 PM

Please note that attendees will not be permitted to enter before 3:45 PM. We appreciate your patience.

Main Stage Performances: 4pm-8:45pm

Performance times subject to change. ASL interpretation will be available during the event.

8:30 PM – Playground Closes

Visitors will be asked to make their way to the Front Lawn in preparation for the evening finale.

9:00 PM – Fireworks Finale

Taking place near the Playhouse Front Porch. Please note that fireworks include loud noises and bright lights. Playhouse restrooms will not be accessible during the fireworks display. Portable restrooms on the Front Lawn will remain available.

Parking & Transportation Information

FIFA World Cup 26 Travel Advisory

Philadelphia will be welcoming visitors from around the world this summer as part of FIFA World Cup 26 festivities and Fan Festival events. As a result, attendees will experience increased traffic, road closures, and parking impacts throughout Fairmount Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Please allow extra travel time when coming to Kidchella.

Parking

The inner drive at Smith will NOT be open for parking. Attendees should plan to park along Reservoir Drive and throughout East Fairmount Park. Parking availability will be limited, and some roads may experience temporary closures or detours.

We strongly encourage families to:

-Carpool

-Use SEPTA

-Utilize rideshare services

-Bike to Smith when possible

Please be prepared to walk from your parking location to the event.

Helpful Travel Resources

City of Philadelphia FIFA Transportation & Access Plan

PennDOT 511PA Philly Events Portal (511PA.com)

Google Maps or Waze for real-time routing information

Public Transportation

Bus Stops:

Route 32: 33rd St. & Oxford St. (4-minute walk)

Route 3: 33rd St. & Cecil B. Moore Ave. (5-minute walk)

Route 48: 29th St. & Oxford St. (12-minute walk)

Route 7: 29th St. & Girard Ave. (20-minute walk)

Biking

Indego Bike Stations:

33rd St. & Reservoir Dr.

31st St. & Girard Ave.

Bikes may be locked to the bike racks at The Discovery Center parking lot across from Smith

Restrooms
-The restrooms on the lower level of the Playhouse will be open and accessible through the Playground.  Additional porta potties will be located near the Check In area.
*Playhouse restrooms will not be accessible during the Fireworks.

Food/Drinks
-Food trucks will be present at Kidchella. You are also welcome to bring your own food.

-You are encouraged to bring your refillable water containers to use at water refill stations.

-Alcohol is not permitted at this event.

Rules/Safety
-Security will be on site at Kidchella. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Smith is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please be cognizant of where your items are at all times.

-Attendees will need to Check in at either of the 2 Check In stations upon arrival. These will be located at the entrance/exit of the inner drive. All attendees MUST sign in. Signing in serves as your understanding that participating at Kidchella involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, or property damage, which may arise from my own actions or the actions of others.

-Long lines may form during peak times  - we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we make sure all families have a great (and safe) experience.

-All children must be accompanied by an adult to enter the event.

-Animals are NOT permitted at Smith. You will not be allowed to enter if you have an animal with you.

-Alcohol, drugs and smoking are not permitted at this event.

-You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for sitting.

-The indoor Playhouse will be closed for play.

-The American Red Cross will be stationed on-site near Emergency Medical Services and Philadelphia Police Department with an emergency vehicle to support family reunification services.

We are looking forward to a great event. Thank you for your participation and support!

The Smith Staff


ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
WALK UPS ARE WELCOME.