Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no shortage of events celebrating it in Phoenixville, PA. While the town is vibrant year-round, it truly blossoms in the spring, offering a diverse range of activities that bring the community together.
Whether it’s honoring the town’s rich history, celebrating its creative spirit, or highlighting its commitment to sustainability, Phoenixville’s spring calendar is filled with local traditions and festivities that mark the season’s change. From family-friendly fun to cultural experiences, here are some of the top Phoenixville festivals and activities you won’t want to miss this season.
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SPRING FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS
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Phoenixville Dogwood Festival & Parade
A beloved annual tradition dating back to 1943, the Dogwood Festival in Phoenixville is also one of Chester County’s largest parades. It was founded when retired Army Major General Edward C. Shannon dedicated a dogwood tree in Reeves Park to the men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during World War II.
More than 80 years later, the Dogwood Festival is still celebrated at the same park. It has evolved into a lively community event that features a parade, live entertainment, food, amusement rides, and family-friendly activities. The 2025 Dogwood Festival will take place on May 14-17, 2025, with the parade scheduled on the last day. Sign up for the parade here.
About Reeves Park and the Phoenix Iron Company
Reeves Park, which has served as Phoenixville’s public square since 1872, was a gift to the town from David Reeves, the president of the Phoenix Iron Company at the time.The Phoenix Iron Company is an important part of Phoenixville’s history, and was well-known for two key inventions. The first was the griffin gun, which was widely adopted by the U.S. Army during the Civil War due to its enhanced durability compared to the existing cast iron guns. The second was the Phoenix column, a hollow, structural column that enabled the construction of taller buildings by eliminating the need for load-bearing walls.
Both these inventions cemented the Phoenix Iron Company as a pivotal industrial leader in 19th century America. Today, Reeves Park is a reminder of this legacy, and an important part of life in Phoenixville, PA. Its famous griffin gun still remains proudly on display at the park for all to see.
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First Fridays in Phoenixville
Every first Friday of the month, downtown Phoenixville hosts “First Fridays,” a vibrant street festival where part of Bridge Street transforms into a pedestrian-only zone. This event invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the town’s charm, offering a unique opportunity to explore shops, restaurants, and local businesses in an open-air setting.
Live music fills the air as musicians perform on Bridge and Main Streets, creating a festive atmosphere. Local artisans and vendors showcase their handmade crafts in the Main and Bridge Street parking lot, providing a diverse selection of unique items for purchase. But the main highlight of the year is December’s First Friday, which coincides with the Borough’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. This special event features appearances from the town’s mayor, Santa Claus, and Mrs. Claus, making it a beloved tradition for families and the community.
First Fridays are a delightful way to experience Phoenixville’s unique offerings, supporting local businesses and artists while enjoying a fun-filled evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know the community and the people in it.
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Phoenixville Earth Day
Earth Day celebrations in Phoenixville, PA emphasize community involvement by hosting community planting activities and other communal events. As the first community in Pennsylvania to commit to 100% clean energy back in 2017, it’s clear that Phoenixville cares about the environment. To display the city’s commitment, Earth Day is a red letter day in Phoenixville, complete with a special celebration: the annual Earth Day festival. It is organized by the Phoenixville Green Team and includes showcases, hikes, and art exhibits that promote environmental awareness, sustainability, community engagement, and eco-friendly initiatives.
This year’s Earth Day celebration is titled “Grow with the Flow” and will be held on April 26 at Reservoir Park, from 12 noon until 4 in the afternoon. Scheduled activities include a large group qigong, drum circles, nature journaling, nature walks, and group foraging. At Talk at the Tent, participants will also be able to learn how to grow their own edible mushrooms and craft their own freshwater ecosphere during the workshops. Guests will also be treated to live performances from the event’s guest artists: the Mighty Manatees, The Heartwood Players, Feet First Dance, and Canadian Tuxedo.
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PXV Inside Out Open Air Experience
The PXV Inside Out Open Air Experience is a weekend event where part of Bridge Street turns into a lively open-air pedestrian market. From Friday afternoon to Monday morning, local shops and restaurants can set up shop out on the street, encouraging visitors to stop by and peruse local goods, dine al fresco, enjoy a coffee street-side, and take in the town’s unique charm.
In addition to shopping and dining, the PXV Inside Out Open Air Experience offers entertainment, including live shows and performances, as well as opportunities to relax in the town’s parks. It’s a great way to experience Phoenixville’s community spirit and its growing cultural and business scene, and a favorite weekend activity for the locals in Phoenixville.
This year’s Inside Out Open Air Experience will run from May 23 through October 6, 2025. If you wish to participate as a business (non-food or sidewalk cafe), read the guidelines here, complete the application form, and submit it with other required documents.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPRING FUN
Easter egg hunts and activities
What is spring without an Easter egg hunt? Fortunately, Phoenixville has a bunch to bring together the whole family for a day of fun and enjoyment, along with other activities to mark the spring season.
- German Easter Egg Decorating Workshop – Just a 10-minute drive away from Phoenixville, at the historic Henry Muhlenberg House in Valley Forge, learn about the history of Easter egg decorating and try your hand at historical egg dyeing techniques. The all-ages workshop will be held on April 12 at the Muhlenberg House Visitors Center. Guests can choose from three time slots at 10AM, 12PM, or 2PM. The fee is $20 for members and $25 for non-members, which includes two eggs.
- Brunch with the Easter Bunny – Families can enjoy a day of Easter fun while dining on some great eats at Bistro On Bridge, a local restaurant well-loved by the Phoenixville community. Mark your calendars for this free-for-all event on April 13, starting at 12 noon until 2PM, at the Bistro On Bridge restaurant.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
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Spring season at the Colonial Theatre
Aside from being a premiere moviehouse, the Colonial Theatre is a historical landmark and a cornerstone of Phoenixville’s cultural landscape. The theater started out as a vaudeville house in 1903, providing live entertainment to the townspeople at affordable prices. Despite challenges to its continued existence, the Colonial proudly stands today as the center of entertainment, inspiration, innovation, and creativity in Phoenixville.
Though most famous for its appearance in the 1958 sci-fi horror cult classic The Blob, the Colonial Theatre hosts several memorable events throughout the year, from themed film festivals to live shows featuring local talent. Here are some highlights this season.
- Sorcerer Seminar – Directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin, his 1977 film, Sorcerer, will hit the Colonial’s screen on April 6, 2025 at 1:30PM. A seminar discussing the film’s themes and history will be held prior to the showing, starting at 12:45PM. Tickets are available for purchase here. A general admission ticket costs $5, while members of the Colonial Theater can watch for free.
- COLONIAL 54: An Immersive Disco Experience – Following the success of its 1920s-themed event “Hush: An Immersive Speakeasy Experience”, the Colonial is now reviving the 70s with a night of funky music and disco dancing! Tunes by DJ Moshé, the Spin Therapist, will keep your feet moving all night long, leading to a special performance by Roxanne Rohls as the iconic Liza Minnelli. Save the date on April 11, 2025.
- Poets of Phoenixville – In honor of National Poetry Month, the Colonial is hosting a night of spoken word poetry on April 13, 2025. The event will feature local talent, with poets reciting their own works and performers delivering old favorites, as well as a Q&A portion afterwards.
- Back to BACK TO BLACK: the Amy Winehouse Celebration – Fans of Amy Winehouse are not going to want to miss this! On April 25 at 8PM, the Grammy Award-winning album BACK TO BLACK will be brought to life at the Colonial Theatre. Featuring a 12-piece band and hosted by Remember Jones, this love letter to Amy Winehouse will be a concert unlike any other. Get your tickets here.
- Songwriter’s Workshop with Don Henry – Aspiring songwriters don’t often get the chance to get mentored by a Grammy Award-winning songwriter like Don Henry, but that’s just the magic of the Colonial Theatre. Henry’s songs have been recorded by industry legends like Ray Charles and Kathy Matthea, as well as newer talent like Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, to name a few. The two-hour workshop will take place on May 18, 2025.
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University of Valley Forge Spring Concert
Despite the name, the University of Valley Forge (UVF) is actually located in Phoenixville. Every spring, the university holds an annual concert featuring talented student and faculty musicians, and this year is no different. Join the UVF community for a night of music on April 11, 7;30-10PM at the Flower Chapel at the UVF campus. Reserved tickets for the UVF Spring Concert can be purchased for $25, while general admission seating is $15.
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Annual Mustang & Ford Show
Vintage car lovers will find their stomping grounds easily at Phoenixville with the Annual Mustang & Ford Show, taking place at Kimberton Fairgrounds right at the heart of town. This highly anticipated event gathers automotive enthusiasts from all over the region to showcase their Mustangs and other Ford vehicles, both modern and vintage. Prizes are awarded to the best in class in different categories, but the true draw of the event is the opportunity to mingle with fellow car enthusiasts and to admire rare and vintage models.
This annual event is hosted by the Valley Forge Mustang Club, a chapter of the Mustang Club of America. Aside from the annual car show, the club also hosts informal gatherings for their members to meet and share their passion for the Ford Mustang. It will take place on May 25 at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds.
SPRING EVENTS AROUND PHOENIXVILLE
One of the great things about living in Phoenixville is its proximity to other townships like Collegeville and Valley Forge, which also have their own springtime celebrations that Phoenixville residents are welcome to enjoy.
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Adult Egg Hunt at Collegeville
Easter isn’t just for the kids! Just a ten-minute drive away from Phoenixville is Collegeville, where Evansburg Vineyards & Bistro is located. This scenic vineyard doesn’t just produce an excellent selection of wines; it holds events and workshops for everyone to enjoy.
For the 2025 Easter season, Evansburg Vineyards is hosting an Adult Egg Hunt at 12 noon on April 13. Limited to guests aged 21 and above, it’s a rare opportunity for adults to feel like kids again as you scavenge for eggs throughout this gorgeous four-acre estate. Tickets go for $10 and will only be available on-site on the day of the event.
Evansburg Vineyards also hosts an annual Spring Sips Festival in March featuring their in-house wines, as well as live music nights, trivia contests, and vineyard tours throughout the year.
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Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run
Now in its 19th year, the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run has become a springtime tradition in Valley Forge, a neighborhood situated less than ten minutes away from Phoenixville. Runners of all age groups and skill levels are invited to run a five-mile course through the Valley Forge National Historical Park, which served as a refuge for George Washington and the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778.
Several types of tickets are available for purchase – the standard 5-mile on-site run ticket is priced at $60, while the 2-mile walk and virtual run tickets go for $45 each. Funds raised by the event will be used for the upkeep and preservation of the park. Race day takes place on April 13, starting at 4:30AM.
BE NEAR THE ACTION IN PHOENIXVILLE, PA
Spring in Phoenixville is full of life and excitement, with numerous festivals and activities that bring the community together. From the beloved Dogwood Festival to unique Earth Day celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the other things you can do in Phoenixville, PA in our blog post here.
If you would like to learn more about your real estate opportunities in the area, the DeZarate Real Estate Sales Group can help you explore homes for sale in Phoenixville. With 18 years of experience and a reputation for personalized service, the charm and energy of wonderful Phoenixville is within your grasp. Call us at 484.881.2397 or send an email to get started today.