Mummers Mardi Gras: Know Before You Go

Feb 16, 2016 0 comments

By: Leo Dillinger

With Mummers Mardi Gras only days away, we're sure you've got questions. Well, we've got answers! Here is everything you need to know for Saturday:

What is Mummers Mardi Gras?

Mummers Mardi Gras is a family-friendly musical celebration that supports one of Philadelphia's oldest traditions. This is an excellent opportunity to catch all 17 string bands in the intimate, historic setting of Main Street, Manayunk. The purpose of this event is to raise money for the string bands and intruduce the music of the Mummers to a brand new generation of Philadelphians.

When is it? Where is it?

The event is the Saturday, February 20th. The parade begins at 11am at the intersection of Main Street and Shurs Lane. The parade route runs the length of Main Street down to Green Lane. Once the parade is over, the string bands will take to our participating Manayunk Bars and Restaurants, which will serve as Mummers Clubhouses throughout the afternoon.

When will Main Street be closed?

Main Street will be closed to cars between Shurs Lane and Green Lane between 9AM and 2PM.

Where can I find parking? Can I get to Manayunk without driving?

Although our Main Street parking lots will be inaccessible after 9AM, you can also park at 4000 Main Street and the Green Lane lot. We also encourage our Parade-goers to use SEPTA (Manayunk-Norristown Line) or take a cab/Uber/Lyft down to Manayunk. SEPTA Main Street Detour can be found below. Buses will be rerouted to Ridge Ave. so it is best to get off the bus at the Wissahickon Transfer Station and walk into town via Main Street

Route 35: Southbound via Manayunk:
R- Leverington R – Ridge
Regular route

North Bound Via Ridge
Left on Leverington, Right on Umbria
Regular Route

Check SEPTA website/mobile app for updates.

What is the marching order of the String Bands?

Where on Main Street will the Mummers be performing?

The Mummers will stop and perform at three different locations on Main Street: Pensdale Street, Cotton Street, and Levering Street.

What bars and restaurants will be Mummers Clubhouses?

Below, you will find a list of participating bars and restaurants along with the bands that will be performing there...

Bourbon Blue (2 Rector Street): Greater Overbrook String Band

Castle Roxx (105 Shurs Lane): Trilby String Band

Couch Tomato Bistro (100 Rector Street): Polish American String Band

Craft Manayunk (4141 Main Street): Aqua String Band

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar (4358 Main Street): Broomall String Band

JD McGillicuddy's (111 Cotton Street): Quaker City String Band

Kildare's (4417 Main Street): Durning String Band

Mad River Bar and Grill (4100 Main Street): Hegeman String Band, Pennsport String Band, & Uptown String Band

Manayunk Brewery (4120 Main Street): Duffy String Band, Fralinger String Band, & Woodland String Band

Mummers Headquarters (4323 Main Street): South Philadelphia String Band

Smokin' John's BBQ (4258 Main Street): Avalon String Band

Winnie's LeBus (4266 Main Street): Greater Kensington String Band
Zesty's (4382 Main Street): Ferko String Band

What the heck is a "Mummers Headquarters"?

Located at 4323 Main Street, this vacant, two-story storefront will be the central hub on Main Street for all things Mummers. There will be food, beverages, merchandise, sponsor tables, a photobooth, and performances from the South Philadelphia String Band.

How can I donate to the Mummers?

I'm glad you asked! You can directly donate online at our "I Am a Mummer" website here. There will also be Bucket Brigaders walking along the parade route with Mardi Gras beads. If you make a donation of any amount, you will receive free Mardi Gras beads.