The annual festival, which draws thousands to Center City, is taking a hiatus in 2025. Organizers say the decision stems from declining corporate sponsorships and increasing city-related costs, including public safety.
"The city had become much more expensive, especially the police bill," said Fergus Carey, president of the Midtown Village Merchants Association. "We still owe money from last year. We thought, well, we shouldn't really throw a big party if we haven't paid for last year's party yet."
The Midtown Village Festival is not alone. In July, organizers of the Northern Liberties Night Market made a similar decision to cancel their summer event, also citing financial strain. They had hoped for assistance from the city by the fall.
"We haven't really heard from the city in terms of any help," said Owen Kamihira of the Northern Liberties Arts & Commerce Alliance.
Despite the lack of support, the Northern Liberties group moved forward with its fall market on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
"There's no risk, no reward," Kamihira said.
A spokesperson for the mayor's office noted that many local festivals are still being planned and held successfully. However, organizers of smaller events say they feel overshadowed by larger, city-backed productions.
"The city is shelling out a lot of money for Welcome America. The city shells out a lot of money for a lot of different events," Kamihira said.
"These smaller festivals, like if it's driven by the local business people, we can't seem to afford to do that," Carey added.
At the Point Breeze Night Market in South Philadelphia, attendees expressed support for neighborhood events and called for more citywide investment.
"It brings people together, that's what I like about it the most," said Malik Cherry.
"Find the money. Bridge whatever gaps are required to necessitate this," said Sam Hershberger.
Organizers of both festivals say they remain hopeful for future support, including grants or city coverage of essential services.
"Oh well, here's a grant so we can do this. Oh, well, we'll take care of the cost of policing and emergency services for the day or stuff like that," Carey said.
He confirmed the Midtown Village Fall Festival is expected to return next year.