Discover Fishtown, Philadelphia: A Vibrant Neighborhood & the Evil Genius Block Party

Welcome to Fishtown, Philadelphia—a neighborhood that perfectly blends historic charm with modern vibrancy, making it one of the most beloved areas in the City of Brotherly Love. Known for its artistic spirit, thriving local businesses, and tight-knit community, Fishtown is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. This past Saturday, Fishtown Web Design had the pleasure of attending the Evil Genius Block Party on Front St, a springtime celebration that showcased the best of what Fishtown has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the rich history of Fishtown, highlight its top attractions, and share our experience at the Block Party. If you’re looking for things to do in Fishtown, Philadelphia, or just looking to learn more, keep reading!

A Brief History of Fishtown, Philadelphia

Fishtown, located in the 19125 zip code, sits just northeast of Center City Philadelphia, bordered by the Delaware River to the east and neighborhoods like Kensington and Northern Liberties. The name "Fishtown" dates back to the 18th century when the area was a hub for the shad fishing industry along the Delaware River. Early German settlers, many of whom were fishermen, established the neighborhood, and it became a working-class community centered around fishing, trade, and industry.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Fishtown evolved with the growth of Philadelphia’s industrial landscape. Factories, breweries, and warehouses dotted the area, providing jobs for generations of residents. While the decline of manufacturing in the late 20th century brought challenges, Fishtown’s strong community spirit kept it alive. In recent years, the neighborhood has undergone a renaissance, attracting artists, young professionals, and entrepreneurs while retaining its blue-collar roots.

Today, Fishtown is a cultural hotspot known for its eclectic mix of historic rowhomes, trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and vibrant arts scene. Streets like Frankford Avenue and Girard Avenue are bustling with local businesses, making it a prime location for companies like Fishtown Web Design to thrive while serving the community.

Why Fishtown is a Great Place to Live, Work, and Visit

A Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Fishtown has become a haven for creatives, with art galleries, music venues, and street murals adding color to the neighborhood. The Fishtown Arts Collaborative and venues like Johnny Brenda’s host live music, art shows, and community events year-round. For those who love to explore, the murals or custom-fish designed trash bins, along Frankford Avenue are a testament to the neighborhood’s artistic spirit.

A Foodie’s Paradise

Fishtown’s dining scene is second to none, offering everything from casual eateries to upscale dining. Popular spots like Suraya, a Lebanese restaurant, and Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, known for its wood-fired pizzas, draw food lovers from across the city. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Fishtown’s famous dive bars like El Bar or grab a sandwich at the iconic Johnny Brenda’s.

Craft Beer and Breweries

Fishtown is a craft beer lover’s dream, with breweries like Evil Genius Beer Company leading the charge. Located at 1727 N. Front St., Evil Genius is a staple in the community, known for its creative brews and lively events like the Spring Block Party we attended.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Despite its reputation as a trendy hotspot, Fishtown remains family-friendly, with parks like Penn Treaty Park offering stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline and plenty of green space for kids and pets. Events like the Evil Genius Block Party highlight the neighborhood’s inclusive vibe, welcoming families and dog owners alike.

A Hub for Local Businesses

Fishtown’s small business community is thriving, with a diverse array of shops, boutiques, and service providers catering to the needs of locals. From vintage clothing stores to artisanal bakeries and creative studios, the neighborhood is a hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners who contribute to its unique charm. This vibrant ecosystem makes Fishtown an ideal place for both residents and visitors to support local talent and discover one-of-a-kind products and services.

The Evil Genius Block Party: A Springtime Celebration in Fishtown

This past Saturday, March 22, 2025, Fishtown came alive with the Evil Genius Block Party, a springtime celebration hosted by Evil Genius Beer Company at 1727 N. Front St. The event ran from 12 PM to 6 PM and was free to attend, making it accessible to everyone in the community. Fishtown Web Design was thrilled to join the festivities, and we’re excited to share our experience with you!

Event Highlights

The Evil Genius Block Party was the perfect way to kick off the warm weather in Fishtown. The event featured a fantastic lineup of activities and attractions, including:

Beer, Food, and Local Vendors: Evil Genius featured a selection of their signature brews, paired with delicious food from the Paper Mill Food Truck. Local vendors added to the festive atmosphere, offering a variety of unique products:

• Shop Later Dudes showcased vintage clothing, perfect for adding a retro vibe to your wardrobe.

• Cracked Bell offered sports apparel for Philly fans looking to rep their teams in style.

• Sweet Nostalgia brought a touch of warmth with their handcrafted candles.

• Kurious Stitches delighted attendees with adorable plushies, great for kids or collectors.

• Lily Lough Jewelry displayed stunning jewelry pieces, ideal for spring accessorizing.

• Not A Bad Life promoted self-care with their wellness products.

• Weekapaug Woodworks impressed with intricate wooden art pieces, showcasing local craftsmanship.

Family and Dog-Friendly Fun: In true Fishtown spirit, the block party was a welcoming space for families and pets. Kids enjoyed face painting from 3 PM to 6 PM, with designs that brought smiles to their faces. Dog owners like myself brought their furry friends, who mingled with the crowd, adding to the authentic Fishtown community feel.

Our Experience at the Block Party

As a local business, Fishtown Web Design is always thrilled to attend local events and connect with the community we serve. The event was a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow business owners, residents, and visitors while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Fishtown.

We started the day by grabbing a refreshing beer from Evil Genius—their "Stacys Mom" brew with citrusy and hoppy notes was a perfect match for the sunny weather. The Paper Mill Food Truck served up delicious bites. Between the food, drinks, and music, the block party had an infectious energy that made it easy to see why Fishtown is such a special place.

One of the highlights for us was exploring the vendor stations. The creativity and passion of Fishtown’s local artisans were on full display, from the vintage finds at Shop Later Dudes to the jewelry at Lily Lough Jewelry.

The family-friendly vibe was another standout. Seeing kids with painted faces running around and dogs wagging their tails reminded us of how inclusive and welcoming Fishtown is. It’s events like these that make the neighborhood a great place to live, work, and play.

Why Community Events Define Fishtown

Community events like the Evil Genius Block Party are the heart and soul of Fishtown. They bring people together, support local businesses, and showcase the neighborhood’s unique character. For small businesses like ourself, these events provide a chance to connect with potential clients, network with our neighbors, and celebrate the community we’re proud to be a part of.

The block party also highlights the importance of supporting local vendors and artisans. By shopping at local businesses like Kurious Stitches or Weekapaug Woodworks, customers directly contribute to the growth of Fishtown’s small business ecosystem. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

Top Things to Do in Fishtown, Philadelphia

If annual block parties in Fishtown has you eager to explore more of what our great neighborhood has to offer, here are some must-visit spots and activities:

• Stroll Along Frankford Avenue: The heart of Fishtown, Frankford Avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stop by my personal favorite, Jinxed, for vintage finds or grab a coffee at Gryphon Cafe.

• Visit Penn Treaty Park: This waterfront park is perfect for a picnic or a scenic walk with views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

• Catch a Show at Johnny Brenda’s: A Fishtown icon, this venue offers live music, great food, and a cozy atmosphere.

• Explore the Fishtown Farmers Market: Held seasonally, our local farmers market features local produce, crafts, and more.

• Tour Local Breweries: In addition to Evil Genius, check out other Fishtown local breweries like Meyers Brewing Company and Source Urban Brewery for a taste of Fishtown’s craft beer scene.

Celebrate Philadelphia, Fishtown with Us!

Fishtown, Philadelphia, is a neighborhood like no other—a place where history meets innovation, and community events bring everyone together. Whether you’re a local philly business looking to enhance your online presence or a visitor planning your next trip to Fishtown, we hope this guide has inspired you to explore all that the neighborhood has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s always something to discover here. From its rich history to its thriving arts scene and unforgettable events, Fishtown truly has something for everyone.

Tre Seibert