PHILADELPHIA — What happens when a boxing promoter, a bar and nightlife promoter, and someone with a background in catering get together? They plan the first ever Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival, being held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Lincoln Financial Field, and turn it into more than just a typical food festival, said Michael Wink, co-organizer of the festival. The event starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m.
Wink says the Philly cheesesteak is as much a part of Philadelphia folklore as Ben Franklin, the Liberty Bell and Rocky Balboa — just a whole lot tastier. “That’s why it’s only fitting that Philadelphia finally has a daylong festival to celebrate its iconic sandwich,” he said.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample cheesesteaks from more than 40 vendors around around Philadelphia — and beyond. Wink said vendors will be traveling from around the country. Popular vendors such as Geno’s and Pat’s will be present, as well as smaller, underdog cheesesteak shops, who Winks said will have an opportunity to go head-to-head with “the big boys.”
The festival is family friendly and will feature live entertainment from Go-Go Gadjet and more. A mechanical bull, zip line, Cornhole tournament, and a cheesesteak eating contest will be amuse the entire family, Wink said. Oh, and festival-goers will be introduced to Cheesy, the festival’s mascot, and Swoop, from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Three levels of tickets are available for purchase right now at www.cheesesteakfest.com. “Wit Out” is general admission, costing $20 per person. “Wit” tickets are $40 per person and include 10 cheesesteak samples and a festival T-Shirt. “The Works” is $60 per person and includes 20 cheesesteak samples, an event T-Shirt, and access to the private dining area.
Promo code “wit15” will give those who want to go to cheesesteak heaven 10 percent of the $40 Wit tickets.