Arts & Entertainment

Founders Philly Freeze-Out Set For Saturday In Manayunk

This year's Founders Philly Freeze-Out will feature beer, a 3-mile fun run, live ice carving, shopping, food vendors, and much more.

Founders Brewing Company and the Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with more than 25 ice sculptures.
Founders Brewing Company and the Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with more than 25 ice sculptures. (Aversa PR)

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA — Manayunk is about to get icy this weekend, as the Founders Philly Freeze-Out is returning to downtown Manayunk.

This year's event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

But before freeze-out events kick off, the day will start with the Freeze Out Run at 9 a.m. at 4358 Main St. Participation in the "3ish mile" fun run is free with advanced registration. New Balance will be on hand with shoes to test out on the run and some treats for after.

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Then, when the freeze-out starts, Founders Brewing Company and the Manayunk Development Corporation are teaming up to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland with more than 25 ice sculptures created by "ice king" Peter Slavin of Ice Sculpture Philadelphia.

The day will also feature 10 live carving demonstrations, an ice slide, snowy igloo, winter market, chowder crawl and more frosty surprises.

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The 2025 MNYK Chowder Crawl will run from noon to 4 p.m. More than a dozen local restaurants will put their own spin chowder, offering all kinds like chipotle chicken chowder, tom kah salmon chowder, turkey corn chowder, and traditional clam. Tickets are $18 and are available online here. Crawlers will be able to vote for their favorite chowder on Let’s Rallie, the official event app.

A list of participating restaurants is below.

Festivities during the day will also include the Lion Dance with New Leaf for Chinese and Lunar New Year, offerings from popular food trucks, Founders and MNYK giveaways, and Founders specials at restaurants and bars up and down Main Street.

Founders Philly Freeze Out is free to attend, with food, drink and shopping pay as you go.

"Founders Philly Freeze-Out is the perfect blend of winter wonder and community celebration," Manayunk Development Corporation Director of Events Caitlin Marsilii, said. "Each year, we’re incredibly honored to bring in Ice Sculpture Philly, Peter Slavin and his incredible team, who work with the business owners to bring Manayunk to life on ice!"

"Each year, we’re thrilled to sponsor the Founders Philly Freeze-Out in Manayunk because it showcases the local community, the Philly food scene, lively street celebrations, and, of course, excellent beer," Courtney Moore, Market Manager at Founders Brewing Co., said. :The event shines a spotlight on Manayunk businesses through the unique medium of ice. Whether you're exploring Main Street, taking part in the Manayunk Chowder Crawl, or stopping by a bar to sample our new Mortal Bloom Hazy IPA or 0 percent Hoppy Mood, it’s the perfect way to make a toast to winter!"

While strolling among the icy masterpieces, festival-goers can enjoy Founders Brewing Company bringing their world-class beers to the street, and Manayunk restaurants will be offering killer deals and specials. Participating bars and restaurants will showcase a variety of flavorful brews such as Mortal Bloom Imperial Thorn, Devil Root, Centennial IPA, and Hoppy Mood. They’ll also be out and about during the event with giveaways, swag, and the Founders Ice Bar in Canal View Park, 4418 Main St.

Up and down Main Street, beer lovers can find specials from Founders Beer Company at top restaurants and bars, including Bar Jawn, Bayou Bar & Grill, Cactus Cantina, JD McGillicuddy's, Lucky's Last Chance, Manayunk Brewing Company, Mia Ragazza, Ryan's Pub, Taqueria Amor, The Brass Tap, The Goat's Beard, Union Tap House, and more.

The day will also bring traditional Chinese New Year Lion Dancing with New Leaf at various times throughout the afternoon, a snowy igloo photo-op, an ice fishing giveaway game, food trucks, live music, and more.

There will be plenty of places to warm up throughout the day, including the Founders Winter Market at RichardsApex, 4170 Main St. The heated, curated market will host local artisans and makers of all kinds offering items like fresh focaccia, home goods, prints, ceramics, planters, upcycled clothing, gourmet pickles, candles, doggie bandanas, and more. Guests are also welcome to warm up in Manayunk’s many shops, and businesses who will be offering sales and promotions during Founders Philly Freeze-Out.

Ice sculptures will be on display up and down Main Street Manayunk at participating locations. These stunning sculptures will vary in design, covering everything from roman busts to Rocky. A live carving demonstration schedule will be posted closer to the event. At each demonstration, onlookers will be able to see the sculpture come to life in ice.

Live Carvings

  • Bar Jawn - Live Carve
  • Bayou Bar & Grill / Cactus Cantina - Live Carve
  • JD McGillicuddy's - Live Carve
  • Lucky's Last Chance - Live Carve
  • Mia Ragazza - Live Carve
  • New Leaf - Live Carve
  • Ryan's Pub - Live Carve
  • The Goat's Beard - Live Carve
  • Union Tap House - Live Carve
  • Winnie's Manayunk - Live Carve

Ice Sculptures

  • AFC Fitness
  • Blondie Manayunk
  • Founders Brewing Co.
  • Jedidiah Gallery & Design Store
  • LILA Philadelphia
  • Manayunk Brewing Company
  • Manayunk Development Corporation
  • Minor Details
  • Philadelphia Runner
  • Taqueria Amor
  • The Brass Tap
  • The Little Apple
  • Volo Coffeehouse

Chowder Crawl Schedule

Check In at 106 Grape Street, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Chowder Crawl (At Your Own Pace), noon to 4 p.m.

Included with your ticket is:

  • One Chowder Sample from All Participating Restaurants
  • Wristband
  • Custom Crawl Map

Chowder Crawl Stops

  • Lucky's Last Chance
  • Bar Jawn
  • The Goat's Beard
  • Mia Ragazza
  • JD McGillicuddy's
  • Ryan's Pub
  • Taqueria Amor
  • Manayunk Brewing Company
  • Union Tap House

Participating Vendors

  • Lily Lough Jewelry
  • Fishtown Pickle Project
  • Moss and Canvas
  • Brixxy & Co.
  • What’s on the Table
  • Something Made Custom
  • Maker Missya
  • Tuft Broad
  • S H Candles
  • S Pogas Art
  • From Mine, To Yours
  • Botanical Funk
  • Modern Hex

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