Few things are more enchanting than Philadelphia's Main Line region at the height of the spring season.
With those mild conditions and the occasional, well-placed rain shower, the region's landscape explodes into a rich tapestry of lush green lawns, and blooming azaleas and dogwoods, redbuds, and hydrangeas.
Most of all, spring along the Main Line is a time for community and coming together in celebration. And there's plenty to celebrate between April and June in
Ardmore,
Bryn Mawr, Radnor Township, and
Wayne.
So as the season hits its stride, let's explore the top five events in the Philadelphia Main Line this spring.
From March 29 through November 5, 2023
786 Church Road, Wayne
Starting in early May, Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden celebrates 30 years as one of the country's preeminent public gardens. An easy distinction for what is arguably the top garden in Greater Philadelphia, a region considered
America's Garden Capital.
Best described as a "most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden," Chanticleer features over 5,000 plants spread across 50 acres—35 of which are accessible to the public.
A genuine feast for the senses, visitors can explore 16 separate gardens, each with a distinct theme and medley of flora and foliage. Favorite areas include the Teacup Garden, Asian Woods, and Pond Garden, and the splendor on display at the Chanticleer House and tennis court.
To help celebrate its 30th anniversary, visitors can purchase season passes good through November 5, 2023. You can also take advantage of special garden events, including weekly house and garden tours, late Fridays and early Saturdays, or the Chanticleer Gardens Summer workshop on June 26 and June 27, 2023.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
W. Burling Cocks Memorial Racecourse at Radnor Hunt
826 Providence Road, Malvern
As it inches closer to its centennial celebration, The Radnor Races have long stood as one of the most popular and cherished events along the Main Line.
First organized in 1928 by
The Radnor Hunt, the nation's oldest foxhunt founded in 1883, the centerpiece of The Radnor Races are its five steeplechase races. But the celebration is a day the entire family is encouraged to enjoy, as the event includes tailgating, pony races, and a parade of vintage carriages.
Patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably but, in true horse racing fashion, should consider breaking out their best race course threads if so inclined.
Since 1980, The Radnor Hunt Races have benefited the
Brandywine Conservancy open space and clean waters programs. "Racing for Open Space" has generated $5.5 million and helped preserve 70,000 acres of open space since the partnership began.
Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to start around 1:00 p.m. Post time for the first of the five races is approximately 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 25 to Sunday, June 4, 2023
The Devon Horse Show grounds
23 Dorset Road in Devon
Another of the Main Line's grand springtime flings, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is an 11-day celebration of the region's love of horses and community.
A full schedule of equestrian events runs daily the length of the fair at the Dixon Oval, providing patrons plenty of opportunity to check out a favorite event, competitor, or equine. The fair also features more than 75 food, retail, and service vendors spread throughout the grounds. The Devin Art Gallery spotlights local and regional artists.
The Midway is often the highlight for many family outings during the nearly two-week fair. Rides, including the Devon Ferris wheel, carnival games, and gourmet fairground food (lemonade, candy apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, popcorn, and snow cones) are just some of what's available.
Recognized as the country's oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show, the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair began in 1896 and 1919, respectively. In that time, both show and fair have earned numerous accolades, placing them among the best such events in the U.S.
Bryn Mawr Hospital is the primary beneficiary of the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair. To date, it has received more than $16 million.
Gates open daily at 8:00 a.m. and close nightly at 10:00 p.m. Special events include two family days, a lady's day and a children's day, and a Tribute to Heroes on May 29.
4. Memorial Day Parades in Ardmore and Radnor Township
Monday, May 29, 2023
Ardmore and Radnor Township
Nothing signals the height of spring-like Memorial Day weekend. A time for remembrance and to honor our nation's heroes, it's also a joyous time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the unofficial start to summer. And while the last weekend in May brings with it the year's first genuine cookouts or jaunts to or on the lake, the real highlight is the numerous Main Line parades.
Across the region, Memorial Day sees many colorful processions march through town streets with festive reverence. Just one more reason to appreciate the opportunity to call one of these magnificent towns home. Two of the biggest Main Line Memorial Day parades include Ardmore and Radnor Township:
Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Lancaster and Greenfield Avenues
The Ardmore Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 9:45 a.m. with a performance from the Merion Concert Band at the Township Administration Building. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at St. Paul's Cemetery following.
Parade starts at 9:45 a.m., rain or shine
Active and retired military personnel are invited to march in the parade. A memorial ceremony follows the parade at the intersection of Runnymede and South Wayne Avenues.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
North Wayne Avenue, Downtown Wayne
Finally, while the Wayne Music Festival is one of the newer Main Line spring events, it quickly became a local favorite, mixing great times and even better music. The 2023 event marks the seventh year locals and visitors descend upon Downtown Wayne to take in an eclectic lineup of artists.
Touted as the largest free music festival on the Main Line, the day-long series of concerts expects to welcome over 10,000 fans. Attendees will hear local and regional bands across genres ranging from funk and folk to classic rock and roll and even a little brass band bravado courtesy of the West Philadelphia Orchestra.
More than the music festival, 2023 will see nearly 75 food, restaurant and service vendors on hand to keep the crowds fed and well-hydrated. Opening acts hit the stage at 2:00 p.m., with the festival's headliners playing until 11:00 p.m. Admission is free for the all-ages show, and chairs, blankets, and water bottles are allowed.
Parking is available nearby, though concertgoers are encouraged to take the train to the SEPTA station in Downtown Wayne, as it's just a few steps from the festival site.
Are you interested in making these and many more springtime events a permanent fixture of your yearly social calendar?
Contact The Kerry Carr Team today, and allow their years of experience and expertise to guide you through the luxury Radnor real estate market or help you discover exquisite homes for sale in Ardmore or Bryn Mawr. A luxurious residence in one of Philadelphia's historic Main Line enclaves will place you at the heart of a unique and vibrant community.
