PIFA is the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. The Kimmel Center curates the 11-day festival, filled with amazing artistry and spectacular performances, as a gift to the city of Philadelphia. 

The artists. In addition to local performers, we have artists from around the world, including Egypt, France, South Korea, Austria, Zimbabwe, Sweden, and Switzerland, heading to Philadelphia to perform throughout the 11 days of unique events. Many of these performances will be world, U.S, and Philadelphia premieres.

May 31 through June 10. PIFA kicks off on May 31 with the PIFA Gala. Performances and events continue through June 10, with multiple shows being offered on each day of the festival.

PIFA performances happen both on and off the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, depending on which you attend.

Indoor PIFA performances will happen on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus at the Merriam Theater and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Outdoor PIFA performances will happen at Fairmount Park’s Belmont Plateau, the banks of the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park at the Playing Angels statue, and along Broad Street between Chestnut and Lombard. A few outdoor locations are yet to be announced, which are Mystery Locations for the performances entitled Tape Riot.

To find out where a specific performance will occur, check the schedule.

Ticket prices vary. Some events are free! Check the website for details. 

Free events include La NOCHE CUBANA!, Sittin’ In: Featuring Rare Essence, a plaza installation entitled Lampshade Bouquets by TILT, and the legendary PIFA Street Fair.

YOU. PIFA is a rare opportunity to see premieres on the local, national and international level.  You’ll see work you’ve never seen before and might never see again!

Yes! There is something for everyone during PIFA. Some performances are more child-friendly, including Cristal Palace, SEA (Singular Extreme Actions), Doggie Hamlet, Water on Mars, and the PIFA Street Fair. 

In our opinion, you won’t want to miss a moment of this festival! But, if you are picking and choosing which performances to attend, our website is the best place to research artists to find something new to try. 

It’s easy. Check the schedule, show up, and enjoy!