Philadelphia's Very-Own Cheesesteak Festival to Benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

First Annual Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival on Saturday, October 24th at Lincoln Financial Field 

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- It’s as much a part of Philadelphia folklore as Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell and Rocky Balboa – just a whole lot tastier. For poor, uninitiated foodies, a cheesesteak is a sandwich comprised of fried, thinly-sliced beef (usually rib-eye), gobs of cheese (usually American, Provolone or Cheese-Whiz) and can be served with (pronounced “Wit” in Philly-speak) or without (“Wit Out”) fried onions. Although other cities around the world have tried to reproduce Philly’s greatest culinary export, no other town has come close to matching the singular taste sensation of a Philadelphia cheesesteak.

It’s only fitting, then, that Philadelphia finally has a daylong festival to celebrate its iconic sandwich. The First Annual Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival ™ is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 th from 11 am to 5 pm at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia and a portion of the proceeds from tickets sales will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). 

The inaugural Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival ™ will give residents of the Greater Philadelphia region and visitors alike the opportunity to sample cheesesteaks from more than 40 vendors from around the city and surrounding suburbs in order to determine which ones are most pleasing to the palette. Smaller, underdog cheesesteak shops will have an opportunity to go head-to-head with the well-established “big boys” for bragging rights.

There is much more to the family-friendly Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival than just sampling the region’s finest traditional cheesesteaks and their offspring, such as Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Cheesesteak Dumplings and the like. Attendees can jam all day long to the sounds of three of Philly’s hottest live bands, Go-Go Gadjet, Stellar Mojo, and Blackthorn, plus a special performance of “Fly Eagles Fly” performed by the Eagles Pep Band. A zip line, mechanical bull, Cornhole Tournament, carnival games, and ALLIED STEAKS “Cheesy” the festival mascot plus Swoop from the Philadelphia Eagles will amuse adults and kids alike. Philadelphia Phillies’ legend Darrell Daulton will be on-hand to greet fans and sign autographs. There will also be beer vendors, non-cheesesteak food options, and merchandise vendors throughout the festival grounds. Spectators can cheer on the brave souls who will compete in the ASTRAFOODS Cheesesteak Challenge Eating Contest; root on an attempt to construct the world’s largest cheesesteak by Steve’s Prince of Steaks and VisitPhilly.com.

Additionally, a childhood cancer hero family will be on-hand to enjoy the festivities and accept the generous donation on behalf of ALSF.

Tickets for this event are on sale now through the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival Website, www.cheesesteakfest.com or at the K-Lot Gate at Lincoln Financial Field on the day of the event. Event parking is free at all Lincoln Financial Field-owned lots.