The fashion programming is what separates this from a standard street fair: Black streetwear labels including INDEO, Trucking Fly and Mugzy McFly show collections on a 135th Street runway, with House of Khady Rose among the brands in the Clean & Classic segment and HBCU students modeling. Around it run live sets from local and touring artists, health screenings, sculptors, jewelers and rows of food vendors. It is the warm-up day for HARLEM DAY, and a lot of people treat the two as one weekend.
What to expect
Several blocks of closed street lined with vendor tents, a main performance stage and runway segments through the afternoon. Free health testing is available on site. The crowd is a neighborhood one, and the pace is browsing rather than pressing toward a stage.
Good to know
- The 2/3 or B/C to 135th Street both open onto the festival blocks
- Bring cash for the smaller vendors and artisans
- The runway segments draw the biggest crowds, so get close before they start
- Free health screenings are open to anyone who wants them
- There is little shade along the closed blocks, so plan for direct sun
- Pairs naturally with the outdoor film festival in St. Nicholas Park later the same evening
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Common questions
What are the fashion shows?
HARLEM WEEK stages three runway segments — Back-to-School, Uptown Flava and Clean & Classic — featuring Black streetwear designers and HBCU models.
Is Summer In The City free?
Yes, it is a free open-street festival with no ticket required.
How does it relate to HARLEM DAY?
Summer In The City is the Saturday street festival; HARLEM DAY is the larger closing celebration on the following day.
More this weekend
