We flew 60 feet above the Schuylkill on a giant chandelier because PIFA is back

Acrobats will dangle overhead during a nightly dance party at the 10-day arts fest.

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Mónica Marie Zorrilla / Billy Penn
Mónica Marie Zorrilla

The multimillion-dollar Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts returns for another 10-day run on Friday, with dozens of live performances featuring artists from all over the world happening June 1-10.

As the centerpiece for the fourth edition of the world-class fair, which previously popped up in 2011, 2013 and 2016, organizers at the Kimmel Center snagged aerial sensations Transe Express. This group of talented French acrobats will premiere a show called “Crystal Palace.” Each night, they’ll dance and play instruments while dangling from a giant 30-foot chandelier above the Schuylkill Banks, while guests are invited to participate in a big dance party right below.

Sound like a blast? We can guarantee it’s a spectacle — because we experienced it firsthand, thanks to a special preview ride above the river with some gorgeous views:

 

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Tagged

Kimmel Center, Schuylkill River Trail, Arts, Events