Root 2 Fruit Festival 2025: Full Guide to Philly’s Free Creative Wellness Event

Guests of Root 2 Fruit Festival 2024 pose for a final photo (captured by Davesocozy)

September in Philadelphia means festival season is hitting its stride, and this year brings something genuinely special to the city’s cultural calendar. Root 2 Fruit Festival 2025 transforms Cira Green’s stunning rooftop into a one-day celebration where art meets wellness, community connects across generations, and the best part? It’s completely free for everyone.

After last year’s incredible success, 300+ attendees, 45+ performers and wellness practitioners, 115 gallery artists from 36 countries, and a front-page feature in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbidden Fruit is doubling down on their mission to make creative wellness accessible to all.

Mark your calendars for September 13, 2025, from 12-5pm at Sunset Social on Cira Green Rooftop, where breathtaking city views provide the backdrop for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and genuine community care. Read on for everything you need to know before you go:

What makes Root 2 Fruit Festival special?

Root 2 Fruit Festival is the brainchild of Forbidden Fruit, a Philadelphia-based arts organization founded by Tyra “Crux” Jones-Blain and Anthony “Stonez” Lewis Jr. Their vision goes beyond typical festival programming; they’re creating transformative experiences that merge art and wellness to nurture and empower the collective consciousness, with a particular focus on serving BIPOC and underrepresented communities.

Key festival features

- 100% Free admission for all ages

- Beginner-friendly wellness sessions (yoga, meditation, mat sculpting, and more)

- Live performances from local Philadelphia artists

- Interactive art gallery featuring 100+ artists globally

- All-ages workshops and programming from toddlers to seniors

- Stunning rooftop setting with panoramic city views

- Garden goodie bags with wellness resources

- Free arts and crafts make-and-takes

Youth dance group, Adoration, lighting up the stage in 2024 (captured by Davesocozy)

This isn’t just another wellness festival with expensive classes and exclusive vibes. Root 2 Fruit Festival 2025 breaks down barriers, welcoming everyone from toddlers to seniors for programming that meets people exactly where they are.

Here is a full list of official festival areas and programming:

Main Stage: Live performances & wellness sessions

• DJ Reezey: Philly's favorite DJ will be keeping the vibes flowing all day with music that moves the soul

• Monique Means and Brandi Goldsborough will each offer beginner-friendly yoga sessions, sponsored by Three Queens Yoga.

• Stonez and Crux of Forbidden Fruit will lead a Movement Meditation with live musicians Indi Monet and Yori Awoyadé. 

• Philharmonia: This ensemble of singers and musicians returns to the Root 2 Fruit stage to transport the audience with a live performance

• Adoration: The youth is back! This dance team will be bringing all styles flavor to the Root 2 Fruit stage. Bring your boogie shoes!

• Jacqueline Constance: The iconic songstress returns, armed with a mic, her digital sampling, foot pedal and a small mixer. Prepare your soul!

• Max the 4th & Gene Summers - This dynamic duo won a community vote to perform at the festival. Get ready to move and groove with the Off the Vine Showcase winners.

Activation Station: Dedicated fitness area with 3 distinct wellness experiences.

• Little Yoga Squad - 30-minute interactive family sessions connecting parents and children through playful poses and mindfulness led by Ms Mariah

• Studio23 Mat Sculpt - High-energy bodyweight strengthening with Maggie, combining low-impact strength, mobility, and cardio to music 

• Bodyrock Bootcamp HIIT - 30 minutes of high-intensity interval training mixed with strength training and cardio with Nate

Children’s Activations: Little ones need creative wellness too!

• ARTbuds - Hands-on arts and crafts activities with Ms. Shanina

• Little Yoga Squad - Age-appropriate yoga and mindfulness with Ms. Mariah

• Harcum Collegiate Recovery Program - Build-A-Bear Workshops - stuff, zip, decorate!

Harvest Hub: The heart of the garden - a buzzing ecosystem centered around creative wellness.

• Vendors across creative wellness, co-curated with Melody Market

  • Retro Ade Astrology - 10 and 25-minute mini astrological chart readings

  • Lotus Flwr Creations - Original artwork, incense, and handmade jewelry

  • Lunascence - Jewelry and accessories including necklaces, bracelets, rings, sun catchers

  • Beelinked Permanent Jewelry - Permanent & non-permanent jewelry services

  • Ziania's Art - Wearable art including shirts, earrings, prints, magnets, decorated seashells

  • Krazed Kai - Live hand-drawn portraits, art prints, and comic books

  • Royalties of Essence - All-natural organic hair care products

  • Nails by Juliet - Custom press-on nails and jewelry

  • Moy Bien Tea - Artisanal loose leaf tea blends and fresh iced tea

• Vegan-friendly food, including: Nourish, Sunset Social, and Carter Melons*

• Relaxation Station sponsored by The Phoenix (details below)

• Free Smoothie Happy Hour by Blkberry Juice Bar

• Free fruit and snacks courtesy of Mariposa Food Co-op and ShopRite

• Educational workshops (details below)

• Free & offer-based massages with Philly School of Massage and Bodywork & Madrone Massage

• Screen Printing Workshops: Create your own custom T-Shirt with HYGH

• Forbidden Fruit information booth

Relaxation Station: Sober community space sponsored by The Phoenix

• Arts and crafts make-and-takes

• Build-a-Bear workshops with Harcum Collegiate Recovery Program

• Free Mocktail Happy Hour by Gem Life

• Lounge chairs

Educational Workshops: Intimate sessions addressing real community needs

• Ask a Lawyer - An opportunity to ask general questions to esteemed lawyers in Philly

• Intuitive Hour - Discuss how to navigate the power of intuition with Anna Pepe

• Ask a Therapist - An opportunity to ask general questions about therapy to esteemed therapists from Melanated Women’s Health

• Ferment with a Farmer - Learn practical food skills with Farmer Bri of Farmer Jawn Agriculture

Root 2 Fruit Festival 2025 exists because of community partners who believe in accessible creative wellness. This year’s event wouldn’t be possible without the integral support of our sponsors, including major supporters like:

Philadelphia Cultural Fund (Orchard Sponsor) 

Since 1991, this nonprofit has enriched Philadelphia’s artistic landscape, awarding hundreds of grants annually to promote art, culture, and educational development.

The Phoenix (Orchard Sponsor)

The sponsor of our Relaxation Station is on a mission to build sober active communities through hundreds of weekly events that fuel resilience and connection.

Urban Art Gallery (Blossom Sponsor)

This local gem bridges art and community, creating vibrant spaces for emerging artists through poetry showcases, live performances, and youth workshops.

Three Queens Yoga (Wellness Sponsor)

Since 2012, this studio has been democratizing yoga by creating inclusive spaces that welcome people of all backgrounds.

Additional supporting sponsors include:

• Melanated Women’s Health - Black-owned therapy practice providing mental health services for marginalized communities

• ThePhillyLawyers - Established law firm offering 60+ years of combined legal experience

• Harcum Collegiate Recovery Program - Supporting students in recovery through community building and peer support

• Two Locals Brewing Company - Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery

• Univest Bank - Community-focused financial institution

• Yerba Madre - Organic yerba mate company supporting Indigenous communities

• Campus Copy Center - Local copy shop offering fax services, shipping options, and document printing

• City Fitness - The official fitness partner of the Philadelphia 76ers

Now that you know all about what’s happening and who made Root 2 Fruit possible this year, let’s talk about how to get there. This year’s festival is located at Sunset Social on Cira Green Rooftop, 129 S 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Transportation options:

- Public Transit: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line and bus routes

- Driving: Cira Centre South Garage parking ($15 for up to 12 hours on weekends)

- Street Parking: Metered parking available along Walnut Street

Important details:

- Accessibility - There’s both elevator and stair access available through Cira Centre South Garage. There is also an accessible ramp entrance from the top of the parking garage.

- Bring valid ID for entry. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied.

This September 13th, Philadelphia gets another chance to experience what happens when art and wellness merge in service of collective flourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness practitioner or complete beginner, solo or with the whole family, there’s space for you at Root 2 Fruit Festival 2025.

Ready to join the community? RSVP for free and check out the full Festival FAQ for detailed answers about parking, what to bring, accessibility accommodations, and more. See you on the rooftop for an unforgettable day of creativity, wellness, and connection!