Through October 2025
Experience the Vibrant Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park
Philadelphia’s Southeast Asian Market in Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park is an extraordinary outdoor event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Southeast Asian refugees and immigrant communities. Since the 1980s, this market has grown from humble beginnings—families selling street food from carts—to a thriving weekend marketplace that attracts visitors from across the region eager to indulge in authentic cuisine, handmade crafts, and cultural connection.
Open seasonally from April through October, the market operates every Saturday and Sunday, transforming parts of FDR Park into an aromatic, bustling festival of flavors, friendship, and tradition. It’s a must-visit event for food lovers, families, and those looking to experience Philadelphia’s incredible diversity through its vibrant immigrant communities.
Event Overview and Location
- Event Name: Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
- Location: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: Intersection of 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions to FDR Park
- Official Website: Visit Philly – Southeast Asian Market
- Social Media: Instagram @seamarket_fdrpark, Facebook – Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
2025 Season Dates and Hours
- Start Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- End Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Days: Saturdays and Sundays only
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Note: The market will be closed on Broad Street Run day (Sunday, May 4) and during Sundays when the Philadelphia Eagles play at home in September and October.
Two Locations in the Park Across the Season
- April to June (Season 1): The market is held near the park’s entrance on South Broad Street (Picnic Area 17).
- July to October (Season 2): The market relocates closer to Edgewood Lake and the Taney Baseball field (Picnic Area 11).
This arrangement provides visitors with diverse settings and allows vendors to vary their offerings throughout the season.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
Southeast Asian Market is more than just a food market — it is a community hub reflecting the history, resilience, and cultural expressions of refugees and immigrants primarily from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Originating in the 1980s from families selling food and goods out of carts, the market grew organically despite occasional challenges until formal organizations formed to advocate for vendors’ rights and community representation.
The market is recognized as a critical cultural institution, praised by Food & Wine magazine as “a sanctuary of shared experiences” and an empowering testament to Philadelphia’s immigrant communities. Vendors proudly offer dishes rooted in their homelands, ranging from sticky rice and meat skewers to exotic desserts and aromatic teas.
Vendor Highlights and Featured Foods
More than 70 permanent vendors, along with rotating pop-up sellers, present a cornucopia of flavors representing Southeast Asia’s diverse culinary heritage. Visiting vendors usually accept cash only, so bring bills and small change as there are no ATMs inside the park. Highlights include:
- Melissa Khmer BBQ: Famous for meat skewers and signature sticky rice desserts.
- Stir Fry Lady: Known for her sizzling Lort Cha (pin noodles), cooked on a flat-top griddle right before your eyes.
- Beez Kitchen: Specializes in Cambodian-style BBQ dishes, rich with traditional spices and flavors.
- Rom’s Grill: Renowned for Thai pork and Khmer beef sausages, bringing authentic street food to Philadelphia.
Other popular treats include freshly made bubble tea, sugarcane juice, coconut balls, and papaya salad, creating a feast for all senses.
Tips for Enjoying the Market
- Arrive Early: Popular vendors can see long lines, especially on weekends with good weather.
- Bring Picnic Essentials: Many attend with lawn chairs, mats, blankets, and baskets to savor the vibrant dishes in communal picnic areas.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The fair covers large grassy and paved areas, with vendors spread across the picnic zones.
- Stay Hydrated: Water and beverages are available, but it’s wise to bring your own bottle especially during warmer months.
- Explore Both Seasons: Different locations from spring to fall bring new vendors and produce selections, including unique vegetables difficult to find elsewhere.
Beyond Food: Shopping and Entertainment
The market also features stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, toys, plants, and other culturally significant goods, providing a holistic cultural experience. Music, languages, and community celebrations blend to create a festive, welcoming environment where visitors can learn, mingle, and appreciate the stories and traditions behind every vendor’s offerings.
Additional Attractions at FDR Park
Visitors to the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park can also enjoy various park amenities:
- Gardens and Walking Trails: Lush landscaped gardens and shores of the three main lakes provide peaceful escapes and beautiful spots to enjoy your market finds.
- Anna C. Verna Playground: Opened recently, features the largest swing set in North America, making it an unforgettable destination for children.
- Sports Facilities: Tennis courts, a golf course, baseball, and soccer fields attract local sports fans and recreational players.
- Boating and Canoeing: Canoeing classes and paddle boat rentals on the largest lake enhance outdoor options during warmer months.
The park itself spans 348 acres and serves as a cultural and recreational hub for Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
Getting There and Accessibility
- Address: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Transportation: The park is accessible by car with three main entrances: two on Pattison Avenue and one on Broad Street near I-95/Navy Yard. Public transit options include the southbound Broad Street Line subway to NRG Station, which is adjacent to the park. The southbound 45 Bus also serves the area with a short walk to the park.
- Parking: Available within the park and surrounding areas, but spots can fill quickly on busy weekends, so early arrival is recommended.
Ticket Information
The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park is a free, public outdoor market—no tickets are required for entry. Vendors set their prices individually for food, products, and services, with many offering affordable options perfect for visitors and families on any budget.
Why Visit the Southeast Asian Market?
This market offers an immersive experience into Philadelphia’s Southeast Asian communities’ resilience, culture, and delicious heritage. The vibrant scents, tastes, and conversations create a unique atmosphere where tradition meets celebration. It is a living testament to how immigrant communities use food, shared stories, and commerce to build community and contribute richly to city life.
Whether a local or visitor, the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park is a sensory journey packed with discovery—capturing the flavors, aromas, and stories that make Philadelphia a truly welcoming and diverse city.
For those looking to celebrate cultural diversity, savor authentic cuisine, and support local immigrant entrepreneurs, the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park is an unmissable Philadelphia experience.
For more information on this event and other vibrant cultural happenings in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, please visit MyPhillyConnection.
Quick Access Information:
- Event: Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
- Dates: Saturday, April 5, 2025, through Saturday, October 25, 2025 (Weekends only)
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions to FDR Park Southeast Asian Market
- Social Media: