Things to Do in Philly

The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park is one of Philadelphia’s most rewarding weekend food destinations, but arrive expecting more than lunch. For more than 35 years, the market has served as a cultural hub, gathering place and source of business opportunities for Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant communities. It also happens to serve the kind of food that can turn a quick visit into a full afternoon.

Explore the market in the morning, claim a picnic spot for lunch and then head to Old City for Philly Crawling’s Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl. Our adults-only, 2-hour 15-minute crawls run daily at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., visiting four local bars while an expert guide shares Philadelphia’s hidden and hilarious colonial history. Drinks are available for purchase at each stop. The market handles lunch. We will take care of the revolutionary troublemakers.

More Than a Weekend Food Market

The market’s story began in the 1980s, when Lao and Khmer refugees and immigrants made FDR Park a place to gather, cook, socialize and support one another. Over time, the vending community expanded to include Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian vendors.

Today, more than 70 registered vendors participate during the season, along with rotating pop-ups. They sell prepared food, culturally specific produce, pantry ingredients, plants, clothing, jewelry and other goods. The exact mix changes from weekend to weekend, which gives you an excellent excuse to return and conduct further delicious research.

The market also supports community programs and events. Approach it as both a customer and a guest in a long-standing community space. Come ready to eat, shop, learn and support the people who built it.

What to Eat and Buy

Southeast Asia contains many distinct cuisines, and the market lets you explore several traditions in one afternoon. Check the official 2026 vendor list and market map to see current vendors, but leave room for pop-ups and whatever smells too good to pass.

1. Start near the grills. Depending on the day, you will find marinated fish, beef sticks, chicken wings, sausages and other specialties cooking over charcoal.
2. Add noodles, papaya salad and sticky rice. Vendors offer dishes such as Khmer lot cha, stir-fried noodles, spring rolls and Lao-style papaya salad. Ask about spice levels before requesting the hottest option. Your future self deserves a vote.
3. Order a cold drink. Fresh sugarcane juice, coconut water, tropical fruit drinks, iced coffee and bubble tea pair nicely with a warm day and an ambitious lunch.
4. Save room for something sweet. Look for mango sticky rice, sesame balls, coconut treats, Khmer desserts and other rotating specialties. “I am just getting one” remains a fine opening position.
5. Browse beyond the prepared food. Produce vendors sell Southeast Asian vegetables, fruits and herbs. You can also shop for sauces, spice blends, plants, clothing, jewelry and gifts.

Bring a few people, order from several stalls and turn lunch into a group project everyone actually wants to complete.

First-time visitors who want extra context can book an official market tour to meet vendors, learn the market’s history and sample selected foods.

How to Be a Good Market Guest

Bring cash. Some vendors accept payment apps or cards, but internet service inside the park can be unreliable and there is no ATM. Smaller bills will make everyone’s day easier.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, explain exactly what you need to avoid before ordering. Vendors do their best to identify ingredients, although the market asks guests not to request anyone’s closely guarded recipe. Complimenting the food is encouraged. Attempting culinary espionage is not.

Ask permission before photographing vendors, and avoid blocking busy stalls. Individual vendors set their own prices and policies, so confirm questions before purchasing because sales are generally final.

Bring a reusable bag for produce and other purchases. Once you finish eating, use the park’s trash cans and leave your picnic area ready for the next group.

When and Where to Visit in 2026

The market’s 2026 season runs from April 4 through October 31. It operates on most Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and stays open in ordinary rain. Severe weather, major runs and events at the nearby sports complex can cause closures or delayed openings. The market closes for all Eagles home games, so check the official market FAQ and social-media updates before leaving.

The market changes locations within FDR Park during the season:

• April through June: Picnic Area 17 near the Broad Street exit
• July through October: Picnic Area 11 across from Taney Baseball Field and Lake Meadow

Use the official seasonal location map instead of wandering through the park with increasingly urgent lunch expectations.

Getting There and Preparing for the Park

FDR Park is located at 1500 Pattison Avenue and South Broad Street in South Philadelphia. SEPTA’s Broad Street Line stops at NRG Station across from the park, making public transportation a convenient option.

Drivers can use lots throughout FDR Park or park along the right side of the driving loop where permitted. Keep the left side clear for bicycles, and never park on grass or other unpaved areas. During the July-to-October location, the market recommends the area beneath the I-95 overpass when closer spaces fill.

The market is outdoors, so bring water, sunscreen and shoes that can handle dirt or mud. Porta-potties are available, and a picnic blanket is useful when tables fill. Collect your food before finding a scenic place to stage the feast.

Make the Market Part of Your Philadelphia Weekend

The Southeast Asian Market combines outstanding food with more than three decades of community history. Browse slowly, try something new, bring cash and remember that the person who suggests sharing should not mysteriously disappear when the last skewer arrives.

After lunch, continue your day in Old City with Philly Crawling’s Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl. You will trade picnic blankets for barstools while uncovering Philadelphia stories that pair very nicely with a cold drink.