The City of Philadelphia is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). This esteemed recognition highlights Philadelphia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic environment for festivals and events, enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of the city.
The award was presented at the annual IFEA Convention & Expo held in Pittsburgh, PA, on September 29, 2024. Philadelphia was selected along with five other cities from around the world: Gwangju Dong-gu, Republic of Korea; McAllen, Texas; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Phuket, Thailand; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award was designed and created as a way for the global festivals and events industry to openly encourage, support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide.
Jazelle Jones, Director of Special Events and City Representative, as well as IFEA World Board Chair, expressed her excitement over the recognition, saying, “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our event organizers, city officials, and the entire community. Philadelphia’s rich history and diverse culture make it a perfect backdrop for world-class events, and we are honored to be recognized on an international stage.”
Philadelphia’s Office of Special Events has played a key role in this success, processing over 1,400 special event applications annually, ranging from parades and concerts to film productions and community festivals. The city’s collaboration with local businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations has helped to create a thriving festival scene, drawing millions of visitors annually.
As Philadelphia continues to celebrate this accolade, the city looks forward to hosting even more spectacular events that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and strengthen the local economy.
