Philadelphia is gearing up for its first-ever leather and fetish street fair.
Bazaar on Quince will be held from noon-6 p.m. Oct. 7 on the 200 block of Quince Street. The event will be held during Sunday’s OutFest celebration.
“With any luck, it will be similar to existing events in San Francisco and New York City,” said Phil Cochetti, event producer.
The event will feature live performances, an open-air market full of leather/fetish exhibitors and vendors, games and a “leather bar,” offering an array of adult beverages. The bazaar is free and is sponsored by The Bike Stop, Philly Gay Calendar and Philly Pride Presents. However, organizers are accepting donations for William Way LGBT Community Center.
Guests are highly encouraged to come dressed for the bazaar — whether in leather, rubber, gear, uniforms or sports kit.
Cochetti collaborated with Franny Price, director of Philly Pride Presents, and Carmela Pinto, co-owner of The Bike Stop.
“We have been working diligently to make it the best event we can,” Cochetti said. “We have a core of volunteers and collaborators who have been helping gather entertainers, vendors and exhibitors.”
The bazaar will feature vendors such as Passional Boutique, Wolfstryker Leather and Philadelphia Leather Pride Weekend.
Cochetti expects more than 1,000 people to attend the event.
“We’re very excited for the support of our community, vendors and volunteers,” he said.
Guests are expected to come from New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Chicago.
Cochetti recently pulled together a photo shoot to advertise the event.
“I was expecting to get a handful of people and we ended up with 13 guys. Everyone was super-excited, willing and ready for the shoot,” Cochetti said. “The photographer and Steve McCann of Philly Gay Calendar were stunned, and frankly, so was I.”
Cochetti is looking forward to guests learning more about the leather community and The Bike Stop.
“We hope that everyone who comes gets into the spirit of things.”
The bazaar is adult-oriented but Cochetti encouraged attendees to be mindful and respectful to their neighbors and community.
For more information, email Cochetti at [email protected] .