Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
Baltimore Avenue...
Philadelphia
Sept. 3, 2026
The importance of a dollar stroll can’t be understated in any economy, but in this year of Hooverian economic butt-fucking magnified by Donald Trump, it somehow also feels like this goes without saying at all. Cheaply-priced (but not cheaply made) items and food are now a luxury, despite record profits being recorded and boasted by corporations. For individuals who do not own or oversee a wildly successful (exploitative) global company or have much money to spare in general, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is a great way to learn about and patronize local businesses and enjoy one of the last few nights of summer with fellow Philadelphians as the neighborhood comes alive. This is the second edition of the city’s popular street fair this year, and it was very well-attended.
Before I get into the things I didn’t buy, however, I have to admit that some deals were simply too good to ignore. Upon entering the festivities around 46th Street in the last hour of the fair, DJ Afrovibes was leading a spirited line dance while other festival-goers milled around and enjoyed sweets like the rolled ice cream of Royal Delights, chocolate granola bites from Made Good, and chocolate chip cookies from Sweet Besos. I folded for a $3 peach cobbler from Pound Cake Heaven, pictured below.
I also bought an $8 jar of Nutmeg-scented essential oil, which I’m an absolute slut for, from Sacatr, though I‘m not confident I know how to pronounce their name.
Now for what I didn’t buy. First were drinks from Ethiopian-American restaurant and bar Medmer, simply because the line was out the door and down the block and because I drove.
Next was incense from Sacatr, which also had a crowd around it, but this is West Philly, so it’s to be expected. I was able to slip in to look at the essential oils to purchase my lil' jar, which was significantly less popular and at the far end of the table, but not everybody has a diffuser.
There were also these DVDs of movies that I know basically nothing about, but I feel like I heard somewhere that The Shape of Water was pretty good?
Crossing the street between 46th and 45th, if memory serves, I procured two sample bottles of Louisiana Hot Sauce from company reps, whose contents absolutely went on my dinner later that night.
I also copped some fresh thai basil which was growing freely near a popular restaurant in the area that I won’t name in case I was supposed to leave it alone. Technically, this wasn’t being offered as part of the street fair, but I’m making either chicken or ribs tonight, so I did what I had to.
I also caught a bit of this MJ medley from The Dollar Bill Brass Band. Info on this years participating businesses is available on the University City District webpage, and soon info on next years dollar strolls will be as well, so keep your eyes peeled and maybe we’ll see each other out there next June and September!
