This March, the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, in partnership with Creative Philadelphia, will celebrate the Fourth Annual Creative and Nighttime Economy Month – a citywide series of sector-focused convenings that elevate creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural workers as key drivers of Philadelphia’s economy and identity.
Artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses produce cultural goods and services that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life in our great city. Our world-class arts also enhance our nighttime economy, which we are excited to highlight this year.
We are dedicated to support Philadelphia creatives through entrepreneurial education while promoting our growth in the arts, culture, and creative industries.
Join the Department of Commerce, Creative Philadelphia, and partner organizations throughout the month for insightful discussions to hear from industry leaders and specialists on topics that will help creatives start, operate, and grow their businesses in Philadelphia.
Upcoming events
Back to the Basics: B2B, Business Support, and Scaling Your Creative Business
Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for the Back to the Basics: B2B, Business Support, and Scaling Your Creative Business panel discussion. This session is a convening designed to help creative businesses access resources, build connections, and learn the fundamentals of building a scalable, successful business. Attendees will engage with economic development partners who will offer practical insights on securing capital, procurement opportunities, workforce pipelines, and advisory services.
The Business of Design, Fashion, and Maker Trades
Date: March 5, 2026
Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for The Business of Design, Fashion & Maker Trades panel discussion, bringing together Philadelphia’s designers, fashion creatives, makers, manufacturers, and creative partners to explore the business infrastructure behind local production. This session will highlight the city’s ecosystem supporting textiles, fabrication, industrial design, manufacturing, craft markets, maker spaces, and circular economy models. Attendees will learn how to navigate resources, scale responsibly, and build sustainable pathways from concept to market production. Panelists will also discuss how AI is reshaping fashion and design, from trend forecasting and pattern development to production efficiencies, customization, and ethical considerations for creative businesses.
The Business of Music, Performance, and Nightlife Operations
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for The Business of Music, Performance & Nightlife Operators, where we will highlight Philadelphia’s music, performance, and nightlife scenes as cultural powerhouses and businesses. Bringing together venue operators, artists, producers, educators, architects, and cultural leaders for an insightful conversation about sustaining creative spaces and careers in Philadelphia.
The Business of Storytelling, Media, and Content Creation
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for The Business of Storytelling, Media & Content Creation, a panel discussion designed for writers, spoken word artists, publishers, filmmakers, content creators, marketers, and media professionals navigating today’s evolving creative economy. This session will explore how stories move from idea to impact, covering writing and production, distribution pathways, monetization strategies, and the resources available to support creative work across publishing, film, TV/radio, advertising, and digital platforms.
The Business of Food, Wellness, and Cultural Experience
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for this panel discussion designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with tools, programs, and resources to support the start-up, operation, and growth of food- and wellness-based businesses. Attendees can expect a practical, resource-focused session designed to support food and wellness businesses at every stage.
The Business of Technology, Gaming, and Innovation
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for The Business of Technology, Gaming & Innovation, an insightful panel discussion convening leaders across software, gaming, R&D, toys and games, biotech, and industrial design to explore the business side of innovation, funding pathways, commercialization, talent pipelines, and resources that support creative tech ventures at every stage.
Tools of the Trades
Date: March 19-21, 2026
Join CraftNOW and NextFab for their annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and achieve success, however they define it. Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event – to address the needs voiced by creatives running small businesses. The conference emphasizes approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and have no questions left unanswered.
Fourth Annual Creative and Nighttime Economy Month Celebration
Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Vault XXVII (Vault 27) 27 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join us for the Fourth Annual Creative and Nighttime Economy Month Celebration! Hosted by the Department of Commerce, this event honors Philadelphia’s vibrant creative and nighttime economies while celebrating young entrepreneurs, artists, and makers. This celebration brings together business owners, creatives, industry leaders, and community advocates to connect, learn, and grow.
Attendees can enjoy interactive workshops, a vendor-forward creative marketplace, live music and performances, content creation zones and photo opportunities throughout the space. The event will also recognize organizations and individuals contributing to the growth and sustainability of Philadelphia’s creative and nighttime economy, including the announcement of the Hospitality Professional Awardee and the Creative and Nighttime Economy Art Call Contest Winner.
Thank you
Thank you to our partners across City departments, entertainment spaces, and arts and culture organizations that supported the Department of Commerce in planning the fourth annual event series.
Our partners include:
- 69 & Sunny
- Blue Stoop
- Circular Philadelphia
- CraftNow
- Creative Philadelphia
- Ideate
- Immortal Vision Studios
- Jump Button Studios
- Made Institute
- NextFab
- PHL Collective
- Painted Bride
- Philly Download
- Philly Fashion Week
- Scribe Video
- Shameka Sawyer
- SIFT Media
- Young Philly Playwrights
