Mortal Coil: Kensington Crankie Festival
Poster by Asa
We are all wound up to invite you to Philly’s first-ever Crankie Festival,
an evening of storytelling in scrolling panoramic art with live music and song!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26th, 2026
4 - 6 PM Matchbox Crankie Workshop with superstar guests the Lantern Sisters and Dan Van Allen from Baltimore!
Free with RSVP required (currently full)
4 - 7 PM Artist Mini Market
6:30 PM Doors
7 PM Showtime
Free admission
(donations much appreciated)
2223 E Dauphin St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
A crankie is a storytelling device where an illustrated scroll is wound around two dowels held in place by a window box frame.
When the dowels are cranked forwards, the illustrations play through in sequence for all to follow along.
Originating from Europe in the late 1700s, crankies are now enjoying a global revival among anyone with a story to tell, meeting popularity for its low-tech whimsicality and accessibility.
What is a crankie?
Come out for a head-turning, soul-feeding time with our sublime line up of artists:
The Lantern Sisters and Dan Van Allen
Emcee hosts:
The Chromatic Ministry of Yes and Know
Music by: