The Fairmount Arts Crawl started out as a local neighborhood event in November 2004. It began when a few neighborhood artists were discussing the lack of art galleries in Fairmount. Since a few local businesses regularly had featured artists, the idea formed that an event could be created which would partner more businesses with local artists. With the formation of the Fairmount Arts Council, The Fairmount Arts Crawl has evolved into an annual “Art Happening.”

On the last Sunday of April from 2 to 6pm, Fairmount venues including restaurants and businesses, open their doors and highlight the work of a wide variety of artists and their mediums including painting, drawing, photography, pottery, and wearable arts. Fairmount Arts Crawl also includes a variety of outdoor events designed to appeal to families and art lovers of all ages and interests.  

The event was founded and nurtured by the Fairmount Arts Council, a group of artists, businesses and associations formed in 2005 to promote Fairmount and its artistic heritage.  Key members include Neighborhood Potters, Fairmount Art Center, the Fairmount Civic Association, Eastern State Penitentiary and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. 

Fairmount Arts Crawl is now organized by the Fairmount Community Development Corporation (Fairmount CDC).