Union Transfer is an independently-owned and operated music venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a joint venture between R5 Productions, The Bowery Presents (Terminal 5, Bowery Ballroom) and Four Corners Management. The venue opened to the public September 21, 2011 with the first ever show by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Polica.
The building originally opened in 1889 as the Spring Garden Farmer’s Market and has seen various incarnations over the years. Located at 1026 Spring Garden Street, Union Transfer is located in the neighborhood popularly known as the Eraserhood, which borders Northern Liberties, Chinatown and North Broad Street. The building was originally the Spring Garden Farmers Market from 1889 to 1918 and currently retains the signage that’s carved into the building. From 1918 to 1942 the building was changed to the Union Transfer Baggage Express Co., where bags and other items were kept in storage for the railway company. The German embassy in Philadelphia even utilized the services of Union Transfer Baggage Co. prior to World War II. Facing several more transformations over the next 50 years including a tire shop, trust company, and a Spaghetti Warehouse, Union Transfer became a music venue in 2011.
A variety of shows are hosted at Union Transfer, primarily of the Indie Rock persuasion, as well as Folk, Electronic Dance Music, Hip Hop and Punk. In the past the Union Transfer has hosted bands such as M83, Diplo, Frank Ocean, The Tallest Man on Earth, Best Coast, and Cock Sparrer. Union Transfer sources several Philadelphia-based businesses like Yards Brewing Company and Little Baby’s Ice Cream.
