Media Advisory: A Cool Taste of Winter In Time for Christmas in July - Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Announces the Return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, with Special Santa Skate on July 25
Released July 25 2025
WHAT: While the Waterfront is currently celebrating Summerfest, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) recently announced the return of the beloved Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for the 2025 – 2026 Holiday Season. To offer visitors a cool taste of winter and an early taste of holiday magic, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will host a special “Christmas in July” Skate. With a tropical Santa and a skating Grinch to bring cheer, guests will be able to preview Winterfest fun complete with:
- Holiday classics playing in The Lodge
- Festive holiday music and photo opportunities with the Zamboni
- Free candy canes and Santa hats (while supplies last)
- Holiday-themed drinks available for purchase, including:
- Holly Jolly Red Slushies
- Frozen “Hot Chocolate”
- Cozy Coquito
Additionally, the first 100 roller skating ticket holders will receive a free ice-skating ticket for the upcoming Winterfest season (only available onsite).
WHEN: Friday, July 25, 2025, 5 pm - 7 pm
**Rain date: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2 – 4 pm in event of inclement weather
**RSVP required to: Kaitlyn Haney: khaney@signature57.com
WHERE: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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August 2025: AUGUST 2025 Delaware River Waterfront Continues “Make Summer Yours” Fun with Jazz Summer Nights, 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series, Free Yoga on Race Street Pier, Character Skates, ‘80s DJ Night & Mondo Cane
Released July 22 2025
PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2025) - The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”) invites visitors to continue their summer fun at the Waterfront this August 2025 with a jam-packed schedule of events and happenings designed to “Make Summer Yours” across its parks: Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink SummerFest and more.
With something for everyone to enjoy during the last few official weeks of summer, August spotlights at the Delaware River Waterfront include:
- 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series, including: ACANA, Festival of India, and Caribbean Festival;
- Jazz Summer Nights Series at Spruce Street Harbor Park;
- Wellness on the Waterfront presented by Independence Blue Cross– free yoga events at Race Street Pier;
- Character skates and Planet Rock ‘80s DJ Night at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest;
- New exhibition, Mondo Cane, a large-scale outdoor sculpture by Philadelphia artist Jonathan Santoro to make its debut at Race Street Pier.
A complete August 2025 Calendar of Events is below. “Make Summer Yours” is the Waterfront’s Summer 2025 theme inviting people of all ages to enjoy the Delaware River Waterfront. For more information, interest in covering these events, or photos about these happenings, please contact:
Tamara Yvette Day (tday@signature57.com).
HIGH-RES IMAGES: For high-resolution images of our parks and events, visit our media gallery: linked here. To access use password aidemdrwc: or contact us through our media inquires form. To stay up-to-date on DRWC happenings throughout the year, please visit delawareriverwaterfront.com.
Download the full release below.
A Cool Taste of Winter In Time for Christmas in July: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Announces the Return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, with Special Santa Skate on July 25
Released July 17 2025
PHILADELPHIA (July 17, 2025) – The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”) officially announces the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for the 2025 – 2026 season, bringing back Philadelphia’s favorite cold-weather tradition beginning Friday, November 29, 2025. To offer visitors an early taste of holiday magic, DRWC will host a special Santa Skate on Friday, July 25 from 5 pm to 7 pm just in time for Christmas in July. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 from 2 to 4 pm in the event of inclement weather.
At DRWC’s Santa Skate at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, visitors will meet, greet, and skate with a summertime Santa and Grinch while enjoying a preview of Winterfest fun, complete with holiday movie classics playing in The Lodge, festive music, and drink specials including Holly Jolly Red Slushies, Frozen “Hot Chocolate,” and Cozy Coquito (while supplies last). Visitors are encouraged to dress festively and take photos with the Zamboni. The first 100 roller skating purchasers will receive a complimentary ice-skating ticket for each roller-skating ticket purchased for the upcoming season. This skating offer is only valid on-site.
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Celebrate Independence Weekend on the Delaware River Waterfront with Live Music, Dancing, Liberty Flea, and a Grand Fireworks Finale
Released June 18 2025
PHILADELPHIA (June 18, 2025) - The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) invites residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Weekend early on the Waterfront with three nights of free entertainment, live music, and a stunning fireworks display over the river.
From the Golden Age of MTV tribute bands to patriotic performances by the U.S. Army Band, Pershing's Own, and vintage shopping with Liberty Flea, the Waterfront will be alive with sound, color, and celebration—all leading up to a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday, June 28 at 9:30 PM. This beloved holiday weekend promises fun for all ages and interests, with signature experiences across Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.
“We’re kicking off the festivities early with one of the most memorable and meaningful times to be on the Waterfront,” said Joseph A. Forkin, President & CEO of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “Whether you’re dancing to tribute bands, relaxing at Spruce Street Harbor Park, or watching fireworks light up the skyline, it’s a perfect way to start the holiday. This celebration reminds us of what makes summer in Philadelphia so special, and we’re proud to offer it free and open to all, ahead of the Independence Day weekend.”
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Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Welcomes Erika Joy Erb as Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Released June 6 2025
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”), today formally announces the appointment of Erika Joy Erb as its new Vice President of Marketing and Communications. A seasoned marketing leader with two decades of experience spanning nonprofit, hospitality, real estate, and financial sectors, Erb will lead DRWC’s strategic marketing initiatives and external communications to further strengthen the waterfront’s role as a vibrant and inclusive civic destination.
“Erika’s knowledge and experience in marketing and communications across Philadelphia non-profit, for-profit, and hospitality sectors make her the perfect fit for our team, and we are thrilled to have her at DRWC,” said Joe Forkin, President & CEO, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “This is an important time for her to join us as we continue to grow the Delaware River Waterfront as a welcoming place for all Philadelphians and visitors alike, including our biggest project to date ahead of us, the Park at Penn’s Landing.”
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Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and PECO Announce and Celebrate 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series
Released May 29 2025
PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2025) – Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), the steward of the waterfront, alongside its longtime partner PECO, announced today its 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series.
Since 1995, PECO has supported the Delaware River Waterfront’s Multicultural Series, an annual, free series of festivals that draws thousands of attendees each year to celebrate their cultural heritage and diverse communities. With dates announced from June through October, the series will celebrate the many heritages of the Philadelphia region, through music, dance, food, and cultural expressions at various parks on the Delaware River Waterfront. To announce the festivals and series, DRWC, PECO, and festival partners provided a preview of the 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series at Cherry Street Pier.
An official proclamation from the City of Philadelphia was presented to DRWC and PECO in recognition of the series' longstanding celebration of Philadelphia’s diverse cultural heritage. “The PECO Multicultural Series at the Delaware River Waterfront has become one of Philadelphia’s longest-running series and beloved traditions, representing the cultural fabric of our city,” said Joseph A. Forkin, President & CEO of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “Together with PECO and our tremendous festival partners, we are proud to continue this rich tradition, welcoming people of all ages and background to the Waterfront."
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Media Advisory: “Make Summer Yours” at Spruce Street Harbor Park & Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Released May 22 2025
WHAT: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) will welcome the seasonal return of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on Friday, May 23. 2025. Just before Memorial Day weekend, visitors will be invited to “Make Summer Yours” with new and returning amenities and refreshed park offerings.
In honor of Grand Re-Opening weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy:
Spruce Street Harbor Park
-
Food vendors include: Chickie’s & Pete’s, Ay Burrito!, By Philly Tacos, Philly Tacos, and Frozen Delights.
-
New art installations, amenities, and returning Afterwork Sessions including DJ Reddz, DJ RocDaSpot, and DJ Neeek!
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
- Roll into summer at RiverRink Summerfest, where the city’s favorite outdoor roller rink makes its much-anticipated return!
- Boardwalk-style attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carnival games, mini golf, and new and returning carnival fare
WHEN: Friday, May 23, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Download the complete media advisory below.
Summer on the Waterfront Returns: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Announces 2025 Lineup with Roller Skating, Wellness, Food, Treasure Hunts and More
Released May 21 2025
PHILADELPHIA (May 21, 2025) - The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) invites visitors to 'Make Summer Yours' as it announces its Summer 2025 calendar with the return of wellness programs—including roller skating and fitness classes—made possible by Independence Blue Cross, the region’s leading healthcare provider. Packed with memory-making moments and events, including a Treasure Hunt, the Waterfront’s parks will also welcome new and returning food and beverage partners at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Cherry Street Pier.
Alongside roller skating and fitness events presented by Independence Blue Cross, the “Make Summer Yours” theme will come to life in Summer 2025 at the Delaware River Waterfront, transforming the space into a vibrant hub of local music, dancing, new seasonal traditions, and Philly flavors with a mix of food and beverage partners. In addition, the second annual Philly Treasure Hunt, curated by Eric the Puzzler, launches this June. This free, city-wide adventure invites teams to crack clues hidden in public spaces in Philly—complete checkpoints, win prizes, and earn access to a secret end-of-summer puzzle party.
To thoroughly connect with the Delaware River watershed, DRWC recommends this week-long journey.
Day 1 Itinerary
- Confluence of the Oquaga and the West Branch of the Delaware
- Headwaters of what the Titanic would supposedly do?
- Mongaup source
- Callicoon headwaters
- Where the Willowemoc meets Beaver Kill
Day 2 Itinerary
- Where Basher Kill empties into the Neversink
- Atco Run’s outflow
- Middle Creek headwaters
- As far upstream on the Shohola as you can go
- Lackawaxen
- Meeting of Tenmile and the Delaware
Day 3 Itinerary
- Paddle upstream on Little Bush Kill until you can’t anymore
- Brodheadwaters
- Irish spring?
- Mud mouth
- Where the Tobyhanna joins the Lehigh
- Tobyhanna source
- DWG
- Paulins Kill headwaters
- Mouth of horror franchise river?
- Where you stopped paddling
Day 4 Itinerary
- Where the Lenape’s “clear stream” empties into Thomas West, 3rd Baron
- Bushkill headwaters
- Headwaters of a Middle East nation?
- As far upstream on the Manatawnee as you can go
- Where a young lass meets a “hidden river”
- America’s favorite regatta
Day 5
Prepare for your final days of travel by resupplying in Episode IV then resting in Rainbow/Railroad/Terminal
Day 6 Itinerary
- Where the Wissahickon empties into the Schuylkill
- Starting to stuff coins?
- Skippack headwaters
- Mouth of light brown heavenly food?
- Source of the Brandywine’s East Branch
- Darby Creek’s origin
- Perkiomen and Skippack confluence
Day 7 Itinerary
- BW WB source
- Mouth of the “hidden river”
- Birthplace of Christina
- Birthplace of Maurice
Review the full press release below.
Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Invites Visitors to “Make Summer Yours” with the Return of Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Blue Cross Summerfest & the RiverLink Ferry
Released April 25 2025
PHILADELPHIA (April 25, 2025) – The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”) invites visitors to “make summer yours” as it officially welcomes the seasonal reopening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on Friday, May 23. The RiverLink Ferry returns May 10 for weekend service and begins full 7-day-a-week service on Friday, May 23. Making their seasonal debut just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Philadelphia’s beloved waterfront parks will offer warm weather vibes, refreshing waterfront views, lively music, local flavors, and summertime fun with the return of roller-skating, boardwalk rides, games, and more. Featuring stunning city skyline and waterfront views, the RiverLink Ferry will set sail on the Delaware River to offer trips connecting Philadelphia and Camden, providing breezy transportation to concerts and summer fun at attractions on both waterfronts.
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