With the approaching kickoff of summer, let's make a pact, Philly, not to spend this summer indoors. Whether you start your day with waterfront yoga or end it swinging in a hammock listening to live music, let the Delaware River Waterfront be a fresh-air home away from home these next few months. All summer long, the Delaware River Waterfront Corp (DRWC) will be hosting FREE outdoor events for Philadelphians (and tourists!) of all ages at all waterfron destinations --Spruce Street Habor Park, the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Race Street Pier, Festival Pier, the Riverlink Ferry, Washington Avenue Pier, and the brand new rollerskating rink at the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Find your outdoor summer guide below, and be sure to check out DRWC's full event calander throughout the upcoming months.
Spruce Street Harbor Park:
Everyone's favorite waterfront oasis of 2014 is back for another round of enjoyment. Wash away a long day at work with a locally brewed beer while reclining on Adirondack chairs under a canopy of lights and then let us know...does it really get better than that? Be the first to see SSHP at the preview party on May 21, 7-10PM. Features of SSHP include:
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Hammock park and over-water net for relaxing
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Local Philly beers and refreshments
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Dining from Garces Group, Franklin Fountain and Federal Donuts
- Various programming and live music...stay updated here.
Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest:
The brand new seven day a week rollerskating rink at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will open Memorial Day Weekend and stay open all summer long. Summerfest will be FREE and provide a great alternative to whatever Saturday afternoon plans you had in mind. Rollerskating tickets can be purchased in advance online or on-site, and will be free for all Independence Blue Cross Cardholders. Features of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest include:
- The rink's high-end roller hockey grade flooring system
- A boathouse themed restaurant and venue
- Food from Garces Group and Shane Confectionary
- A naturalistic playscape
- And more! Check out any updates here.
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing:
- May 16: Sisters Cities Girlchoir 3rd Annual Family and Friends Concert - enjoy beautiful music from a group that empowers at-risk girls through a comprehensive choral training academy that invests in the unique potential of adolescent girls to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and transform their communities.
- The PECO Multicultural Series - these summerlong events celebrate Philadelphia's diverse culture. This year's series will include Irish American Festival, Islamic Heritage Festival, Portuguese Heritage Festival, Hispanic Fiesta, ACANA African Festival, Festival of India, Caribbean Festival, Mexican Independence Day Festival, and Brazillian Day Philadelphia. Check out the specific schedule.
- June 14: Philly Pride Day - the LGBT Pride Festival marks the ending point for the LGBT Pride Parade, and the beginning of six hours of entertainment with guest star Fran Drescher. This festival is produced by Philly Pride and consists of over 80 community groups and vendors, free health screenings, a dance area, food, adult beverages, a dunk tank, fun and games.
- June 25-28: Tall Ships Philadelphia-Camden: With over a dozen domestic and international ships, this will be the festival of the summer. In addition to tours and sails, visitors can experience historical reenactments, live music, dance, youth sail training, a craft beer garden and the regions finest fare. Book tickets now to reserve spaces on the special sails and tours.
- June 27: The United States Army Band, "Perishing's Own" and Waterfront Fireworks - an evening full of rousing and patriotic music from one of the nation's premier musical organizations, followed by a fireworks celebration.
- July 2: The Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert - presented by Well's Fargo and followed by a fireworks salute, the Philadelphia Orchestra will bring their music to Penn's Landing for a FREE night of orchestral music under the stars.
- Screening Under The Stars - Thursdays in July and August beginning July 9, movies will include: The Goonies, Wizard of Oz, Back to the Future, Home, Annie, Lego Movie, Cinderella, Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Smooth Jazz Summer Nights - Fridays in August: nationally renowned talent includes Generation NeXt, Brian Culbertson, Jazz Attack, and Mindi Abair.
- Paddle Penn's Landing - This program offers opportunities to test your skills at kayaking, canoeing or pedal boating in one of the swan boats. Single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes and swan boats made for two are all available for rental.
Race Street Pier:
Washington Avenue Pier:
Formally Pier 53, the Washington Avenue Pier is the newest greenspace that on the Delaware River. This gorgeous and natural space provides a recreational function for visitors, all while boasting innovative ecological improvements which will provide environmental and habitat benefits. Other features include:
- Public access to the end of the pier with panoramic views of the river
- Amenities for passive recreation
- Places to touch the water (bring the kids!)
- A public art piece with a spiral staircase entitled "Land Buoy" created by nationally renowned Philadelphia artist, Jody Pinto
Festival Pier:
- A lively beer garden
- A food experience by Michael Schulson
- Expanded beverages options, food trucks and more.
- SUMMER 2015 LINEUP: Jam On The River, Roots Picnic, Radio 104.5 Block Parties, Third Eye Blind, Primus, Social Distortion and more!
Pier 68:
Slated to open to the public by the end of the summer, Pier 68 will include amenities for passive recreation, fishing, and up-close observation of the highly tidal nature of the Delaware River. As the southern trailhead for the Delaware River Trail, this pier will be the southern bookend to a future wetlands park and trail segment.
