It’s Still Summertime and Yes, The Livin’ is Still Easy
August may be the last official month of summer, but we at the waterfront have no plans to slow down our fun. It’s already been a crazy summer between the launch of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest in May and Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden in June, but August is shaping up to just as exciting and jam-packed with events, so don’t pack up your flip-flops just yet.
We know how much you love the Screenings Under the Stars free movie series at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, and you’ve got a whole other month of Thursdays to look forward to. This month’s movies are:
- Annie - August 6
- Lego Movie - August 13
- The Goonies - August 20
- Guardians of the Galaxy - August 27
New this month is the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights series at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Every Friday in August we will host a free jazz concert under the stars. End your busy weeks this month with the smooth sounds of the sax soothing your soul in front of an unbeatable waterfront backdrop. The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights schedule is as follows:
- Generation NeXt - August 7
- Brian Culbertson - August 14
- Jazz Attack - August 21
- Mindi Abair - August 28
Every summer, the PECO Multicultural Series brings the sounds, flavors and colorful varieties of culture right here to our doorstep. This month, you’ll have the experience to check out THREE different PECO Multicultural Series Events. We even promise that we won’t expose you if you start to brag about how you “travelled the world this summer” at your Labor Day BBQ.
- ACANA African Festival - August 2, 2pm-8pm
Hosted by the African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA,) this free outdoor concert hits the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing this Sunday with a wide range of African entertainment, from traditional dance performances to modern Afropop and Reggae musical performances. Visitors will also get to taste and see authentic African food vendors, as well as traditional and modern clothing, arts, and crafts vendors. ACANA African Festival will feature live musical performances from Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, Rafiya, Rotimi, Togar Howard, the Chilton Reggae Band and more.
- Festival of India - August 15, 1pm-7pm
Each year, the Council of Indian Organizations (CIO) of Greater Philadelphia presents a massive Festival of India at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing to celebrate Indian Independence Day. This festival is also a chance for Philadelphia to appreciate the vibrant Indian population in the city that continues to grow. This free event celebrates all things India - from mouth-watering Indian delicacies, Indian music and dance, art and culture. Every year thousands of people come to enjoy this day of free, fun-filled entertainment for the whole family.
- Caribbean Festival - August 16, 12pm-8pm
Take a day-long trip to the islands, mon! The lively Caribbean culture is coming to Philadelphia for the 28th Annual Caribbean Festival. This is a free event at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing that will feature authentic island sounds of reggae, roots international beat, soca, hip-hop, cool jazz, gospel and creative dances. There will also be displays of Caribbean fashion and plenty of delicious exotic cuisine.
Summertime is nothing if it’s not full of live music. WXPN The Key’s Waterfront Sessions have been bringing tunes to the waterfront all summer, and August comes with two more of these amazing concerts. Don’t miss these awesome local artists in two of the coolest venues in the city.
- Restorations and DRGN King - August 6, 8pm
Spruce Street Harbor Park
- York Street Hustle - August 20, 8pm
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
You’re now equipped with all of the specialty waterfront events for August and can impress your friends with your vast knowledge of all things Penn’s Landing. Don’t forget about our classics, though! Our ongoing weekly events are some of Philly’s favorite pastimes.
Yoga on the Race Street Pier is a daily event that is completely free...oh, and did we mention it just wont a Best of Philly Award? Check our website for schedules and times.
If you’re the type of yogi who wants to try to new things, you should definitely check out Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga at Spruce Street Harbor Park - yoga session that takes place while all attendees are balancing on their paddleboards. Are you up for the challenge? SUP Yoga goes down Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check our site for times and don’t forget to reserve a board ahead of time.
Spruce Street Harbor Park Presented by Univest/Valley Green Bank needs no introduction. Since summer is *gasp* winding down, you may want to head over to SSHP every day of the week just to ensure that you get your fill before the winter months set in. Make it a goal to try all of the delicious food before the summer ends, and if you’re feeling really wild, attempt to sit in at least 15 different hammocks.
Philadelphia universally loves Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. It’s the perfect venue to bring the family, your friends or maybe even a first date. There’s also refreshing drinks, juicy burgers and sweet treats from Shane Confectionary in the Lodge.
Bring the kids or the kids-at-heart to Paddle Penn’s Landing any day of the week this month. Take out a swan boat or a kayak and enjoy a day of water activities under the gorgeous August sun.
We can’t wait to see you at the waterfront all month long. Remember that we love questions, comments and suggestions from you so feel free to reach out to us on social media at any point. Also, keep Instagramming your pics! You keep the awesome shots coming, and we’ll keep reposting them.
Happy August, Philly! We’ll see you at the waterfront.
