Published on May 9 2023
By J 
Check out all the new things to do on Philly’s Delaware River Waterfront this summer.  
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Who's ready for an adventure? This summer, every day you can have a new quest on the Delaware River Waterfront. Maybe you want to explore the food scene; seek out fitness activities; or have a family day or date night that doesn’t break the bank. No matter the adventure you seek, the Philly Waterfront is the destination for you. 
If you’re an OG Waterfront explorer, you’ll be happy to discover all your favorites are making a comeback, with some spectacular additions. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest (May 12 through September 24) will continue to surprise and delight you with its retro arcade, boardwalk games and rides, and a huge outdoor roller rink (the largest one in Philly, if we do say so ourselves). 
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NEW this season is DJ nights every Friday and Saturday from 7-10 pm playing the hottest hits, so you can roller boogie your way into a summer of throwback fun. We’re also introducing James Beard nominated Chef Dionicio Jiménez from eatery Cantina La Martina to Summerfest with cuisine highlighting authentic Mexican flavors, along with carnival eats like funnel cake and fried Oreos from Skelly’s Amusements and Crabrfries® and cheesesteaks from Chickie’s & Pete’s. Plus, signature cocktails and local brews will leave you refreshed. 
  • DJs at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Spruce Street Harbor Park (May 12 through September 24) will allow you to relax and unwind. Here you can laze about in a colorful hammock (take your hammock hangouts to the next level by reserving a private hammock lounge), while savoring bites from our NEWEST vendor Humpty’s Dumplings, along with Philly Tacos, Ay Burritos, French Toast Bites (second location at Cherry Street Pier), Frozen Delights, and Chickie’s & Pete’s (two locations, too, yes!).

The return of Friday’s Afterwork Sessions music series and Family Fun Day Sunday with free activities with Pop-up Play (perfect for the little humans in your life), and lots of weekend markets, allows you to amp up the activity level if you choose.

And if you're someone who appreciates the arts, Cherry Street Pier (open year-round) will be overflowing with amazing exhibitions, performances, celebrations, and al fresco dining in the Garden Restaurant with views for days of the Delaware River.  
  • The Garden at Cherry Street Pier
Maybe you appreciate the art of movement. If so, next door at Race Street Pier you can participate in Wellness on the Waterfront presented by Indenpendence Blue Cross with free, yoga and pilates classes every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, beginning June 1. 
  • Relax and Unwind with Free Yoga Classes at Race Street Pier
Down the way at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, you’ll be able to add PECO Multicultural Festivals, and stellar firework shows on May 27 and July 1 at 9:30 pm, to your plans. 
  • VISIT PHILADELPHIA’S Kick-Off-to-Summer Fireworks Show and 78th Army Band’s Liberty Vibes Concert
The Delaware River Trail will get you to all these activities and more, with the RiverLink Ferry being the perfect mode to take you to the Camden Waterfront, for events at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, as well as Adventure Aquarium, and the Battleship New Jersey.   
And guess what? This is not even half of it. Here’s how to stay updated so you don’t miss opportunities to customize your summer adventures to your liking: sign up for our email list and follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 

But most importantly, share your adventures with us all summer long, using the hashtag #MyPhillyWaterfront.

Your adventures await!

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This is the first post in our “Waterfront Adventure” series that highlights activities for locals and travelers who want to visit the Delaware River Waterfront in Philadelphia.