Delaware River WATERFRONT

PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 27, 2026) – The Philadelphia Waterfront has become one of Philadelphia's most vibrant gathering places as eight multicultural festivals, sponsored by PECO, celebrate the music, food, traditions and artistry of communities from around the world. Thousands of visitors are expected to experience the Waterfront as a destination for culture, connection and community with six weekends of festivals hosted by local Philadelphia cultural organizations.

“Philadelphia's diversity is one of the city's greatest strengths, and the Waterfront is proud to be a place where communities can come together to celebrate tradition,” said Sarah Eberle, VP of Arts & Programming at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “These festivals create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience something new, connect with one another and celebrate the incredible cultural richness that exists across our region.”

For the August and September multicultural lineup, download the full release.

PHILADELPHIA (June 12, 2026) - The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC)
presents America 250 weekend on the Waterfront from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, with family-friendly activities, including one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated fireworks displays as part of Wawa Welcome America Festival 2026. In honor of the United States’ 250th Anniversary, DRWC-managed parks, including Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will come alive for the weekend fun...

 

Review the full release below.

PHILADELPHIA (April 2, 2026) –The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation  (“DRWC”) invites visitors to kick off summer along the Delaware River with Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest returning for the season on Friday, May 22 for Memorial Day Weekend.  

This season, the Waterfront will debut brand-new “on-the-water” experiences at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Guests can pedal across the river on Chiliboats, glide beneath the stars on swan boat night rides, and take in skyline views from a floating double-decker barge, bringing visitors closer to the Delaware River than ever before. 

 Download the full release below.

PHILADELPHIA (March 10, 2026) - As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”) announces Where Freedom Flows, a public art series transforming the Waterfront into a free, open-air gallery from summer through fall 2026.  

Through a curated lineup of immersive exhibitions and installations at Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and along the Delaware River, the Waterfront will become a gathering place for art, reflection, and dialogue. Rooted in Philadelphia’s history and shaped by contemporary artists from around the world, the series explores how freedom moves across water, across generations, and across communities, connecting stories of migration, creativity, resilience, and renewal. 

Through art, sound, light, and storytelling, Where Freedom Flows reinforces the Waterfront’s position as an inclusive cultural destination, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the evolving story of freedom in Philadelphia and across the nation. 

Download the full release below.

 PHILADELPHIA (November 6, 2025) — The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), producer of Philadelphia’s iconic Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, and organizers of the city’s beloved Mummers Parade, came together today to announce their plans to ring in the new year, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th Anniversary in 2026.

DRWC announced the return of Visit PA as the presenting sponsor of the Visit PA New Year's Eve Fireworks at 6 PM and midnight, promising bigger and brighter fireworks than ever before. This year, three firework barges will be strategically positioned along the Waterfront for both shows, providing spectacular, free viewing opportunities from multiple vantage points across the city. Additional ticketed festivities will further the fun at Cherry Street Pier and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. To cue the fireworks, the National Liberty Museum will bring the younger “sibling” to the Liberty Bell – a fully operational replica cast from the same mold and foundry – to ring in the New Year.

 

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PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2025) — The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) invites all to embrace the magic of the season as the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest returns for its 2025 – 2026 season, opening Friday, November 28, 2025. In addition to the beloved skating tradition, DRWC will spread festive cheer along the Waterfront with holiday offerings at Cherry Street Pier, including a Holiday Art Show, making its debut December 5, 2025, and a Holiday Gift Guide highlighting items from the Pier’s Artists in Residence, launching Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

 

Download the full release below. 

PHILADELPHIA (October 1, 2025) – When Philadelphia welcomes the United States Navy to celebrate 250 years since its founding (October 9 - 16), the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (“DRWC”) parks – including Spruce Street Harbor Park and Cherry Street Pier – alongside the Independence Seaport Museum (“ISM”), will become the premier destination to commemorate the 250th Anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

 

Welcoming the Parade of Ships on the morning of Thursday, October 9, Spruce Street Harbor Park will offer visitors special viewing access along its Waterfront to watch select ships make their way up the Delaware River. ISM’s Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser and the oldest steel warship afloat in the world, will fire her Triple six-pounder Gun to welcome them. Together, all ten Navy and Coast Guard vessels will travel along the Delaware River and dock at four berthing locations on both shores: Pier 4 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Penn’s Landing, Gloucester Main Terminal, and the Camden Waterfront.

 

Download the full press release below: