Everything to Do, See, and Eat on the Delaware River Waterfront This Season
From free concerts to outdoor day-drinking to roller-skating and games, here’s what will keep you busy on the Delaware all spring and summer long.
Rides at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on the Delaware River Waterfront / Photograph by Matt Stanley
When we can’t sneak off down the Shore, we grab a little slice of that boardwalk life much closer to home. Each year as the weather gets warmer, Philly flocks to the Delaware River Waterfront to play, eat, and explore — it’s become an all-ages oasis whether you’re looking for a family fun day, a picturesque date, or just day-drinking down by the river.
Last year, things were a bit complicated with the RiverRink, due to the I-95 Cap Park construction. But rest assured, Summerfest is back on May 23rd (just in time for Memorial Day weekend!) and better than ever, with lots of fun events planned all season long. That same day, Spruce Street Harbor Park makes its triumphant return, offering chill lounge areas, entertainment, and a floating bar. And its cool boho friend Cherry Street Pier continues to hold it down up north, with art, shopping, and some exciting food options of its own.
Here’s everything planned on the Delaware River Waterfront this season.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
The centerpiece of Penn’s Landing’s “Summerfest,” of course, is its massive outdoor roller skating rink. You’ll get skate time, tunes, and views of the river all in one afternoon. (Keep an eye out for rink events like retro DJ nights and character skates!)
Skating admission is $5 (free for Independence Blue Cross cardholders), and skate rental is another $12 (save money by bringing your own). Tickets are available online. In person, you can also rent lockers and kids’ skate aids.
Of course, skating is only part of what’s happening at Summerfest. They’re also planning weekly events in the Lodge: free bingo on Tuesdays and artist workshops on Wednesdays.
Carnival games at Blue Cross RiverRink on the Delaware River Waterfront / Photograph by Matt Stanley
There’s also a midway with rides (including a 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel offering a bird’s-eye view of the river, 18 holes of mini golf, and carnival games to win stuffed animals and random toys. Plus, there’s an indoor arcade with plenty of old-school games (two-player Space Invaders!) and new favorites. Rides and games are pay-as-you go — you’ll find a ticket booth on site for golf and rides.
If you’re hungry, you can grab carnival-style concessions outside (think funnel cake, fried Oreos, cotton candy, and ice cream). Or head into the Lodge where you’ll find a bar, a taco stand, and a Chickie’s & Pete’s outpost serving their signature Crabfries, plus seafood, cheesesteaks, and wings.
Don’t forget to grab a picture on the giant red Visit Philly chair — then head to a smaller rocking chair on the porch to relax.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Waterfront lounging at Spruce Street Harbor Park / Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philly
Spruce Street Harbor Park got an overhaul with new food options and things to do last year, and they’re taking full advantage of their upgrades with a full calendar of events.
Added last year, the Lazy Hammock features a covered bar focusing on local brews, a stage and performance venue, and a 16-foot-high video wall to host watch parties. Expect concerts on the last Saturday of each month, for the Summer Sounds series. It kicks off May 31st with Rubblebucket; mark September 27th on your calendar now for the Dead Milkmen. For even more free concerts, be on the lookout for their Live and Local series on Thursdays in June, and free weekly jazz concerts Fridays in August
Spruce Street Harbor Park also is planning to get you on your feet with DJ events and more. Kick it off on Fridays with Spruce Street Dance Nights: Learn to dance with instructors, then show off your new skills. There’ll be country line dancing in June, swing dancing in July, and salsa in September. And keep an eye out for Cosmic Rhythms, dance parties to old-school vinyl DJ sets, on select Saturday nights.
While all these events are all-ages, Sunday afternoons are especially kid-friendly, with the return of Sundays with Pop-Up Play. Each week offers a new make-and-take activity, including boat building, puppet making, and catapult building.
One thing that’s remains a key feature of SSHP? The colorful hammocks. You might have to stake out a spot here on busy weekends, but this is a prime place for lazing about. If you really want to guarantee yourself and your friends a spot, you can reserve one of the park’s hammock lounges in advance.
Looking to sip something on the hammocks? Head to the Blue Anchor Barge, offering seasonal cocktails and local beer.
New to SSHP last year, corner store the Trading Post has merchandise from local vendors and artists, plus Philly-made ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, go for a sundae, root beer float, or cone at the “Frozen Delights” stand. The stand also has fun time snacks like fried Oreos, pretzels, and funnel cakes.
And if you don’t feel like walking up to Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park has its own taco stand and Chickie’s & Pete’s. Check out all the menus here.
Independence Seaport Museum
Climb aboard one of the historic ships docked on the Delaware Waterfront / Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Philly is the birthplace of the U.S. Navy, so what better place to learn about maritime history?
Be sure to check out boatbuilders at work in the on-site boat shop: The exhibit Pirates & Patriots lets you climb aboard a replica of the Schooner Diligence, an 18th-century ship that would have served in the early United States Navy, built right in that boat shop! (Plus, you get to learn the origin story of the Navy and the “little-known conflict they had with the pirates that plagued them” in the 18th and 19th centuries.)
Then, head outside and grab tickets to tour two meticulously restored historic war vessels: the World War I cruiser Olympia and World War II submarine Becuna. Back again this summer, ISM’s “Captain’s Corner” series will be offered once a month aboard the Olympia with talks that delve into the histories of the two ships.
For adults looking for a unique night out, the museum is planning a series of speakeasy evenings aboard the Olympia (in keeping with the historic warship’s Prohibition-era context). The evenings will feature live music, games, themed drinks and more. And, yes, 1920s costumes are encouraged. (They’re also planning a Pride-themed edition in June with drag performances.)
Cherry Street Pier
Cherry Street Pier / Photograph by Maria Young
This one’s open year-round, but there’s even more to do (and eat) in the warmer months. Since 2018, this unique open-air, mixed-use space — formerly Municipal Pier 9 — has combined workspace and public space in a way that enhances both. Stroll through the pier past two levels of artists’ studios (with windows so you can see them at work), check out the art installations on view and attend pop-up events.
If you’re looking to pick up some unique finds this summer, check out their artisan markets and El Mercado throughout the year.
And First Fridays bring performances, art activities, and open studio tours, so be sure to check out what they’ve got planned each month.
If you’re hungry, swing by the on-site taco stand and finish off at the Irv’s Ice Cream trolley. And like the other waterfront locations, there’s a bar with cocktails, plus local beer and wine from Yards, Hale & True, Love City Brewing, and Mural City Cellars.
More Waterfront Bars
Cocktails and waterfront views at Liberty Point / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Aside from the official DWRC spots, there are some other riverside spots where you can grab a drink and some views.
Liberty Point, a massive, three-level restaurant opened on Independence Seaport Museum’s outdoor decks a few years ago, and remains a behemoth. It contains five bars, a stage featuring live entertainment, and even a little rowboat play area for the kids. At the bar? A full menu of beer, cocktails and frozen boozy delights that you can enjoy while taking in panoramic views of the river.
The spring and summertime favorite Morgan’s Pier overlooks the Delaware River with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the marina below. Multiple outdoor bars serve up beer, specialty cocktails and slushy drinks. Yet it’s also kid-friendly: On weekend afternoons you’ll typically see multiple strollers and live music. Morgan’s Pier accommodates this audience with a kids’ menu, sippy cups and a changing table. While Morgan’s Pier’s closing time is 2 a.m., kids have to be out of there by 9 p.m.
And Fringe Bar flows into the outdoor Haas Biergarten, offering views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. They’ve got Pumphouse Pizza on weekends, and a brunch menu that pairs perfectly with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. And they’re a great alternative to those other waterfront bars that can get a little bro-y at times.
Admission is free for all locations along the waterfront; attractions and food are pay-as-you-go.
