There’s plenty to do, see and experience this spring at Cherry Street Pier (121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.). The waterside locale is packed full of activations this month, with creative marketplaces, exhibitions, unique programming and more on the schedule.
When the Pier first opened in 2018 — or reopened with a new eclectic concept shall we way — locals flocked to see the charm of the updated space, which was “designed for the Philadelphia community, by the Philadelphia community.” Since then, it’s become an inventive hub for artistry, food, architecture, music and creatives in general.
Last week, the Pier debuted several exhibitions and shows including ‘Coexistence‘ by studio artist Edith Zapata and the Second Annual ‘Eggy’ Art Show Curated by The Craft Coven. The showcases debuted during the venue’s First Friday event presented by Fulton Bank. Future set First Friday dates include May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5 — every night in the series features live performances, artists talks, an artisan market, food/drinks and other surprises.
For now though, both ‘Coexistence’ and ‘Eggy’ will be on display at the venue (free and open to the public). With the former, Edith Zapata combines contemporary elements to create abstract and expressive works inspired by nature, everyday life, and human emotions. The “Eggy” Art Show, on the other hand, is returning for its second year, exploring all things “eggy” through a wide range of mediums including paint, fired clay, metals, papier mâché, and fiber arts.
The “Eggy” theme can be interpreted in many ways as well, a release notes, adding that, “This show is meant to celebrate all that spring holds for our community through images we connect with this time of year—including rabbits, flowers, raindrops, the color palette of pastels, greens, and pinks and more.”
Philadelphians can also keep an eye out for different art classes and workshops with Amy Kelly (held in the Pier’s Studio 8). Kelly, a mixed-media artist, specializes in commissioned pieces and teaching art to people of all ages. Kelly kicks off her teaching series with a Mommy and Me Class on April 8 (5 to 6 p.m.), and will continue with a Teen Art Class on April 9, 16, 23 and 30 (5 to 6:30 p.m.), an Art Workshop for Adults on April 11 and 18 (7 to 9 p.m.), and a Kid Art Class on April 15 (5 to 6:30 p.m.) and April 19 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Cherry Street Pier’s Wonder Walk also kicks off this week. On Thursday, April 10, the DRWC will start off a weekly series of guided nature walks along the Delaware River. The walks are meant to be an immersive exploration of the waterfront’s evolving natural landscape. Each walk will highlight a different theme—from native plants and wildlife to birds, insects, and the cultural and ecological history surrounding the area’s former industrial piers, a release notes. Upcoming Wonder Walk dates include April 17 and 24, at Piers 68 and 70 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Locals can also gear up for the Philly Otaku Fest in 2025, at Cherry Street from April 11 to 13. While there, guests can immerse themselves in a weekend of cosplay, free-play video game tournaments, over 70 vendors, food, specialty drinks, and more. Admission is free at this rain-or-shine event, details and tournament registration can be found on the Delaware River Waterfront website.
Next, the SpArc Rocks and Rhythm Showcase will be in full swing at the water-side locale on Thursday, April 17 (noon to 1 p.m.) While there, participants can showcase their vocal and drumming skills in this “energetic performance.” As a release notes, this event is made possible through a Voices and Bucket Drumming residency in partnership with Musicopia. The uplifting rhythms and melodies showcased are meant to celebrate the power of music in bringing people together.
And to round up April’s programming at Cherry Street Pier, the Philadelphia Latino Art and Film Festival will be in full swing with screenings taking place at various times throughout the weekend (April 25 to 27). A full schedule of films and events can be found online.
Now through May 18, Cherry Street Pier’s hours will run Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m., Friday, noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To find out more information, visit cherrystreetpier.com
