Philly’s summer always shines down by the waterfront, and even more so in 2025 with the district’s “Make Summer Yours” initiative. With August on the horizon, the scenic part of the city is jamming seasonal fun into Spruce Street Harbor Park, Summerfest, Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier to celebrate.
“Visitors can make new memories along our lively boardwalk at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, unwind in the vibrant urban oasis of Spruce Street Harbor Park, enjoy wellness experiences at Race Street Pier, and grab a bite to eat while exploring local art at Cherry Street Pier,” says Joseph A. Forkin, President & CEO of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.
In August, the 30th Anniversary PECO Multicultural Series will continue on with the ACANA Africa Festival, Festival of India, and Caribbean Festival. ACANA (Aug. 3) is the largest African music festival on the East Coast, the Festival of India (Aug. 16) has been a tradition in the city since 1993, and the Caribbean Festival (Aug. 17) represents 15 Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and more. All three events will be housed at Cherry Street Pier.
Those itching for some health-based activities can head to Race Street Pier this summer as well. ‘Wellness on the Waterfront’ will be in full swing from now to Sept. 30. The activation features different fitness classes from yoga to Pilates every Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. (weather permitting.) Every class features a prime view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Race Street Pier is also the site of ‘Mondo Cane’, a large-scale outdoor sculpture by Philadelphia artist Jonathan Santoro. An opening reception for the new piece will be open to the public on Aug. 1.
A short walk away, Summerfest will also hold some activations next month. This locale mimics a boardwalk with beach-side attractions (in the form of carnival games) a rollerblading rink, and some seasonal treats. While here, visitors can also hop on a ferris wheel, ride a double-decker carousel, play some mini-golf, jump in a moon bounce, try your luck at some arcade games, or head to the Lodge Bar.
On Workshop Wednesdays at the Lodge (Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27), locals can buy different tickets to attend creative classes. Or, opt for Free Bingo Thursday Nights at the Lodge (Aug. 7 and 21.) Summerfest will also house a Planet Rock: ‘80s-Themed DJ Night (Aug. 16) and a skate with characters from ‘Moana’ (Aug. 24.)
Spruce Street Harbor Park is another a fan favorite, with food and beverage vendors sprinkled throughout the eclectic oasis, along with colorful lights, comfortable hammocks, floating barges and plenty of space to unwind.
The “Lazy Hammock” area features a performance venue with a stage, bar, and a 16-foot video wall. The Barge area boasts local beers alongside seasonal cocktails, while The Trading Post mimics a corner store with Philly-made snacks and goods. Food-wise, locals can find options from Chickie’s & Pete’s, Ay Burrito! by Philly Taco, Philly Tacos and Frozen Delights. Adult and N/A beverages can also be found throughout the waterside park.
Locals can head to this venue for the free music festival series, Sunset at Spruce (Aug. 2), free Family Fundays with PopUpPlay (Aug. 3, 10, 17 and 24), free Jazz Summer Nights (Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29) and After Work Sessions featuring different DJs (Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.)
Philadelphians can additionally join in on Spruce Street’s Summer Sounds Concert Series and Live and Local Concert Series in Partnership with 4333 Collective. The former (Aug. 30) will feature music from Dave Hause & The Mermaid, while the latter (Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28) features performances by local, up-and-coming bands, DJs, and musicians.
It’s at Spruce Street that visitors can also catch the ‘States of Change’ Flag Exhibition (featuring six national, international, and Philadelphia-based artists) and Austen Camille Weymueller’s ‘Here, Twice A Day, We Are Held by the Ocean’ exhibition.
Cherry Street Pier, on the other hand, will be offering a First Friday celebration (Aug. 1), featuring exhibition openings, artist studio tours, markets, bites and sips from local food vendors, and more, plus, the Live More Wellness Expo (Aug. 9), Art Classes with Amy Kelly (various dates in August), and a Botanical Wall Hanging workshop (Aug. 24.)
For a full picture on how to “Make Summer Yours” this August on Philly’s waterfront, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com
