Center City District SIPS announces return for 2022

Center City District SIPS has been a staple in the city of Philadelphia every summer—until the year 2020. For obvious reasons, the popular weekly elevated happy hour was on hiatus, but finally, after two years, it will return.

Setting its sights on June, Center City District has announced that the 14-week program will be back and possibly, bigger than ever. 

“After a two-year interruption due to COVID-19, we are thrilled to bring back SIPS, Center City’s premier after-work event as a perk for our returning office workers,” said Michelle Shannon, VP of Marketing & Communications for Center City District in a statement. “In addition, it will have a huge economic impact on our bars and restaurants who have worked hard to stay open and keep their staffs employed. To maximize the benefits and minimize the cost to participants, CCD is waiving all fees for bars within the Center City District to participate in SIPS this season. We will be covering all the marketing expenses from our budget and with support from our sponsors.”

What this very-Philly and very-popular event offers is a way for Philadelphians to converse in the middle of the week at a variety of venues offering drink and sometimes food specials (think half-priced apps) alongside staple cocktails (they rotate typically each year.) This year, the event will showcase Hornitos Tequila. 

Sought-after mostly by young professionals, it’s a crowd-pleaser and a money-maker for the CCD. To help with the difficult years that have passed, Center City District has waived the entry fees for participating bars and restaurants and an official list of participating spots will be announced in coming weeks. 

“Craft Concepts Group is excited to welcome SIPS’ return to the city of Philadelphia in the summer of 2022,” said Teddy Sourias, President of Craft Concepts Group in a statement. “SIPS has always been about getting over the hump of the week and bringing the community together. Here at CCG, our staff is excited to host professionals after working hours to enjoy themselves. After two difficult years, it feels good to be able bring back such a well-loved event to our city.”

Typically, Center City District SIPS also offers chances to win gift cards, and some spots in the past have opted for dinner specials to follow. 

According to a release, additional information will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Center City District also made a statement encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and reacquainted with everything there is to enjoy in Center City, such as “world-class arts and culture, one-of-a-kind boutiques, award-winning restaurants and vibrant public spaces are just some of the many offerings to explore once the work day ends.”

Philadelphians can visit centercityphila.org/ccdsips to learn more.