You know it’s officially summer in the city when the Delaware River Waterfront begins to come alive with the addition of Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, and Cherry Street Pier.
In 2025, the attractions will all be there for locals to “Make Summer Yours”—a new slogan for the waterside section of the city, dubbed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. The theme will blend into those staple fan-favorite attractions, plus, some new events in the form of a treasure hunt, fitness classes, workshops, skating excursions and much more.
“Summer 2025 begins at the Delaware River Waterfront,” says Joseph A. Forkin, President & CEO of the DRWC.
“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.”
Spruce Street Harbor Park is always 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.
The Park will also feature a series of pop-ups and events to go along with the season. Local emerging bands will play every Thursday beginning at 7 p.m., Spruce Street Dance Nights will take place every Friday (locals can line dance in June, swing in July and salsa in September) and a “Family Fun Day Sunday” with PopUpPlay will happen weekly from 1 to 4 p.m.
Other events to look out for in the 2025 season include Jazz Summer Night concerts (Fridays at 7 p.m. in August), monthly DJ parties on Saturdays, sunset events with artisans and musicians (select Saturdays from 3 to 8 p.m.) and more.
Just a short walk away is Summerfest—but 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.
Summerfest highlights also include Workshop Wednesdays (weekly artist-led workshops from June 4 to Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.) , Skate with Character sessions (every fourth Sunday now through August, from 2 to 4 p.m.), Planet Rock DJ Skate Nights (June 21, July 12 and Aug. 16, 7 to 10 p.m.) and Bingo Night at the Lodge (every other Thursday now through Aug 21.)
“Whether it’s the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, mini-golf, the amusements, or any of the carnival games and treats, Summerfest brings people together in the spirit of fun, and all of us at IBX are proud to be part of the 2025 season,” adds Steve Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs and president of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross.
Food and drink wise, Skelly’s Amusements will be on site serving up funnel cake, lemonade, cotton candy and more, plus Chickie’s & Pete’s will also have a location here to serve up their famous Crab Fries, boneless wings, fried shrimp and other bites. Summerfest will also feature fare from Philly Taco offering options like tacos al pastor, burritos, and birria, plus cocktails and brews can be ordered from The Lodge Bar on site.
Locals can additionally find similar bites at Cherry Street Pier from Philly Tacos, along with cold treats from Irv’s Ice Cream. Irv’s puts its focus on small-batch, custard-based ice cream, and almost 100% of the base and toppings found in a cup or on a cone from the brand are homemade.
“Irv’s came to fruition when I was presented with an opportunity—operating an ice cream trolley at Cherry Street Pier as part of Cantina La Martina’s La Placita food trolleys,” says owner Ilissa Shapiro. “We make almost everything including our custard bases from scratch, on-site. The only things we don’t make are the sugar cones and sprinkles, the peanut butter in our chocolate peanut butter brownie, Soom’s chocolate tahini in our banana chocolate tahini swirl, and the peanut butter and Oreos in our vegan chocolate peanut butter Oreo.”
Cherry Street Pier will also be host to a weekly creative series every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Dubbed “Workshop Wednesdays” these ticketed events will cover botanical dyes, embroidery, paint and sips and more. A full schedule can be found online.
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 July 6 to Sept. 30. The activation will feature 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.
The Waterfront also boasts a few signature events to mark your calendar for, including the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival (June 21, 1 to 6 p.m.), the Delaware River Waterfront Promenade (June 4, 6 to 9 p.m.), Independence Day fireworks (June 28, 9:30 to 9:45 p.m.) and the 30th Anniversary of the PECO Multicultural Series happening now through October.
And lastly, visitors can also participate in a waterside Treasure Hunt with Eric the Puzzler. Launching June 6, this free summer-long adventure challenges locals to solve creative, location-based puzzles hidden throughout public spaces. Participants navigate a series of digital checkpoints by uncovering passwords embedded in their surroundings. The fastest teams to complete the hunt will win prizes, and anyone who finishes the first checkpoint will earn an invite to a “secret end-of-season puzzle party.”
For more information on all of the Delaware River Waterfront happenings, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com
