The fall is almost here, and that means that Center City District Parks and the Office District are bringing back some fun and unique seasonal programming.
Conduct your own symphony
At Dilworth (1 S 15th St.), the centerpiece of it all is a new interactive art installation dubbed the ‘Water Orchestra.’ As a release notes, ‘Water Orchestra’ will reimagine the park’s dancing fountain as a “playful, responsive musical instrument activated in real-time by the gestures of anyone who steps on the conductor’s podium.”
This unique installation will open at 2 p.m. on Sept. 5 with a ceremony (free to attend) and will continue daily through Oct. 3. Visitors can step up to the plate and channel their inner maestro daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. afterwards for the experience (conducting times will be limited to two-minute intervals.)
The H2O showcase will also feature guest orchestra conductors every Wednesday (from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) after opening.
Get moving
Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics also kicks off in September, and their Zumba classes will run every Tuesday (at 6 p.m.) through Oct. 7. Another fan favorite, the annual Philadelphia Marketplace, will also be back this fall every Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. (Sept. 5 to 27). The experience will feature a lineup of 50+ local artisans displaying different finds (think paintings, jewelry, crafts and more).
Storytime and family fun
The Maze is also returning to Dilworth for the season for two weeks (Oct. 15 to 31.) The experience transforms the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn into an all-ages experience peppered with children’s story times, live music and more.
Then over at Sister Cities Park (210 N 18th St.) story time will be back on Tuesdays (10:30 a.m., Sept. 2 to Oct. 7). While there, toddlers and their caregivers will be joined by the Free Library of Philadelphia for stories, songs, and movement. Family Saturdays will also be back in the park for specific programming (11 a.m., Sept. 6 to Oct. 11.) Upcoming sessions include a ‘Wings’n’Things Concert’ with PianoFestive on Sept. 6, Boat Building with Pop Up Play on Sept. 13, Interactive Storytime with Thembi Palmer on Sept. 20 and more. A full schedule can be found online.
Jazz Sundays at Cret Park
Over at Cret Park (110 N. 16th St.), Sundays will be dubbed “Sunday Live at Cret.” Happening Sept. 7 to 28 (4 to 6 p.m.), locals can sit back and enjoy the sounds of live jazz at Capriccio Café and Bar. These performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77. Additional seating for non-café customers is available on the lawn areas of the park.
Fall fun
And finally, the office district will also be hosting some fall fun, including coffee giveaways and entertainment. Locations span The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.), Commerce Square (2001 Market St.), Duane Morris Plaza (30 S. 17th St.), Independence Blue Cross Plaza (1901 Market St.), 123 S. Broad S and Three Logan Square (1717 Arch St.) Updates will be made online to show when and where this fun will happen throughout the fresh season.
Seasonal park transitions, including the closure of fountains across all parks and updated café hours, can be found at centercityphila.org.
