The spring and summertime certainly bring Center City District Parks to life.
The Rothman Roller Rink annually sets up shop right outside City Hall in Dilworth Park (1 South 15th St.), and this year’s experience is set to open to the public this weekend.
2025 will also hold the chance to check out the space a bit early with an exclusive preview party on Thursday, April 24. Hosted by Wooder Ice, the preview will include live DJ sets, a choreographed performance, complimentary glitter face painting, live entertainment and more. Guests are also encouraged to embrace the throwback theme by dressing in retro-inspired outfits.
Tickets ($50) for the event include admission, free roller skating, complimentary light bites, and two drink tickets (including featured cocktails made Jim Beam Pineapple and Hornitos Tequila, and selections from Broad Street Brewing). A full bar will be open for additional a la carte options as well.
Otherwise, the retro-inspired rink—featuring a checkerboard floor and overhead art installation by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio— will be open to the public on Friday, April 25. Tickets run for $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under, skate rental is $6 (group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more). The rink will remain open daily through June 29.
This spring and summer holds plenty of other events and happenings at Center City parks as well. The fountains were turned on and the Air Garden Grille opened with a full food and beverage menu at the end of March at Dilworth. The Sister Cities Café in Sisters City Park (18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway) also followed suit and is open for operations.
Otherwise, locals can head to Dilworth Park for Center City Fit classes (6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 7), the Philadelphia Marketplace (noon to 6 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through June 28), Happy Hour (5 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through Aug. 28), Arts on Center Stage performances (6 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 28) and lunchtime outdoor concerts (noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through July 30).
Standalone events at Dilworth span a Center City District Sips Preview Party (May 21, then Sips can be enjoyed weekly at the Park every Wednesday this summer), a special Yappy Hour (June 5) and the Philadelphia Marketplace Vintage Popup (May 30-31 and June 27-28.)
Over at Sister City Park, little ones can join in on Parkway Pals activities (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 10 to Aug. 14, times vary), story art and “Whole Cloth” activities from the Fabric Workshop Museum (every Tuesday from June 10 to Aug. 12, at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.), the Investigation Station with the Academy of Natural Sciences (every Wednesday from June 11 to Aug. 13, at 10:30 a.m.), Creative Movement with the Philadelphia Ballet (every Thursday from June 12 to Aug. 14, at 10:30 a.m.) and other Thursday pop-ups with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14), DesignPhiladelphia (July 24) and the Wissahickon Environmental Center (July 17, 31 and Aug. 7).
Cret Park (110 North 16th St.) will also join in on the outdoor fun with a Sunday Live series (4 to 6 p.m. May 18 to July 27). While there, locals can relax under Café Cret’s shaded outdoor patio and enjoy performances from local jazz musicians while enjoying fare from the Capriccio Café and Bar. A full schedule can be found online.
All CCD managed parks are also available for private rentals, including small gatherings, corporate parties and weddings. For more information, contact rentals@centercityphila.org or visit centercityphila.org
