The Oval returns to Benjamin Franklin Parkway

It wouldn’t be summer in Philadelphia without The Oval, and this year, the pop up park is back and bigger than ever.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, along with its partners at the Parkway Council and Mural Arts Philadelphia, announced the return of The Oval to Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The seven-week summer pop-up will kick off with a performance from Snacktime on Friday, July 7, and run through Aug. 20. During this time, the Oval’s surface-level parking lot is transformed by a 33,000-square-foot ground mural and becomes an active summer oasis featuring an exciting schedule of performances, programs and fun for all ages.

“The Oval summer pop-up is quickly becoming a must-go destination for anyone looking to enjoy all the ways Philly summers are special,” said Parks & Recreation Interim Commissioner Orlando Rendon. “From breathtaking views down the Parkway to live music and an exciting lineup of local food and drink vendors, the Oval is the perfect spot to get together under the sun and enjoy one of Philadelphia’s most iconic parks.”

Each summer, the footprint of The Oval is defined by a new ground mural by Mural Arts Philadelphia. Artist Nathaniel Lee designed a Benjamin Franklin-inspired mural as the centerpiece of this year’s activation. The design includes interactive elements, like checkerboards and hopscotch squares, to engage visitors with the art all around them.

“The theme of this summer’s Oval is a fun riff on the legend of Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment and an ode to his lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia today,” said Lee. The mural depicts this scene from Franklin’s perspective, with a few twists. Philadelphia’s skyline sits on the distant horizon, and the patterns on the kite’s silk handkerchiefs feature various Philly motifs ranging from the Liberty Bell to the LOVE statue.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy lawn games, children’s play structures, and a variety of seating in the sun and shade.  The Oval features a busy schedule of cultural, youth, and family programming for all ages. Highlights include Let’s Rock Recess, a children’s festival focused on celebrating families and respect; Parkway Presents, a performance series; dozens of local vendors showcasing their wares at the Now + Then Marketplaces; and Hip Hop in the Park, a celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.

Philadelphia’s MilkBoy is back to host a 21,000-foot Beer Garden amongst the trees at the Oval. Enjoy shaded seating, beers on top, nonalcoholic beverages, and other sweet treats from new partner Forîn.

The Oval is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 7 to Aug. 20.  New events and programs will be added throughout the summer. For a full calendar of events, visit phila.gov/spotlight/the-oval.