Where to spend Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia

Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

One of our favorite summer hangouts is opening for the season this weekend — and this time, there’s roller skating. New this year, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is becoming Summerfest, with the ice rink turned into a roller rink and the Lodge open for food, drinks and hanging out. There’s also lots of new food options, which we told you about here. Bring the kids during the day for facepainting, balloon artists and arts and crafts. If you need us, we’ll be laying in a hammock, beer in hand, listening to the weekend’s lineup of live music.

Where: Columbus Blvd. and Spruce St.

Flying River Dance

Even if you can’t spend the whole weekend enjoying Spruce Street Harbor Park, get down there Saturday at 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.tocatch a performance fromInvisible River. The outdoor dance troupe iskicking off its 2015 season with an on-the-water performance blending the beauty of human art with the beauty of Mother Nature. But these performances don’t take place simply for art’s sake; Invisible River, led by choreographer and dancer Alie Vidich, is just as concerned with advocating for cleaner rivers and environmental sustainability.

National Constitution Center

Go patriotic and head to the National Constitution Center, where admission will be free all day on Memorial Day. Don’t miss the “Memorials: How a Nation Remembers” exhibit and make sure to take a tour through “Signers Hall.” Outside, there will be a special flag ceremony at noon. Before you leave, take advantage of the Thank-A-Vet Postcards project to write a note of gratitude to those who’ve served in the Armed Forces.

Where:Fifth and Arch streets

Independence Beer Garden

After the National Constitution Center, stop by the always-hopping Independence Beer Garden for a pour of IBG Wheat, a beer collab with Yards Brewing. It’s so new we haven’t tried it yet, but we’re told the straw-colored summer ale has hints of candied sugar, orange peel, banana, clove, pepper, grass and lemon. If you’re sticking around for games and snacks, the beer garden just introduced a new happy hour menu of $4 bites, including Mahi Mahi tacos, corn croquettes and wings.

Where:Sixth Street between Market and Chestnut

Backyard BBQ with Neshaminy Creek

Let Tap Room on 19th do the grilling for you this Memorial Day while Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company takes over the taps with Croydon Cream Ale, Churchville Lager, County Line IPA and more, including a special Croydon Cream with additional hops and key lime. Plus, there’s going to be a kiddie pool. The party starts at 1 p.m. and goes until close.

Where: 2400 S. 19th St.