Press release

Center City District Introduces an Exciting Lineup of Fall Park Events

Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Family-Friendly Activities Include a Hay Maze and Harvest Weekend

PHILADELPHIA (August 18, 2021): Center City District (CCD) parks welcome the upcoming fall season, starting in September, with unique programs and amenities including activities for families, free fitness classes and Dilworth Park’s popular Hay Maze on the Greenfield Lawn presented by Dunkin’ that will pop up for a limited time in October. All programs are free to guests of all ages.

Fountains at Dilworth Park remain open through October 7, and the Earth Fountain at Sister Cities Park will be available through early November. The Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park will close for the season on October 17 before transitioning to the Imagination Playground on October 22, while the Children’s Discovery Garden continues to operate daily through the winter from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dining options at Dilworth Park include a full food and drink menu at the Air Grille (open through October 11 and will reopen on November 6), craft beverages at the Starbucks coffee kiosk and grab-and-go meals from the Dilworth Park Cafe, including local favorites like Sweet Nina’s Banana Pudding, Really Real Ginger and Bassett’s Ice Cream. The Sister Cities Café remains a convenient stop for coffee, snacks and takeaway fare. Its large outdoor seating area provides great views of play areas, and its lush lawn is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. Additionally, Capriccio Café and Bar at Cret Park has an extensive food and drink menu that can be enjoyed inside the building’s glass pavilion or outside on the patio.

Fall programming can be found at centercityphila.org/parks/events. The full lineup includes:

Dilworth Park

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Mondays & Tuesdays
Now through October 12 | 6 p.m.

Stay active with professional instructors & trainers from Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut as they lead free Zumba® classes on Monday nights and Boot Camp on Tuesdays. Arrive early to fill out a waiver, which can be accessed via a personal smartphone. Tablets will be available if a smartphone is inaccessible. There will be no bag check. This series is presented by Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

Live @ Lunch presented by PNC
Wednesdays & Thursdays
September 8-October 14 | Noon-1 p.m.

Take a break and relax outdoors while supporting local musicians. Whether you pull up a seat in the PNC Terrace, or lounge under the shade of umbrellas along the fountain, these free concerts will set the tone for the rest of your afternoon. This lunchtime concert series is presented by PNC Bank. 

Philadelphia Marketplace
Fridays & Saturdays
Through October 2 | Noon-6 p.m.

A rotating lineup of Center City retailers, along with local small businesses and makers, pop up weekly with a variety of offerings for all tastes. Guests can support these vendors at their leisure while wandering through the park.

Hay Maze on the Greenfield Lawn presented by Dunkin’
Daily | October 1-October 10

The Albert M. Greenfield Lawn celebrates the arrival of autumn with a limited time pop-up the whole family can enjoy! This unique experience, presented by Dunkin’, provides urban dwellers the opportunity to enjoy fall on the farm without leaving the city.

Harvest Weekend
Friday, October 8 | Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 | Noon-8 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 | Noon-6 p.m. 

Hay bales, cornstalks and pumpkins aplenty – this 3-day experience embraces the best elements of autumn for visitors of all ages. Live entertainment will be provided all weekend long, including local bands and DJs, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, apple cider making, roaming circus performers and more! Hungry parkgoers can fill up on bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels, and adults can enjoy Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea and specialty cocktails made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Visitors 21 and over are invited to participate in a Sunday afternoon stein-hoisting contest!

Additional highlights include photo-worthy backdrops, kid-friendly pumpkin painting, the Hay Maze on Greenfield Lawn presented by Dunkin' and a locally sourced craft market.

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
Friday, October 8 | Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 | Noon-8 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 | Noon-6 p.m. 

Planned in conjunction with Harvest Weekend, a diverse lineup of local artisans will display unique finds such as paintings, jewelry, crafts and more! Come out to support these one-of-a-kind entrepreneurs.

Sister Cities Park

Live at Sister Cities Park
Fridays
September 10-September 24 | 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Pack a blanket, pick a spot and relax on the lawn as local singer-songwriters perform under the stars. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase at the Sister Cities Café, along with snacks and treats for the kids.

Parkway Pals Family Saturdays  
Saturdays
September 11-October 16 | 11 a.m.-noon

Kids are invited to embrace their silly side as live entertainers offer unique programs and performances every Saturday morning this fall. From bubble magic shows to hip-hop dancing and Halloween-themed fun, these free offerings are perfect for youngsters in need of outdoor play. The lineup includes:

  • 9/11: Bubble Magic
    • George the Bubble Magician will host a fun magic show featuring giant bubbles with some help from the audience.

 

  • 9/18: Mlanjeni Magical Theater
    • This traditional East African theater performance will introduce kids to folk songs and dance, plus a silly puppet show and magical illusions.

 

  • 9/25: National Comic Book Day
    • Your favorite superheroes will celebrate National Comic Book Day as they host a “hero training class” and interactive group games. The Academy of Natural Sciences will join in on the fun as they explore the real-life super abilities of animals from around the world! Free arts & crafts will be provided.

 

  • 10/2: Hip-Hop Fundamentals
    • Young visitors will learn the building blocks and history of hip-hop dancing through an interactive and educational performance.

 

  • 10/9: Silly Joe
    • Family-favorite entertainer, Silly Joe, will lead fun sing-alongs and story readings.

 

  • 10/16: Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • This not-so-scary Halloween celebration will feature a scavenger hunt (complete with a candy treat), free pumpkin painting, spooky story time with the Free Library of Philadelphia and a special circus arts performance. Everyone in attendance will be invited to participate in a costume parade through the park. Dressing up is encouraged!

 

Cret Park

Jazz on the Parkway
Sundays
Through September 26 | 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Relax to the rhythm of jazz tunes on Sunday afternoons at Capriccio Café and Bar! Local jazz ensembles will perform as you sip your favorite cocktail under the café’s shaded outdoor patio. Additional seating for non-café customers is available on the lawn areas of the park.

 

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Visit centercityphila.org/parks/events to learn more.

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The Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at www.centercityphila.org and on Facebook and Twitter

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