Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (May 4, 2021): Center City District (CCD) will continue to provide safe, accessible programming to Philadelphia residents, workers and visitors this summer with a full lineup of activities in both Dilworth Park and Sister Cities Park. Established health and safety measures, like mask wearing and social distancing, remain in place.
Longstanding favorites will return, like free outdoor fitness classes and lunchtime concerts. New this year, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink will be open daily through Sunday, June 27 with capacity limited for health safety reasons. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time to secure their desired session. Purchasing information can be found at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.
For the first time, Dilworth Park’s greenspace will be refreshed in mid-May with a new Summer Garden on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn, featuring shade trees, seasonal foliage and seating, as well as stationary swings and patches of open lawn. The fountains at both Dilworth Park and Sister Cities Park are on, and the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park are open daily.
The Air Grille at Dilworth Park is surrounded by a beer garden with colorful umbrellas and spacious seating. Menu highlights include a double stacked bacon burger and nacho fries, plus Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer and tasty cocktails made with Hornito’s Tequila and ice-cold cocktails featuring Haku Japanese Vodka for adults 21 and older to be enjoyed within designated areas in the park. Additional dining options include grab-and-go meals from the Dilworth Park Café and craft beverages at the Starbucks Coffee kiosk.
The Sister Cities Café is a convenient stop for coffee, snacks and takeaway fare. Outdoor seating with a great view of play areas and a variety of menu offerings make it the perfect place for parents and kids to fuel up. Limited indoor dining is also available, in accordance with the City’s health regulations.
Summer programming at both locations is listed below and can be found at centercityphila.org/parks/events. Masks are required at all times unless actively eating, drinking or playing in the fountains.
Dilworth Park
Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Mondays & Tuesdays
Now through October 12 | 6 p.m.
Professional instructors and trainers from Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut lead a variety of free fitness classes for participants of all skill levels, presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Mondays are dedicated to Zumba®, with Tuesday night classes changing month to month, including Boot Camp, HIIT, Speed Training and more. Please 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.
Matinee Skate New!
Mondays & Tuesdays
Now through June 22 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Early week Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink skaters of all ages will receive $5 off of the admission price during select sessions. Tickets should be purchased online ahead of time at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.
Live @ Lunch presented by PNC
Wednesdays & Thursdays
June 2-July 29 | Noon-1 p.m.
Philadelphia’s eclectic music scene is booming with local artists. Every week this summer, their talents will be showcased during small outdoor concerts. In partnership with Rec Philly, performances throughout the month of June will feature musicians selected as part of their Black Music City program. This lunchtime concert series is presented by PNC Bank.
The Arts on Center Stage New!
Wednesdays
May 5-August 25 | 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia’s robust network of arts & culture organizations, large and small, will be celebrated every week as they perform in the center of the city. Shows will range from orchestral serenades and ballet ensembles to jazz instrumentals and beyond. In support of local restaurants, guests are encouraged to dine al fresco with takeout meals from nearby eateries or enjoy a special menu available at the Air Grille. Cocktails made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer will be offered to guests 21 and older to enjoy within designated areas in the park.
The Garden New!
Friday, June 11 | 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 12 | 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 13 | 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Spend the weekend outdoors surrounded by blooming bursts of foliage and bright colors. Strolling entertainers will roam the space while guests choose their selfie spots, including a Temple University flower wall, and the Air Grille beer garden. Refreshing beverage options will include cocktails made with Haku Japanese Vodka, plus offerings from Truly Hard Seltzer, highlighted by New Truly Punch and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea to enjoy within designated areas in the park. A full menu of seasonal dishes will also be available. Live DJs and local musicians will play throughout the weekend. Roller skating, kid-friendly crafts and lawn games are some of the many activities to be offered. Additionally, one lucky attendee will have the chance to win a full size ping pong table, courtesy of Truly Hard Seltzer. This experience is free and open to guests of all ages.
Planned in conjunction with The Garden, a preview of the Philadelphia Marketplace will give guests the opportunity to browse and buy unique finds throughout the weekend.
Philadelphia Marketplace New!
Fridays & Saturdays
June 18-October 2 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
A rotating lineup of Center City and citywide 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.
Sister Cities Park
Butterfly Exhibit Opening Ceremony
Saturday, May 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Discovery Garden will debut its latest art installation of handmade butterfly displays, created by children in Philadelphia Parks & Recreation programs. Butterfly-themed fun will include a storytime with the Butterfly Queen, crafts and a live butterfly release with the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion.
Parkway Pals
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
June 14- August 17 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Young children and their families are invited to learn and play with help from some of the city’s most recognizable institutions. Interactive storytelling, nature-inspired crafts and science lessons are just some of the many diverse programs to be offered. This season’s lineup includes:
Live at Sister Cities
Thursdays
June 3-August 26 | 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Spread out and relax on the lawn as local singer-songwriters perform amongst the tall trees and lush greenery. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase at the Sister Cities Café, along with snacks and treats for the kids.
CCD, the parks’ café and rink operators will continue to follow established health safety guidelines that include mask requirements and increased cleaning protocols. CCD staff and all vendors wear masks. Anyone who feels sick, or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, should refrain from entering the park. CCD staff will distribute free masks to guests in the park. Visit DilworthPark.org & SisterCitiesPark.org to learn more.
The Summer season at Dilworth Park is supported by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, PNC Bank, Temple University and Hornito’s Tequila. All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Visit centercityphila.org/parks/events for more information.
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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.