press release

Center City District Parks Shine for the Summer with Events, Amenities for All Ages

Contact:
JoAnn Loviglio
T 215.440.5546
jloviglio@centercityphila.org
pr@centercityphila.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roller skating, arts & culture and events for families this June through August!


PHILADELPHIA (May 14, 2024): Center City District (CCD) continues to provide accessible, outdoor programming for all ages with the return of summer events and amenities in CCD-managed parks. Beginning June 1 through the end of August, Philadelphia’s premier public spaces will offer roller skating, live performances, local shopping and more.

In Dilworth Park, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink remains open daily through June 30. It features a vibrant checkboard floor and an overhead art installation of multicolored strips, which was created by Philadelphia-based Lucky Dog Studio.

Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $6. Hour-long sessions are offered Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  On Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Matinee Skate allows $5 off admission to guests of all ages. Advance tickets can be purchased online at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Upcoming events include Pride Skate presented by Hornitos® Tequila on Saturday, June 1 and Rhythm & Roll, a weekly Thursday night themed skate with everything from Beyonce and Taylor to EDM and Emo.

The Air Grille, adjacent to the roller rink, is a bright and airy outdoor dining space with ample seating and shaded umbrellas. Food and beverage options are inspired by classic snack bar staples, like shrimp tacos and buffalo chicken bubble waffles. At the bar, adults 21 and older can enjoy refreshing beers from local brewery Broad Street Brewing, along with delicious cocktails made with Haku ® Vodka and Tres Generaciones® Tequila.

The park’s interactive fountain is a refreshing reprieve from summer heat. Its three-foot-high waterspouts are synchronized to create a dancing effect, and its continuous flow pools at the base for kids to splash and play. Janet Echelman’s immersive public art piece, Pulse, is a whimsical addition to the fountain, with bursts of colored steam popping up throughout the day. Once the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink closes for the season, the full fountain will be accessible for the remainder of the summer and into the fall.

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics continues with free weekly fitness classes for guests of all skill levels. Themes will change monthly, with Boxing in June, Bodycombat in July and PHIT Body in August, all led by professional trainers from City Fitness.

Live @ Lunch returns for the season on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons with outdoor concerts, and on Thursday evenings, the Arts on Center Stage continues to showcase a diverse lineup of Philadelphia’s arts and cultural organizations. The Philadelphia Marketplace remains open through June 29 on Fridays and Saturdays with rotating weekly vendors.

CCD SIPS at Dilworth Park presented by Hornitos® Tequila also returns this June. For the first time, CCD will introduce a limited-edition beer made in partnership with Broad Street Brewing. SIPS Summer Splash, a Mexican-style lager with lime, will be sold exclusively at Dilworth Park’s Air Grille throughout the summer and will be available during SIPS for only $5. Additional Air Grille specials include $7 Hornitos® Tequila cocktails, $6 wine and $5 76 & Sunny IPA, plus weekly food specials.

In Sister Cities Park, Parkway Pals will debut for the season with educational fun for families. Beginning June 11 through August 15, cultural institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will offer interactive programming every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.

The Earth Fountain and Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond are open for kids to splash and play.

Jazz on the Parkway at Cret Park continues through July 28. Every Sunday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., relax with a cocktail under Café Cret’s shaded outdoor patio and enjoy local jazz ensemble Vibe-A-Delphia. SIPS at Cret Park will take place every Wednesday from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Every third Thursday from May 16 through August 15, John F. Collins Park will host the Wine Garden in collaboration with Chaddsford Winery.

The full summer event calendar includes:

Dilworth Park:

Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink  
Daily, Through June 30
Roller skating continues to bring old-school cool to visitors of all ages at Dilworth Park! The roller rink features a retro checkerboard floor and a one-of-a-kind overhead art installation. Special events will be happening all season long. Advance tickets are available at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Matinee Skate  
Mondays & Tuesdays, Through June 25
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
 
Early bird gets to skate! Patrons of all ages will receive $5 off during select morning and afternoon sessions at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink. 

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Tuesdays, Through October 1
6 p.m.-7 p.m.  
Keep it movin’ with professional trainers from City Fitness! Every week, participants of all skill levels are invited to join free outdoor workouts in the heart of Center City. Themes will change throughout the season, with Boxing in June, Bodycombat in July and PHIT Body in August.

Live @ Lunch
Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 5-July 25
12 p.m. – 1 p.m

Enjoy your lunch break with free outdoor concerts featuring a lineup of talented local artists. Please note, there will be no program on June 19.

SIPS at Dilworth Park presented by Hornitos® Tequila
Wednesdays, June 5-August 28
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

CCD SIPS at Dilworth Park presented by Hornitos® Tequila also returns this June. For the first time, CCD will introduce a limited-edition beer made in partnership with Broad Street Brewing. SIPS Summer Splash, a Mexican-style lager with lime, will be sold exclusively at Dilworth Park’s Air Grille throughout the summer and will be available during SIPS for only $5. Additional Air Grille specials include $7 Hornitos® Tequila cocktails, $6 wine and $5 76 & Sunny IPA, plus weekly food specials. Please note, there will be no program on June 19.

Arts on Center Stage
Thursdays, Through August 29
6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Philadelphia’s robust network of arts and culture organizations will be celebrated every week as they perform in the center of the city. The performances will range from orchestral serenades and ballet ensembles to jazz instrumentals and more. Attendance is free for all, but seating in the Greenfield Lawn is limited. Bring-your-own blanket or chair encouraged. Please note, there will be no program on July 4.

Philadelphia Marketplace  
Fridays & Saturdays, Through June 29
12 p.m.-6 p.m.

A rotating lineup of local small businesses and makers pop-up weekly. Shop for jewelry, skincare, art, home goods, stationery, specialty foods and other handmade goods and gifts. Visit dilworthpark.org for the full list of vendors.

Pride Skate presented by Hornitos® Tequila at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Saturday, June 1 | 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and we’re celebrating with a one-night-only special event. A larger-than-life drag performer will host the event, which features interactive performances on the rink, themed décor and a special menu at the Air Grille. Live DJ entertainment will be provided all evening. Everyone is encouraged to show support of the LGBTQ+ community by dressing up in colors featured on the Pride Flag!

Rhythm & Roll at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Thursdays, June 6-June 27
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Lace up your skates and let the good times roll. From Taylor to Beyonce, Emo to EDM, each week enjoy themed DJs, crafts and discounted food and drink.

Sister Cities Park:

Parkway Pals
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 11-August 15
Children are invited to learn and play outside with friends with help from neighboring institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway! Stop by every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning for unique, interactive activities that are both educational and entertaining. This season’s lineup includes:

Story Art with the Free Library of Philadelphia (Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.)

Art Garden with the Fabric Workshop and Museum (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.)

Investigation Station with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.)

Creative Moment with the Philadelphia Ballet (Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.)

The Wondering Studio with Design Philadelphia (Thursday, July 18 and Thursday, July 25, 11:30 a.m.)

Please note, there will be no program on June 19 and July 4.

Cret Park:

Jazz on the Parkway  
Sundays, Through July 28
4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Relax with a cocktail under Café Cret’s shaded outdoor patio and enjoy local jazz ensemble Vibe-A-Delphia. Capriccio Café and Bar offers a selection of coffee beverages, cocktails and craft beers, along with freshly made soups, salads and sandwiches. Additional lawn seating is available for non-café customers. These performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77.

SIPS at Cret Park   
Wednesdays, June 5-August 28
5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Capriccio Café & Bar at Cret Park will become your favorite spot to enjoy SIPS this summer! Tucked away among the park’s fresh foliage, the café is housed in a glass pavilion with outdoor seating. Half price appetizers will be offered, in addition to $5 beer, $6 wine and $7 Hornitos® Tequila cocktails.

John F. Collins Park:

Wine Garden  
Every Third Thursday, May 16-August 15
4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Every third Thursday from May 16 to August 15, the Wine Garden returns to John F. Collins Park. Unwind with friends as you sip on Chaddsford Winery's finest wine cocktails, wines by the glass and to-go bottles while grooving to live tunes by John “Sax” Williams from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring the flavors of the neighborhood with them and savor delectable takeout from nearby restaurants. Small snacks will also be available for purchase on-site.

The Wine Garden at Collins Park helps support the Center City District Foundation.

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th Street, on the west side of City Hall. Sister Cities Park is located at 18th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Cret Park is located at 16th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (110 N. 16th Street). Visit ccdparks.org to learn more. 

                                                                                                                ###

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.