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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hay Maze, Coffee Giveaways and More Beginning this September!

PHILADELPHIA (August 21, 2025): Center City District (CCD) welcomes the arrival of autumn with a full lineup of free-to-attend programs starting in September at parks and public spaces across Center City, including events for office workers, a free hay maze and activities for families.

On September 5, a groundbreaking interactive art installation will debut at Dilworth Park in partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Water Orchestra will reimagine the park’s iconic dancing fountain as a playful, responsive musical instrument activated in real-time by the gestures of anyone who steps on the conductor’s podium. The one-of-a-kind installation will open at 2 p.m. on September 5 with a special grand opening ceremony and will continue daily through October 3. Visitors can channel their inner maestro daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; conducting times will be limited to two-minute intervals.

A full schedule of seasonal programming can be found at centercityphila.org. Highlights include:

DILWORTH PARK

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics (Zumba®)
Tuesdays Through October 7 | 6 p.m.
Keep it movin’ with professional trainers from City Fitness! Every Tuesday, participants of all skill levels are invited to join free outdoor Zumba® classes in the heart of Center City, courtesy of Rothman Orthopaedics.
Please arrive early to fill out a waiver, which can be accessed via a personal smartphone. There will be no bag check.

Water Orchestra Grand Opening
Friday, September 5 | 2 p.m.
Join the Center City District, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and officials from the City of Philadelphia during the grand opening celebration of Dilworth Park’s newest immersive art installation.

Water Orchestra
Daily, September 5-October 3 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Step up to the podium and “conduct” the park fountain to a composition of music from The Philadelphia Orchestra using real-time gestures. Wide expressive movements result in bursts of sound and energetic water jets, while slower motions result in gentle melodies and soft pops of water.

Water Orchestra Guest Conductors
Wednesdays, September 17-October 1 | 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Join special guest conductors for unique performances and meet & greet experiences.

Philadelphia Marketplace
Fridays & Saturdays, September 5-September 27 | Noon-6 p.m.
A rotating lineup of local small businesses and makers pop-up weekly with a variety of offerings, including artwork, home goods, clothing and more.

Maze Days
Daily, October 15-October 31 | 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Enjoy fall on the farm without leaving the city! For two weeks this autumn, the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn transforms into a fun-for-all-ages experience right outside of Philadelphia’s historic City Hall. Mark your calendars for children’s storytime, live music and more. On Saturday, October 18, enjoy an afternoon of music, fresh apple cider making and an outdoor movie screening. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit dilworthpark.org.

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
Friday, October 10 | 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, October 11 | 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, October 12 | 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
A diverse lineup of 50+ 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

Storytime
Tuesdays, September 2-October 7 | 10:30 a.m.
Toddlers and their caregivers will be joined by the Free Library of Philadelphia for stories, songs, and movement.

Family Saturdays
Saturdays, September 6-October 11 | 11 a.m.
Kids are invited to embrace their silly side as live entertainers offer unique programs every Saturday morning. The lineup includes:

• 9/6: Wings’n’Things Concert with PianoFestive
• 9/13: Boat Building with Pop Up Play
• 9/20: Interactive Storytime with Thembi Palmer
• 9/27: Peter and the Wolf performed by the School of Philadelphia Ballet
• 10/4: DesignPhiladelphia Festival (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• 10/11: Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
   

CRET PARK

Sunday Live at Cret Park
Sundays, September 7-September 28 | 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Relax to the rhythm of jazz tunes on Sunday afternoons at Capriccio Café and Bar! Local band Vibe-A- Delphia 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. These performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77.

Office Events Center City Sunrise
Wednesdays, September 3-October 8 | 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
CCD will celebrate Center City office employees with coffee giveaways and entertainment as they make their way into the office. Live music will be featured at all locations. These performances are supported by Jawnt and were made possible with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77. Locations include:

• Wednesday, September 3: The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut Street)
• Wednesday, September 10: Commerce Square (2001 Market Street)
• Wednesday, September 17: Duane Morris Plaza (30 S. 17th Street)
• Wednesday, September 24: Independence Blue Cross Plaza (1901 Market Street)
• Wednesday, October 1:123 S. Broad Street
• Wednesday, October 8: Three Logan Square (1717 Arch Street)
   

These events are weather dependent and coffee available while supplies last.

Seasonal park transitions, including the closure of fountains across all parks and updated café hours, can be found at centercityphila.org/parks or by following us on social at instagram.com/centercitydistrict.

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Fall in Dilworth Park is supported by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Temple University and Suntory Global Spirits. 

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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 centercityphila.org.