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

Roller skating, arts & culture and local merchants this June through August!

PHILADELPHIA (May 4, 2023): Dilworth Park is a place for everyone this summer with a full schedule of free events and seasonal amenities. Beginning June 1 through August 31, experience Philadelphia’s premier public space at its brightest with dancing fountains, live performances, local shopping and more. 

Open now through July 16, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink brings old-school cool to Center City. It’s vibrant, retro-inspired style is amplified by a unique checkerboard floor and colorful overhead art installation visible from surrounding streets. The piece, which was designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio, features rows of multicolored ribbon that create a fringe effect.

Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $6. Patrons can also choose to bring their own skates. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Everyone is encouraged to reserve tickets online for timed, 60-minute sessions at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com. While online purchases are recommended, in-person sales will be offered onsite based on availability. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages. Special events at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink include Pride Skate on June 3 and Christmas in July Skate on July 8.

The Air Grille Garden, 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 fried fish tacos and elote street corn. At the bar, adults 21 and older can enjoy refreshing brews, like Michelob Ultra and Kona Big Wave, along with delicious cocktails made with Haku® Vodka and Tres Generaciones® Tequila.

Additional dining locations in Dilworth Park include the Dilworth Park Café, featuring fresh grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy their lunch at tables in the tree-covered TD Bank Terrace, or at the southern end of the park by picnicking on the Summer Garden on the Greenfield Lawn. Also at the southern end, a Starbucks Coffee kiosk offers crafted beverages, pastries and snacks.

The park’s interactive fountain is a refreshing reprieve from summer heat. Its three-foot-high water spouts 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.

All summer long, Center City District (CCD) hosts free public events, including the Philadelphia Marketplace on Saturdays and Sundays through July 16. Local vendors from across the Philadelphia region pop up weekly to display their unique selection of goods, ranging from artwork and home goods to packaged desserts and handmade jewelry. The lineup changes from week to week, with updates posted to dilworthpark.org.

The full summer event calendar includes: 

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Mondays & Tuesdays| Now through October 3 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Keep it movin’ with free outdoor workouts! Every week, professional instructors will lead fitness classes for participants of all skill levels. Presented by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, the series includes cardio dance fitness on Mondays and interval training workouts on Tuesdays with F45 Training. Guests should prepare to bring their own mats and water bottles. Please arrive early to fill out a waiver, which can be accessed via a personal smartphone. There will be no bag check.

Matinee Skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Mondays & Tuesdays | Now through July 11 | 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.

SIPS at Dilworth Park presented by Hornitos® Tequila
Wednesdays | June 7-August 30 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Philadelphia’s favorite happy hour tradition returns with exclusive discounts at the Air Grille Garden, which will transform once a week to the ultimate after-work hangout, featuring live DJ entertainment and an extended space. For the first time, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink will be open for skating during the event, available only to CCD SIPS guests 21 and older. A valid ticket is required for skating and will be available for purchase onsite. The park’s colorful aesthetic will be amplified by an immersive photo experience and fun décor. The Air Grille Garden will offer $7 Hornitos® Tequila cocktails, $6 wine and $5 Kona Big Wave beer, plus weekly food specials. In partnership with SEPTA, we encourage guests to utilize Dilworth Park’s convenient public transit access at City Hall Station.

The Arts on Center Stage
Thursdays | June 1-August 31 | 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. For schedule of performances, visit dilworthpark.org. 

Philadelphia Marketplace
Saturdays & Sundays | Now through July 16 | 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

A rotating lineup of local small businesses and makers pop up weekly with a variety of offerings. Guests can support these vendors at their leisure while wandering through the park.

Pride Skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Saturday, June 3 | 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 Garden. 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!

Christmas in July Skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Saturday, July 8 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Christmas comes early at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink with a sun-kissed Santa who traded his sleigh for a pair of skates! He’ll be rolling with us all afternoon, and will even take a break to snap some photos with kids. Fun crafts and holiday-inspired snacks will keep skaters of all ages merry and bright. Instead of a winter sweater, everyone is encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday t-shirt!

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Summer in Dilworth Park is supported by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Beam Suntory and Penn Beer. Visit dilworthpark.org 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.