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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Outdoor roller rink, events and seasonal amenities for everyone 

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2025) ‒ Seasonal transitions are underway across Center City District (CCD) managed parks, including the return of park fountains, refreshed landscaping and the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.  

The fountains at Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park and John F. Collins Park will be turned on by Friday, March 28, and the pond at Sister Cities Park will reopen on Friday, April 25 following the closure of the Imagination Playground on Sunday, April 20. More than 43,000 tulip bulbs planted in Dilworth Park and Cret Park will begin to bloom in early April and will flourish through the beginning of May. 

Dilworth Park’s Air Grille Garden will reopen on Friday, March 28 with a full food and beverage menu. At the bar, cocktails made with Jim Beam® Pineapple and Haku® Vodka will be available alongside local beers from Broad Street Brewing. The Sister Cities Café will also reopen on Friday, March 28. 

On Friday, April 25, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink will open for the season in Dilworth Park.  The retro-inspired rink will feature a checkerboard floor and one-of-a-kind overhead art installation fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. Skate rental is $6. Group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more. The rink will remain open daily through June 29. Hours vary. Learn more at centercityphila.org/rothmanrink.  

For the first time, advance tickets will be available for purchase to attend the Rothman Roller Rink Grand Opening hosted by Wooder Ice on Thursday, April 24. Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time at centercityphila.org/rinkpreview.  

All CCD managed parks are available for private rentals, including small gatherings, corporate parties and weddings. For information, contact rentals@centercityphila.org. 

The calendar of spring and summer programming at Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park and Cret Park includes:  

Dilworth Park

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics  
Tuesdays, April 22 – October 7 
6 – 7 p.m. 

Keep it groovin’ with free Zumba® classes for all skill levels led by professional trainers from City Fitness. 

Rothman Roller Rink Grand Opening 
Thursday, April 24 
6 p.m.  

Experience the city’s premier roller rink on opening night, hosted by Wooder Ice and featuring professional roller skate dancers to kick off the season. This is a ticketed event with limited quantities available.  

Matinee Skate 
Mondays & Tuesdays, April 28 – June 24 
2:45 – 5 p.m. 

Early bird gets to skate! Patrons of all ages receive $5 off admission during select sessions. 

Philadelphia Marketplace 
Fridays & Saturdays, May 2 – June 28 
12 – 6 p.m. 

A rotating lineup of local small businesses and makers pop up weekly with jewelry, skin care, art, home goods, stationery, specialty foods and other handmade goods and gifts.  

NEW! Philadelphia Marketplace Vintage Popup   
Fridays & Saturdays, May 30-31 & June 27-28  
12 – 6 p.m. 

Local vintage vendors take over the Marketplace on two special weekends with an eclectic assortment of curated designer apparel, accessories and more.  

Happy Hour 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, May 6 – August 28 
5 – 7 p.m. 

Sip on happy hour specials every Tuesday through Thursday at Dilworth Park. (No program on June 19.) 

Yappy Hour 
Thursday, June 5
5 – 7 p.m. 

Celebrate Pride Month with your favorite pups at Yappy Hour. Dogs and owners should come dressed for the occasion.  

Arts on Center Stage  
Thursdays, May 29 – August 28 
6 – 7 p.m. 

Philadelphia’s diverse arts and cultural organizations perform shows ranging from orchestral music and ballet ensembles to jazz instrumentals and more. Attendance is free. Seating on the Greenfield Lawn is limited and guests are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair. (No program on June 19.) 

Live @ Lunch 
Wednesdays, June 4 – July 30  |
12 – 1 p.m. 

Enjoy your lunch break with free outdoor concerts featuring a lineup of talented local artists. 

SIPS Turns 21: Official CCD SIPS Preview Party  
Wednesday, May 21  
5 – 8 p.m. 

In celebration of the 21st birthday of CCD SIPS, enjoy a special party at Dilworth Park with exclusive pricing. This is a free event with ticketed upgrades available. Please note, discounted pricing ends at 7 p.m.  

CCD SIPS at Dilworth Park presented by Hornitos® Tequila  
Wednesdays, June 4 – August 27  
5 – 7 p.m. 

Philadelphia’s favorite happy hour tradition pops up weekly for the ultimate after-work hangout featuring live DJs. SIPS specials include $7 Hornitos® Tequila cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer and select half-priced appetizers 

Sister Cities Park

Parkway Pals  
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, June 10 – August 14 
Times vary  

Children are invited to learn and play outside with free, unique and educational activities from neighboring institutions on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Programs include:  

Tuesdays, June 10 – August 12 

Story Art  
10:30 a.m. 

The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a family storytime with stories and songs. Kids will receive a to-go craft inspired by the day’s stories, while supplies last. 

Whole Cloth  
11:30 a.m. 

The Fabric Workshop and Museum presents a summer-long exploration of fabric as a tool for kids to tell stories, preserve memories, solve problems, and express themselves. 

Wednesdays, June 11 – August 13 

Investigation Station 
10:30 a.m. 

Join The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and go wild about animals and dinosaurs with fun games, experiments and unique activities. 

Thursdays, June 12 – August 14 

Creative Movement 
10:30 a.m. 

Dance the morning away as instructors from the Philadelphia Ballet provide movement classes for all ages. (No program on June 19.) 

Thursday Pop-Ups  

Plants in the Park 
June 12, July 10 & August 14 
11:30 a.m.  

Spend fun mornings with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society learning about trees, pollinators and how flowers grow while doing crafts and reading stories.  

The Wondering Studio 
July 24 
11:30 a.m. 

Experience a range of unique architecture and design activities with DesignPhiladelphia’s interactive installation, the Wondering Studio.  

Nature in the Parks 
July 17 & 31, August 7 
11:30 a.m. 
 
Join the Wissahickon Environmental Center to learn about the nature and animals in Philadelphia's local parks. 

Cret Park

Sunday Live at Cret Park  
Sundays, May 4-July 27 
4 – 6 p.m. 

Relax with a cocktail under Café Cret’s shaded outdoor patio and enjoy performances from local jazz musicians. Capriccio Café and Bar offers a menu 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. 
 
All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 South 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 North 16th Street). John F. Collins Park is located at 1707 Chestnut Street. Visit ccdparks.org/events to learn more.    

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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.