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

Outdoor roller rink, free events and more during seasonal transition!

PHILADELPHIA (February 28, 2023): Center City District (CCD) is ushering in the arrival of spring with continuous outdoor entertainment in Dilworth Park and Sister Cities Park. Beginning this March through the end of May, activities for families, fitness classes and a roller rink help to kick-start the parks’ seasonal transformation.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin are now closed in Dilworth Park, but the Wintergarden remains open through March 26. Its reindeer topiaries and foliage will be refreshed for the start of spring, and family programming will return for four consecutive Saturdays. On April 21, the Summer Garden will debut with colorful stationary swings, seating and fresh greenery.  

The fountains at Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park and John F. Collins Park will all be turned on by Friday, March 31, and the pond at Sister Cities Park will reopen on Friday, April 28. Thirty-four thousand tulip bulbs planted last December in CCD-managed parks will begin to bloom in April and will flourish through the beginning of May.

On Friday, April 21, Dilworth Park’s Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink will return and will remain open through July 16. The colorful, retro-inspired rink brings old-school cool to the space outside of historic City Hall with a vibrant checkboard floor and a one-of-a-kind overhead art installation, which was designed and fabricated by Philadelphia-based Lucky Dog Studio. Admission will be $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $6. Everyone is encouraged to reserve tickets online for timed, 60-minute sessions at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com. 

Dilworth Park’s Air Grille Garden will also reopen on April 21 with a full menu of roller rink-inspired snacks. 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.

The Sister Cities Café will reopen on Friday, March 31.   

Spring programming at Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park and Cret Park is listed below and can be found at centercityphila.org/parks/events. The schedule includes: 

Dilworth Park:

Family Saturdays in the Wintergarden
Saturdays, March 4-March 25
11 a.m.-noon   

Stop by the Wintergarden for kid-friendly entertainment the whole family can enjoy! Programs include: 

• • March 4: Mlanjeni Magical Theater 
  • March 11: Circus Arts with David Darwin
  • March 18: Music Play Patrol 
  • March 25: Bubble Magic with George the Magician
     

Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics
Mondays & Tuesdays, April 17-October 3
 6 p.m.-7 p.m.  

Keep it movin’ with professional trainers from Center City-based fitness clubs! Every week, participants of all skill levels are invited to join free outdoor workouts in the heart of Center City. Monday evenings will be dedicated to cardio dance fitness and Tuesdays will focus on interval training workouts with instructors from F45 Training.

Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink Grand Opening 
Friday, April 21
11:30 a.m. 

Be the first to experience the city’s premier roller rink on opening day! Local skate troupe, Great on Skates, will keep the energy high as they perform following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with rainbow streamers and photo-worthy décor. The first skate session will begin at 12:15 p.m. Reserve tickets ahead of time at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink  
Daily, April 21-July 16

Roller skating returns to bring old-school cool to Dilworth Park! Visitors of all ages can expect a vibrant checkerboard floor, special events and a one-of-a-kind overhead art installation. Purchase tickets online ahead of time at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com. 

Matinee Skate  
Mondays & Tuesdays, April 24-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. 

Rewind at the Rink
Wednesdays, April 26-May 31
7 p.m.-9 p.m.  

Lace up your skates and get ready to roll back in time as live DJs spin throwback tunes, including hits from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Dressing to theme is encouraged! Adults 21 and over can enjoy delicious food and beverage options at the Air Grille Garden, including Kona Big Wave beer and cocktails made with Tres Generaciones® Tequila. A valid Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink ticket is required to skate during the time of the event.  

Local skate troupe, Great on Skates, will be onsite every week to join in on the fun! 

Philadelphia Marketplace  
Saturdays and Sundays, May 6- July 16
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Support a revolving list of Philly-area entrepreneurs as they bring handmade artwork, home goods, skincare and more to this weekly outdoor market.

Wizards and Witches Skate
Saturday, May 13
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.  

Trade your broomstick for roller skates while enjoying an afternoon of magic and merriment! Interactive entertainment, crafts and more are planned for visitors of all ages. Costumes are encouraged!  

Sister Cities Park:

 Parkway Pals Play Day presented by Independence Blue Cross
Saturday, May 20 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Get ready for the upcoming Parkway Pals season by joining friends and neighbors for an afternoon of laughter and learning! Kids and their families are invited to head outside for a full day of play, including interactive performances, live book readings, character meet-and-greets and more. Attendance is free for everyone. 

Cret Park:

Jazz on the Parkway
Sundays, May 14- June 25
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.  

Relax to the rhythm of jazz tunes at Capriccio Café and Bar. Local jazz ensemble, Vibe-A-Delphia will perform as you sip your favorite cocktail under the café’s shaded outdoor patio. Capriccio Café and Bar offers a selection of coffee beverages, specialty cocktails and craft beers on tap, along with a selection of freshly made soups, salads and sandwiches. 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.

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. Sister Cities Park is located at 18th St. & the Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. Cret Park is located at 16th St & the Benjamin Franklin Pkwy (110 N 16th St). Visit centercityphila.org/parks 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.