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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
When the snow thaws, the area that houses winter’s Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest sheds its parka, dons its sunnies and becomes Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.
The riverside venue’s warm-weather version boasts a carnival-like atmosphere, a roller rink, a boathouse-styled lodge, games, food and drink options, and events throughout the season.
An urban beach area overlooks the Delaware River, complete with lounge chairs, picnic tables and sand. There’s plenty of shaded seating thanks to beach umbrellas and also plenty of sun-soaked seats for those looking to catch some rays.
Admission to this family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay as you go.
This year, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is open seven days a week from May 12 through September 24, 2023.
The popular ice-skating rink from Winterfest gets revived as an awesome roller-skating rink when Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest opens for the season. Tickets to skate are available for purchase in advance online or onsite.
Summerfest brings carnival-style fun to the Delaware River waterfront. The Midway comes to life with the lights and sounds of festival games, a double-decker carousel, the Gravity Storm Moon Bounce and a 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel. (And, of course, tons of photo ops.)
Summerfest also hosts a nine-hole mini-golf course and a bustling arcade — both located right next to the roller rink.
During the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, the Lodge Bar serves a variety of summery cocktails, local brews and frozen drinks. (Piña coladas, anyone?)
Chickie’s and Pete’s dishes out the Philly favorites with Crabfries®, cheesesteaks and more while Skelly’s Concessions covers the carnival classics. (Think funnel cake, hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy.)
Plus, new-for-2023 vendor Cantina La Martina joins the festival grounds with Mission-style burritos, street corn and other Mexican-inspired flavors by James Beard-nominated chef Dionicio Jiménez.
— Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Bring the whole family: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is super accessible via public transportation, by bike (try Indego!), by foot or by car.
By SEPTA, hop on one of the many buses that stop near Penn’s Landing or take the Market-Frankford subway line to 2nd Street (leaving you a quick six-minute walk away).
For those driving, parking is available all along the Delaware River waterfront — including a garage on 2nd Street and a lot right next to the rink on Market Street at Columbus Boulevard.
Looking for even more fun? Parks, museums, piers, restaurants and more call the Delaware River waterfront home in Philadelphia and the Countryside.
Paddle boats at the Independence Seaport Museum, overlooking Spruce Street Harbor Park — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Check out this guide to 30-plus things to do on the Delaware River waterfront as well a shortlist of the Delaware River Trail’s can’t-miss experiences — plenty of which are within walking distance of the RiverRink.
For more about Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Seafaring vessels, bustling markets, waterfront dining and more await...