A few weeks ago The Bee and I had a chance to preview what is going to be our summer destination: the Delaware Valley River Waterfront, or as this native calls it, Penn’s Landing. We had such a blast that when we took Mom out for Mother’s Day Dinner at the Rope and Anchor Restaurant, we ended the night strolling through Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Now, there is one more reason to head out to the Waterfront:Philadelphia’s only outdoor roller skating rink is back this summer for its third season. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will be opening Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Weekend, seven days a week through Labor Day. To kick off the weekend, Diamond Cuts DJ will be spinning rinkside from 9-11 PM.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summeriest is a perfect complement to its fellow waterfront attractions; Race Street Pier, Pier 68 (yup! that is ME as a model on some of the material!!), Washington Ave. Pier, and Spruce Street Harbor Park sustained by Univest Bank and Trust Co. (SSHP) on the Delaware River Waterfront, and provides a strong summertime counterpart to the ever-popular Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. The roller skating rink, which is made possible by the continued generosity of Independence Blue Cross, provides a fantastic outdoor summer activity for family, friends and date nights.
Chickie’s and Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack is back by popular demand. The air-conditioned space will feature picnic tables with paper table covering, crab pots, and beach-themed décor. To celebrate Summerfest’s opening day and the Memorial Day Weekend holiday, they’ll be giving away FREE Crabfries on Friday, May 26th from 5-6 PM. (*Valid for one per customer and only available at the Waterfront Crabshack. Not available at any other Chickie’s and Pete’s locations.)
Also to mark the opening weekend at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is the first ever Waterfront Day on Sunday, May 28th. Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has partnered with Spirit of Philadelphia who will host a celebration from 2:30 – 5:30 PM featuring a complimentary rooftop beer garden, complete with a live DJ, dance floor, rooftop games such as giant jenga, shuffleboard, and foosball, complimentary light bites, and a full cash bar with drink specials.
The rink will be located among a summer landscape complete with the return of an urban beach lounge area and the Artful Golfer, a 9-hole mini-golf course. Each of the 9 mini-golf holes will be designed by local artist and ice sculptor, Peter Slavin. Soak up the sun and take in the scenic views under an umbrella right on the waterfront. Once again, the “beach” will be outfitted with reclining lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables to make it a great summer hang out.
Paired with the continued activity at Spruce Street Harbor Park, weekly themed nights, weekend programming and special events throughout the summer, and featuring the highly anticipated addition of The Midway, the third season of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest promises to set the idyllic scene to enjoy summer days and nights.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest goers can enjoy as many as five fireworks shows over the river throughout the summer. New this year are two smaller fireworks displays for Memorial Day, May 28 beginning at 9:30 p.m. There will be a special concert by the US Air Force Band Full Spectrum followed by a festive fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront.
Experience the best the Penn’s Landing Waterfront has to offer! Spirit of Philadelphia and Delaware River Waterfront are kicking off summer on May 28th with an all-day celebration along the Delaware River, featuring tons fabulous attractions and fun for the whole family.
IF YOU GO:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Blue Cross Summerfest Season is May 26 – September 3.
Admission
$3 admission, $10 skate rental
Admission is free for all Independence Blue Cross cardholders and employees
Visitors are welcome to bring their own skates
Hours
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest tickets purchased will be for an open skate, offering flexibility and fun for our guests.
- Monday – Thursday, 1pm-11pm
- Friday & Saturday, 11am-1am
- Sunday, 11am-11pm
Contact & Location
Phone: 215-922-2FUN
Website: www.riverrink.com
Address: Columbus Boulevard at Market Street (GPS Address: 101 S. Columbus Blvd)
Transportation
- RiverLink Ferry
- Public Transportation: Market-Frankford line to 2nd Street, SEPTA bus routes 17, 21, 25, 33, 42, and 48
- Public parking available in the Market Street Lot, Walnut East and West Lots.
- Philly Phlash: Stop located at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
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