Experience eight acres of fun on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Oval pop-up festival offers food, drink, performances, and fun for all! 

The Oval pop-up festival returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 7, 2023. This family friendly event runs for seven weekends through August 20, 2023. The Oval will feature eight acres of food, drink, public art, games, and entertainment. The fun takes place at Eakins Oval, across from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s famous steps.   

This lively gathering place welcomes locals and visitors alike to: 

  • Relax in the beer garden.
  • Dine at a rotating selection of food trucks.
  • Enjoy a diverse array of live performances.
  • Play Quizzo in the Beer Garden with Johnny Goodtimes every Sunday at 5 p.m.
  • Challenge friends or family to lawn games.
  • Bring the kids to family-friendly activities and theme days.
  • Shop at three festival marketplace days.
  • Dance to the beat of local DJs on select Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Explore the gigantic Benjamin Franklin-inspired mural.
The Oval is an initiative of:
  • Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
  • The Parkway Council
  • Mural Arts Philadelphia

Check out these upcoming highlights:

Parkway Presents

A series of celebratory performances showcasing Philadelphia’s rich cultural scene.

SNACKTIME with Killsing and Rachel Andie
July 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Enjoy the funk, punk, jazz, and pop and R&B sounds of this seven-piece, brass-heavy band! This opening night concert is sure to set the stage for a summer filled with fun, laughter, and love for our city!

Raul y su ClaveAche
July 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.

This Logan Square-based Cuban music powerhouse was created by Raul Cisneros, He is an acclaimed British-Cuban percussionist, producer, director, and songwriter. The band is known for its authentic Cuban sounds.

These events are free. Food and drink may be purchased from Oval vendors,. Outside alcoholic drinks not permitted.

Family-focused fun

Bring your family to these free, child-focused activities and programs.

Let’s Rock Recess
Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Dance, sing, and celebrate all the ways that make us unique with DJ Flip. Enjoy face painting, juggling, caricature drawing, and more. Let’s Rock Recess promotes unity and respect for everyone.

Parkway at the Oval with Fairmount Sports Association
Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Can you heave it like Jalen Hurts or hit it like Bryce Harper? Kiddos can take a crack in the mini-Big League Sports arena, and get tips from the Fairmount Sports Association coaches on how to play like the big leaguers. Ages 3-8+. 

Festival marketplace days

Enjoy three festival marketplace days this summer at the Oval.

Now + Then Marketplace

Browse wares from dozens of local artists, artisans, makers, and resellers.

  • Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 5 to 10 p.m.

Hip Hop in the Park, curated by TAMEARTZ.

Celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Enjoy live performers and shop local vendors.

  • Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Movie Nights

After the sun sets, The Oval is your summer outdoor movie theater! On select Friday nights, grab a spot on the Oval lawn under the stars for free screenings of fan favorites. Seating is not provided, so be sure to bring your own chair or blanket.

Movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Schedule is subject to change.

  • July 14—The Super Mario Bros Movie
  • July 28—Jungle Cruise
  • August 11—Encanto
  • August 18—Grease

Movies are free. Food and drink may be purchased from Oval vendors,. Outside alcoholic drinks not permitted.

Quizzo Sundays

Test your trivia knowledge every Sunday afternoon from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by Johnny Goodtimes. The fun takes place at The Oval Beer Garden. Teams can include up to eight people. The top two teams will win fabulous prizes.

Free to take part. Food and drink may be purchased from Oval vendors. Outside alcoholic drinks not permitted.

Themed dance parties

On select Fridays and Saturdays, DJs from Milkboy Philadelphia will host themed dance parties. The free fun begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Main Stage. Food and drink may be purchased from Oval vendors. Outside alcoholic drinks not permitted.

Themes include:

  • July 15—90s/00s Night
  • July 22—Drake Night
  • July 29—Taylor Swift Night
  • August 4—Grateful Dead Night
  • August 5—Pearl Jam Night
  • August 12—Bad Bunny & J Balvin Night

Please note:

All Oval programs are weather permitting. Changes or cancellations will be announced on Instagram and Twitter at @TheOvalPHL. You can also view the most up-to-date information on The Oval event calendar.

 

View The Oval's official event page.
You'll find location information and the latest information on upcoming events and activities.