Looking for something fun to do over the next week? Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has something for everyone – from kayaking on the Delaware River to watching live performances at Eakins Oval. Check out these upcoming events brought to you by our staff and partners:
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
August 17, 2023
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Glen Foerd – 5001 Grant Avenue, 19114
Listen to live music by Birdie Busch. Play lawn games and create art. Tour the grounds and mansion at this free event. Learn more.
Parkway Presents: Project Positive
August 18, 2023
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Eakins Oval – 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Enjoy free outdoor performances on Fridays at the Oval. Project Positive is a dance organization that uses Hip Hop to inspire and educate youth. Don’t miss their performance on the main stage. Read more about this and other live performances at Eakins Oval.
Free kayak excursion
August 18, 2023
Glen Foerd – 5001 Grant Avenue, 19114.
Looking for a new adventure? Explore the Delaware River by kayak. Led by professional certified guides. The tour includes the basics of paddling. No experience necessary. Learn more and register.
Kidchella: music festival for kids
August 18, 2023
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse – 3500 Reservoir Drive, 19121.
Kidchella music festival is back! From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., enjoy pre-show performances, art stations, food trucks, and more. Then listen to live music by the bands City Love and Jams for Junior Jawns. Buy tickets now.
Brazilian Night
August 19, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Eakins Oval – 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Brazilian Night features family-friendly Brazilian performances. Check out the samba workshop from 6:40 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Watch and learn capoeira, a Brazilian folk and martial art. Read more details about this free event and others at Eakins Oval.
Concerts by Candlelight: live performance by guitarist Allen Krantz
August 20, 2023
2 p.m.
Laurel Hill Mansion – 3487 Edgley Drive, 19121.
Classical Guitarist Allen Krantz will perform in the octagonal music room at historic Laurel Hill Mansion. One of his many compositions include “A Musical Walk.” It is a children’s piece that was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Purcahse tickets on Eventbrite.
Cobbs Creek art workshop
August 24, 2023
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Christy Recreation Center – 728 S. 55th Street, 19143
Enjoy T-shirt making, nature printing, abstract painting, nature drawing, and more. Come explore nature and create art. This workshop is led by a local artist. Register for this free event.
Learn to fish for free
August 24, 2023
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Pleasant Hill Park – 9000 N. Delaware Avenue, 19136
Do you want to learn how to fish? Meet near the ponds in the park. Rods, tackle, bait, and instruction will be provided. Attendees can bring their own rod. No fishing license is necessary. Sponsored by Riverfront North Partnership. Register for this event on Eventbrite.
Outdoor Movies
More than 30 Philly parks will host free movie nights this summer and fall, featuring blockbusters and kid-friendly flicks including “The Super Mario Bros,” “Encanto,” “Grease,” and more.
Remember to check the schedule before you head out to a movie. Movies may be canceled at the last minute due to rain or bad weather.
“Grease”
August 18, 2023
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Eakins Oval – 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130
Grab a spot on the Oval’s lawn. Watch John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in this musical about teens in the 1950s. See details.
“Sing”
August 18, 2023
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Pelbano Playground – 8101 Bustleton Avenue, 19152.
Grab a chair and some popcorn and watch this animated musical comedy film. Koala Buster Moon decides to hold a singing contest to save his struggling theater. Learn more.
“Ralph Breaks the Internet”
August 25, 2023
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Thomas Mitchell Playground – 3694 Chesterfield Road, 19114.
Video game bad guy Ralph must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, “Sugar Rush.” Read more about Parks & Rec free outdoor movies.
View additional movies sponsored by park friends groups, Parks & Rec, and Fairmount Conservancy.
