This week’s Top 5 Events is a little bit different — all venues listed below have events this week, but they will also be open for the rest of the summer! Philadelphia is a city of new beginnings, and in the last few years it has turned into the makings of an outdoor urban oasis. With the opening of numerous outdoor attractions, including many summer pop-up parks, visitors and residents alike have flocked to these attractive parks to enjoy the season and get the most out of the city. We’ve compiled a list of some must-see pop-up parks to visit this summer, so get out there and appreciate the ever-growing urban beauty that is Philadelphia.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
When: May 22-September 27, daily. Where: 121 North Columbus Boulevard. Cost: Free!
Opened in summer 2014, this scenic spot instantly became a huge hit, and Philadelphians were more then happy to hear of its return this summer. Complete with hammocks, hanging lights, floating beer gardens and urban beaches, The Huffington Post named SSHP one of the best urban beaches in the world. This summer, visitors can enjoy even more than last summer — more than 50 colorful hammocks, bocce courts, shuffleboard, and more games and activities. The spot also features a boardwalk with scenic views of the waterfront ships, acclaimed food trucks along the boardwalk, and even a floating restaurant. This alfresco paradise is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened in Philly.
Franklin Square
When: May 22-September 7. Where: 238 North 6th Street. Cost: Free!
As one of Philadelphia’s five original squares, Franklin Square is open year-round but offers special attractions and seasonal activities in the summer months. Known for its bright circular fountain in the middle of the square, the attraction offers more than just a striking view. To honor the area’s rich history, Franklin Square boasts Center City’s only mini golf course with each hole named after a historic Philly spot. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the decorated Liberty Carousel and delicious food from SquareBurger, a burger shack by Starr restaurants offering summer staples. Pop-up events include twilight yoga and Summer Festivus.
Point Breeze Pop Up
When: May 16-September 17, Thursday-Sunday. Where: 1622 Point Breeze Avenue. Cost: Free!
The Point Breeze neighborhood is hopping on the pop-up park bandwagon, but theirs is solely dedicated to food and drinks. The owners that brought you South Philadelphia Tap Room and American Sardine Bar decided to turn an empty lot in South Philly into a delicious smorgasbord of food and beer. Besides hosting special events, on Thursdays to Sundays during the summer months guests can enjoy craft beer and cider from a number of taps and food from a rotating cast of unique food trucks. Proceeds will benefit Fair Food Philly, an organization dedicated to bringing locally grown foods to businesses and consumers in the area.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Pop Up Garden
When: July-October. Where: 1438 South Street, Wharton Street and South 9th Street. Cost: Free!
PHS Pop Up Gardens are back with two different locations this summer! PHS specializes in transforming vacant or underused spaces into gorgeous urban gardens. They use recycled materials and sustainable practices to create lush gardens, with different designs each year. This year, they’ve transformed underused spaces in both East Passyunk and South Street. PHS also teams up with local restaurants to offer guests food and beverages to enjoy while relaxing in the breathtaking environments.
The Oval
When: Summer season July 15-August 23, Wednesday-Sunday. Where: 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Cost: Free!
The Oval offers an eight-acre pop-up park this summer, transforming the island of asphalt and surrounding grass areas into a public space of daily activities, games and events. The attraction will have life-size games of chess, checkers, Jenga and Connect Four, various tasty dishes from local food trucks and a scenic outdoor beer garden under canopies of trees and lights. The Oval also boasts daily planned activities, including health-oriented events on Wednesdays, art and culture events on Thursdays, free outdoor movies on Fridays, game days on Saturdays and family-fun events on Sundays. In partnership with Philly’s Mural Arts Program, two Baltimore-based artists will be installing a massive temporary artwork in the park to kick off the summer season that you don’t want to miss.
