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This waterfront boardwalk is Philly’s best summer hangout. It opens this week.

Spruce Street Harbor Park has concerts, family fun, and good vibes every week. Here’s how to get in on the fun.

Spruce Street Harbor Park, a park and boardwalk along the Delaware River, has lounge seating, floating gardens, food, and more.
Spruce Street Harbor Park, a park and boardwalk along the Delaware River, has lounge seating, floating gardens, food, and more.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

Stroll along the Delaware River, cold drink in hand, as string lights twinkle overhead and fireworks boom in the distance. It’s a classic Philadelphia summer night — and Spruce Street Harbor Park is in full swing.

The nightly boardwalk party is free to enter, and Philadelphians can start soaking it in when the park reopens Friday, May 23, with a kickoff event featuring DJ Reddz, DJ RocDaSpot, and DJ Neeek.

Now more than 10 years old, the hammock-lined oasis has become a summertime staple, tucked into one of the city’s most concrete-heavy corners. But it’s just one part of a larger waterfront experience that stretches from the Race Street Pier to the RiverRink Summerfest at Penn‘s Landing.

Last year, the park got a refresh — adding a 20-foot concert stage, a new covered bar, and a massive video wall used for Phillies watch parties and movie nights.

Opening weekend will feature special events all four days. The season starts Friday with a DJ showcase. Saturday through Monday will bring family-friendly activities like balloon art, face painting, and guided games.

Here’s everything you need to know about this nightly hangout and happy hour with weekend concerts and entertainment.

Where is Spruce Street Harbor Park and when is it open?

The park is at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. It’s open daily from Friday, May 23 through Sunday, Sept. 28.

  1. Hours:

    1. Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    2. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

  2. Food vendors and bars open daily at 4 p.m. and close about 30 minutes before the park does.

  3. Dogs are welcome on a leash, except in hammocks and on the barge.

Where to eat and drink at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park has essential boardwalk vendors selling Crabfries and cheesesteaks from Chickie’s and Pete’s and funnel cake and ice cream from places like Frozen Delights. Plus, food and drink options from other Philadelphia-based vendors.

Food vendors

  1. Chickie’s & Pete’s

  2. Ay Burrito! by Philly Taco

  3. Philly Tacos

  4. Frozen Delights

Bars and beverages

  1. The Lazy Hammock bar

  2. Blue Anchor at the Barge Oasis

Concerts

Live music returns with two weekly series:

  1. Thursdays at 7 p.m.: Live & Local

  2. Fridays at 7:30 p.m.: Afterwork Sessions, curated by Shekhinah B.

Thursday’s Live & Local will feature:

  1. May 24: Frog (*special Saturday show)

  2. May 29: Terra Cotta

  3. June 5: Scott Churchman

  4. June 12: Girlpuppy

  5. June 19: Cloakroom

  6. June 21: Friends Of Jerry (*special Saturday show)

  7. June 26: KulfiGirls

  8. July 10: Snooper

  9. July 17: Poison Ruin

  10. July 24: Jhariah

The park’s Summer Sounds Concert Series is the last Saturday of every month at 7 p.m., with the final show featuring the Dead Milkmen.

  1. May 31: Rubblebucket

  2. June 28: TBD

  3. July 26: Bartees Strange

  4. Aug. 30: TBD

  5. Sept. 27: The Dead Milkmen

Family Fun Day Sunday

Every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., kids can take part in water-based games and activities with PopUpPlay.

Hammocks

Hammocks are first-come, first-served. If you’re with a group, arrive early.

Games and activities

There’s fun for everyone with a large arcade and mega Connect 4 and Jenga sets that are pay-as-you-go.

Getting to Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park is accessible by walking, biking, public transit, or car.

  1. Walk: Spruce Street Harbor Park is at the east end of Spruce Street near the Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods. It’s also accessible by the Delaware River Trail.

  2. Bike: Ride your bike and lock it up on-site while you enjoy the park or rent an Indego bike. There is an Indego bike station across the street at Foglietta Plaza.

  3. Public transit: Take SEPTA Bus Routes 5, 12, 17, 21, 25, 33, 38, 42, or 44, or the Market-Frankford Line to the Second Street Station.

Parking at Spruce Street Harbor Park

There are three main parking lots at the waterfront, for a $20 daily flat rate. The Hilton next door and Philadelphia Parking Authority’s Autopark at Old City are also dependable options, but a bit more expensive.

You can also look for street parking.

  1. Hilton Penn’s Landing: 📍201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 💰$55 for 24 Hours, ⌚ 24 / 7, 🚶‍♀️3-minute walk

  2. Autopark at Olde City: 📍125 S. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 💰 $25 for 10 hours, $30 for 24 hours, ⌚ 24 / 7, 🚶‍♀️7-minute walk

  3. Lombard Circle Parking Lot: 📍 Columbus Boulevard and Lombard Circle, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 💰 $20 flat rate, ⌚ 8 a.m.-midnight, 🚶‍♀️8-minute walk

  4. Market Street Parking Lot: 📍 Columbus Boulevard and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 💰$20 flat rate, ⌚ 24 / 7, 🚶‍♀️ 9-minute walk