Delaware River Waterfront Corporation opens Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for 2026 season

Roller skating, outdoor fitness, and free wellness programming return creating accessibility to the Waterfront for all

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) will welcome the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for its 2026 Season, opening Friday, May 22, alongside Spruce Street Harbor Park. While Summerfest returns for the season with its signature roller skating in partnership with Independence Blue Cross (IBX), DRWC is expanding its wellness programming across its Waterfront parks, offering more opportunities for visitors to stay active through accessible outdoor experiences, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier presented by Independence Blue Cross, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways.

"Our goal is to make the Waterfront one of Philadelphia's most vibrant, welcoming, and accessible public spaces," said Joseph A. Forkin, president & CEO of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. "With the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and expanded wellness programming across our parks, we're giving people more ways to get outside, stay active, connect with the Delaware River, and enjoy the Waterfront at its best. This season brings together fun, outdoor activity, and the sense of connection that make summer on the Waterfront special."

"Summerfest is Philly summer at its best-right on the Waterfront, with the Ben Franklin Bridge overhead and plenty of ways to get moving and have fun. Whether you're lacing up skates, challenging friends to mini-golf, or just soaking in the views, it's all about being active, feeling good, and connecting with the people around you. We're proud to support Summerfest and keep investing in the places and traditions that bring our communities together," said Steve Fera, IBX executive vice president of Public Affairs and president of Government Markets.

The IBX RiverRink has long shaped the Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront as the go-to destination for seasonal traditions and outdoor recreation. This Summer 2026, IBX RiverRink will transform into Summerfest - offering Philadelphia's ONLY outdoor roller-skating rink - to create the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. Against the backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Summerfest will continue to prioritize accessibility with free entry and flexible, pay-as-you-go options that invite visitors to create their own experience, including:

• Roller skating, for IBX members and up to three guests:
  • Free admission and free skate rentals on Sundays from 1pm-3pm all season long
  • Free admission every day throughout the season
• Skelly's Amusements, including a Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, and moon bounce.
• 18-hole mini-golf course, free for IBX members and up to 3 guests.
• Iconic boardwalk-style eats, including funnel cakes, ice cream, Chickie's & Pete's, and Philly Tacos.
• The Lodge Bar, featuring a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails, beers, and frozen drinks.
• Arcade games.

NEW Offerings & Happenings this 2026 Season

Alongside Summerfest's beloved returning attractions, new happenings and offerings this season will include:

• Roll Call DJ Nights (every Friday night, 7 - 10 pm from May 22 - September 4), welcoming local Live DJs to bring high-energy music to the rink.
• Nautical-inspired lounge areas featuring shaded seating, breezy décor, and comfortable gathering spaces designed for lounging along the river.
• City "Cabanas" to offer visitors plenty of shaded areas to relax, including big-screen TVs, fans, and coastal decor.

NEW Summerfest Hours

Summerfest will become the ultimate warm-weather destination with hours:

• Thursdays from 5 - 10 pm
• Fridays from 5 -11 pm
• Saturdays from 1 - 11 pm
• Sundays from 1 - 10 pm.

Summerfest will be closed Monday - Wednesday, and open on holidays including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Labor Day (Sunday hours). All activities conclude 30 minutes before closing.

Excitement with Soccer Fun

To build excitement for Philadelphia's upcoming soccer-filled summer, IBX RiverRink Summerfest will offer:

• Game on! Soccer Challenge to invite visitors to challenge their friends to a soccer showdown with interactive seated soccer tables for rent. During Opening Weekend (May 22), a special will be offered: $5 for 30 minutes.
• Family Fan Zone (June 11 - July 19) with live screenings of international matches on multiple big-screen TVs! It's the perfect family-friendly place to watch all the soccer action. Matches will be shown during normal operating hours.

Wellness Across the Waterfront

In addition to roller skating and fun at Summerfest, guests will be able to participate in fun, fitness, and wellness activities across all DRWC-managed parks at the Waterfront, including Race Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Pier 68.

• Wellness on the Waterfront: IBX Presents Yoga at Race Street Pier to offer free outdoor yoga sessions set against panoramic views of the Delaware River, offering a peaceful start or reset to the day. Open to all levels, the classes invite participants to stretch, breathe, and recharge in one of the Waterfront's most scenic locations. Offered three days a week - Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays - in partnership with Three Queens Yoga, this year's program will expand due to popular demand, running programing from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples' Day, to significantly extend access to free health and wellness opportunities on the Waterfront. IBX continues its support of this program, helping ensure that high-quality, inclusive fitness offerings remain accessible to the public. Classes begin May 25 with Monday and Thursday class times at 6 pm, and Sundays at 10 am.
• Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park is the newest addition to the season. Every Saturday at 11 am on the double-decker barge at Spruce Street Harbor Park, Tai Chi followed by guided meditation sessions focus on slow, intentional movement and mindfulness.
• Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways will bring mindfulness and relaxation to the Waterfront, with a hands-on, catch-and-release fishing experience perfect for beginner or seasoned anglers alike. Participants will learn about the 60+ species of fish that call the Delaware River home. All fishing gear and basic instruction will be provided for the all-ages educational experience, with no fishing license needed. The sessions will be offered the third Saturday of the month from 11 am - 2 pm at Pier 68, including: May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, and October 17.

Skating tickets for Summerfest are available for purchase now for $5, alongside $12 skate rentals at the link here. Additional details about summer programming, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68, are available at delawareriverwaterfront.com.