Not heading down the shore this weekend and looking for some fun-in-the-sun ideas? On May 28, The Spirit of Philadelphia and the Delaware River Waterfront will host the First Annual Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day. This day-long celebration will include a pop-up Rooftop Beer Garden, live entertainment and deals from local attractions, all capped off by a festive fireworks display over the Delaware.
“Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season and the Philadelphia region springs to life with people heading outdoors and often to the water,” said Ryan O’Connor, associate general manager at Entertainment Cruises, Inc. in Philadelphia. “The Delaware River Waterfront is a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike. From the recent Spruce Street Harbor Park and Summerfest activations by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to the anchor attractions like Independence Seaport Museum, Battleship New Jersey and, of course, the Spirit of Philadelphia, the entertainment options here are endless,” continued O’Connor. “Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day is a chance for all of the partners to come together to thank the community, celebrate summer, and provide our guests with the best experiences along, or on, the water!”
The Spirit of Philadelphia will host the “Eat, Drink, & B. Mary” lunch cruise. This two-hour cruise sets sail at noon with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and rooftop games. Then, from 2:30–5:30 p.m., the vessel will host a pop-up Rooftop Beer Garden. As the ship remains dockside, Spirit invites the public to come aboard and enjoy free admission, complimentary light bites, a DJ, outdoor games (including giant jenga, foosball and shuffleboard) and drink specials. The pop-up Beer Garden will be open to families; guests must be 21 or older to drink.
Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day also offers family-friendly deals and entertainment, including:
- Discounted $20 (kids $16) combo passes from the Independence Seaport Museum for a paddle boat rental and museum admission.
- Mention Waterfront Day at The Franklin Fountain (at Spruce Street Harbor Park) to receive 10% off ice cream floats.
- The Battleship New Jersey will host hourly raffles for a chance to fire the ship’s gun.
- Half-off tours with Patriot Harbor Lines from noon–5 p.m.
- Kids ride free (with adult admission) with Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours on May 28 for guests who mention Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day when purchasing a ticket.
- Opening weekend at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest brings $3 off skating admission all day on May 28.
- Adult guests can also enjoy Waterfront Day offers at SugarHouse Casino and Keating’s Rope & Anchor.
The grand finale of Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day welcomes summer with a bang as the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (official Waterfront Day partner) presents Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks following a free performance by the United States Air Force Band. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. with the fireworks presentation slated to immediately follow.
For guests who want an up-close view of the fireworks, Spirit of Philadelphia will host a special Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Departing at 7 p.m., this three-hour cruise includes a dinner buffet, entertainment, dancing and unrivaled views of the Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks.
“We combined the best of the waterfront to create the First Annual Penn’s Landing Waterfront Day,” said O’Connor. “On behalf of the Spirit of Philadelphia and all of our waterfront partners, we invite the region to explore Penn’s Landing during Waterfront Day and all season long.”
Find all of the finer details online and book your cruise, if you wish to sail away for lunch or dinner on May 28.
- Photo: Aaron Raysor Photography for Ent. Cruises
