Spruce Street Harbor Park: 5 New & Surprising Things to Do for 2026

The Experience

Developed by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), Spruce Street Harbor Park at Penn’s Landing serves as a summertime must-do in Philadelphia thanks to its floating gardens, colorful LED lights, lively entertainment schedule and cozy open-air seating with a riverfront view.

The park is known for its iconic Grove, full of colorful hammocks welcoming the lazy days of summer in Philly. Shady spots in the Grove are free to all and available first-come, first-served, with private rental areas available on the Barge Oasis.

  — Photo by BeauMonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Once the sun sets, the park lights up with hundreds of multi-colored LEDs strung among the tree canopy, creating a brilliant evening spectacle.

Day and night, the park’s alfresco eateries serve favorites reminiscent of summers at the shore as well as homegrown Philly flavors (think: cheesesteaks, fries and sweet treats).

  — Photo by BeauMonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

To top it all off, SSHP brings guests of all ages a fabulous lineup of seasonal programming highlighting talented local performers and DJs.

In addition to all the classic SSHP experiences, here are some returning offerings to keep an eye out for in 2026:

• The Lazy Hammock: Featuring a bar, a stage and a 16-foot video wall, this performance venue is ripe for everything from movie nights and watch parties to free live shows by local talent (more on that later).
• The Floating Barges: This waterfront bar boasts an awesome menu showcasing local craft beers, frozen drinks, wines and handcrafted cocktails.
• The Trading Post: This bodega on the water is stocked with locally made ice cream, snacks and merch from Philly artists and vendors.

Lazy Hammock Bar   — Photo by M. Young for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

5 New & Surprising Things to Do at Spruce Street Harbor Park This Summer

In addition to food, fun and open space for lounging, Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts an array of free and open-to-the-public events and programs throughout the season, with a few surprises for 2026.

Read on for a run-down of five surprising things you can do at SSHP’s waterfront oasis this summer. 

1. Rent a Swan Boat or Chiliboat

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to head out on the water, with two new nautical adventures at SSHP this year. 

See how it feels to glide across the water as if riding a bike on the surface with the new Chiliboat Adventures. Snag a rental ride for one or two people and embrace your inner water strider. 

Or, gather your group and hop aboard a new Swan Boat (tickets required), bigger and better this year with comfy new seats and a sun shade. Bonus: You can even bring your pup along for the ride. 

  — Photo courtesy Wheel Fun Rentals

2. Get movin’ with full-body activities

Get ready to bust a move to some sizzling salsa and bachata music on the waterfront. On select Friday nights through September 4, 2026, enjoy a free salsa lesson at 6 p.m. and then practice your new moves during a live DJ set until 10 p.m. No tickets or experience required.

Or, find your inner calm every Saturday through September 5, 2026 as you practice the slow, meditative movements of Tai Chi on the double-decker barge on the river and feel your stress and tension melt away. 

  — Photo by Beaumonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

3. See large-scale art installations

Don’t miss a chance to see the vibrant, hand-sewn sails on a schooner docked at SSHP. Artist Indira Allegra’s work — Sail Through This to That — exploring the lives of Ona Judge (Martha Washington’s enslaved seamstress) and late Philly fashion designer Rem’mie Fells remains on display through Thursday, July 30, 2026. 

Be sure to also check out PrismaPhonik — a new art exhibit featuring a labyrinth of colorful prisms and layered sounds that react to you in real time, creating an immersive and personalized music and light show (through Monday, August 17, 2026).

Both installations are part of DRWC’s public art installations — Where Freedom Flows — celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

4. Listen to live music by the water

What better way to spend a summer evening than kicking back to relax and listen to live music on the waterfront? SSHP has got you covered. 

Steep yourself in sultry jazz during the Friday Night Jazz series, happening every other week through September 25, 2026. Check the official website for dates and the lineup of musicians.

Or, enjoy live music featuring local musicians from across Greater Philadelphia at the Live & Local Concert Series, happening on select evenings through Thursday, September 24, 2026. Check the official website for dates and performing acts. 

  — Photo by BeauMonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

5. Get creative during Family Fun Days

Gather the whole family each Sunday to make some crafty creations with PopUpPlay that sneak in a bit of STEM, like boat-building, catapult-making and more. 

Family Fun Days run each Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. through September 27, 2026 and are free and open to the public with no tickets necessary. 

  — Photo courtesy Spruce Street Harbor Park

For more events, including additional dates and details, visit the official website.

Getting There

The Delaware River waterfront and Penn’s Landing are accessible via public transportation, by bike (try Indego!) and on foot.

If you’re walking, head to Columbus Boulevard at Spruce, Market or South streets. 

Please note: Access to the Delaware River waterfront is no longer available via Chestnut and Walnut streets due to construction. Plus, I-95 CAP construction is ongoing, so for extra tips on getting to the waterfront, check out DRWC’s Know Before You Go guide.

  — Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Using the Philly PHLASH, simply hop on at any of the serviced attractions and hop off at the Penn’s Landing & Independence Seaport Museum stop, on 2nd and Market streets.

By SEPTA, take the L (Market-Frankford) subway line to 2nd Street or use one of the numerous buses that stop at or near Penn’s Landing.

For those traveling by car, a Delaware River Waterfront Corporation-owned parking lot is located between Market and Lombard streets. Additionally, several nearby attractions and independently owned lots offer parking.

For more information on Spruce Street Harbor Park, click the button below.