Copied to Clipboard
When summer starts to really heat up, there’s no better place to chill than along the Delaware Waterfront at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.
The riverside venue’s summertime version boasts a carnival-like atmosphere with a massive roller skating rink, rides, boardwalk and arcade games, mini-golf, food and drink options, and events throughout the season.
Admission to the family-friendly destination is free and open to the public. Mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay as you go.
This year, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is open through Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026).
— Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Located on Penn’s Landing, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is a cross between a lively carnival, your favorite shore town hangout and a refreshing urban oasis.
The lights and sounds of festival games and amusements welcome kids, adults and even pets to let loose and play, with scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
— Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Summertime in Philly means it’s time to lace up the skates and hit the roller rink, Summerfest’s uber-popular centerpiece.
Glide across the floor for only $5 per session. Skate rentals are available for an additional $12, and reservations can be purchased online or onsite.
Pro tip: Free skate admission is available to Independence Blue Cross members and military service members for themselves and up to three guests (skate rental not included).
— Photo by A. Marsdale for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Step right up: Carnival rides and beachy vibes await on the site’s boardwalk-inspired Midway.
Pay-as-you-go attractions include a Gravity Storm Moon Bounce, double-decker carousel and crowd-pleasing 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel.
For competitive types, the riverside mini-golf course offers up multiple holes of play, and the park’s bustling arcade and festive carnival games keep the energy high.
New for 2026, keep the FIFA World Cup 26 memories going with the site’s new interactive, sit-down Soccer Challenge game.
Every Friday through September 4, 2026, Summerfest hosts Roll Call Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring live DJ sets for the skate-dance mashup — curated by Shekhinah B. of The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment. Admission to Roll Call Fridays is free, but registration is recommended.
Summerfest also hosts a huge Mexican Independence Day Festival on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2 to 8 p.m., featuring live music, dance and plenty of children’s activities. The event is part of the PECO Multicultural Series at venues along the Delaware River waterfront.
Mexican Independence Day Festival — Photo by BeauMonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
A few laps around the rink, and you are sure to work up an appetite.
Summery cocktails and local brews are up for grabs in the Lodge, while Chickie’s and Pete’s dishes out its signature Crabfries, cheesesteaks and more. Plus, Skelly’s Concessions has you covered with all your favorite carnival classics (think: funnel cake, pizza, ice cream and cotton candy).
— Photo by M. Young for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Admission to the seasonal attraction is free and open to the public, with pay-as-you-go amusements and concessions.
Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing is undergoing an exciting period of reinvention, bringing new amenities and increased accessibility to the riverfront. Even amid the changes, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is accessible via public transportation, walking, car or bike (try Indego!).
The ongoing construction has limited parking along the waterfront, so arrival by public transportation is highly recommended.
By SEPTA, hop on one of the many buses that stop near Penn’s Landing. Just note that several of the routes have new start and end locations due to construction.
You can also take the L (Market-Frankford) subway line to 2nd Street — leaving you a quick six-minute walk away — or hop off the Philly PHLASH at its Independence Seaport Museum stop and walk from there.
For those driving, parking can be found near Penn’s Landing — including a garage on 2nd Street and near the intersection of 2nd and Lombard streets.
For more about Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, click the button below.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
EN 
ES 
FR 
PT 
ES_EC 
FR_FR 
NL