PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 15, 2024)—Summer on the Waterfront is already off to an exciting start, and it’s about to get even better as Independence Blue Cross Summerfest opens for the season. There is so much more in store for the summer through Labor Day.

The theme this summer is “more is more,” inviting visitors to try plenty of new amenities, including the expansion to a brand-new, 18-hole Mini-Golf course, an enormous arcade, more amusement rides, and an incredible expanded menu of culinary delights for the whole family from Skelly’s Amusements and Chickie’s & Pete’s.

The offerings of rides will also be immense, with additions of a children’s roller coaster, swings ride, whirling ride, and more, adding to the returning favorites of the Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, and Gravity Storm Moon Bounce.

“Exercise and play are essential for our physical, mental, and emotional
health, and there’s no better place for summertime fun than Philly’s Waterfront,” said Stephen P. Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs and president of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross. “Independence Blue Cross is proud to be a founding sponsor of Summerfest, and we’re excited for what’s in store for this outstanding, iconic space.”

With the construction of the future Park at Penn’s Landing underway, transforming the Delaware River Waterfront in real time, skating will be on hiatus for the summer, returning in time for Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.

“To say it’s an exciting time at the Delaware River Waterfront this summer would be an understatement. We are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation of our beautiful Waterfront, and not only can you come and see the transformation happening in real time, but you can bounce around our parks with the beautiful Delaware River Trail as your path and enjoy more activity than ever before at Independence Blue Cross Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and beyond. We have no plans of letting construction slow us down, and to prove it, we’re offering more of everything for a blowout summer,” said DRWC President Joe Forkin.

Park Season and Hours of Operation

The summer season at Independence Blue Cross Summerfest will run from now through September 2 with the following opening hours:

● Monday to Thursday: 5 pm - 10 pm ● Friday:5pm-11pm

• ●  Saturday: 11 am - 11 pm

• ●  Sunday: 11 am - 10 pm

  *Park Concessions will close 30 minutes before closing time. Holiday hours are as follows:

• ●  July3:11am-10pm

• ●  July4:11am-4pm

• ●  September 2: 11 am - 10 pm

  Attractions, Tickets and Pricing:

  The site is free to enter, with amenities and concessions pay-as-you-go.

• ●  Ferris Wheel: $6

• ●  Double-Decker Carousel: $5

• ●  Gravity Storm Moon Bounce: $9

• ●  Spinning Dragon Ride: $4

• ●  Chair Swing Ride: $4

• ●  Children's Roller Coaster: $4

• ●  Car Ride: $4

• ●  Mini-Golf: $8 per person (18-hole course)*

  *Independence Blue Cross Cardholders: Free round of mini golf for up to 4 people per cardholder. (Must show member I.D. card.)

  Menus:

  Chickie’s & Pete’s will return with their signature Crabfries, Boneless Wings, and Cheesesteaks, and more! Full menu to follow.

Sponsorship

Independence Blue Cross Summerfest is grateful for the generous support of its sponsors, including Independence Blue Cross, Jim Beam & Hornitos, Captain Morgan, and Visit Philly.

About Independence Blue Cross Summerfest

Independence Blue Cross Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions. It features boardwalk games and rides, mini-golf, and great food and drinks, all with soaring views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. Summerfest is the perfect place for a family outing, a school trip, or a meet-up with friends.

For more information and updates, please visit Independence Blue Cross Summerfest. PHOTOS

Photos can be accessed in the press room here. SOCIAL

• ●  Facebook: Delaware River Waterfront

• ●  Instagram: @delawareriverwaterfront

• ●  Twitter: @DelRiverWfront

• ●  Phone: 215-629-3200

• ●  Website: www.drwc.org KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  Are you planning your visit to the Waterfront? Here are all the things to know before you go. From how to get to your favorite destinations, FAQs, and Park at Penn’s Landing construction resources and more can be found at https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/what-to-know-before-you-go

  ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS

  Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. For more than 85 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We deliver innovative and competitively priced healthcare products and services and pioneer new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals for coordinated, quality care and support programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

ABOUT DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT CORPORATION

DRWC is a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop, program, and maintain public amenities such as permanent and seasonal parks, trails, and streetscape improvements to transform the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia as is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan for the Central Delaware. Daily programming throughout the year is changing how Philadelphians see and converse about the waterfront. It is helping to create spaces and communities that connect residents and visitors to the Waterfront.

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