The summer scene is set to sizzle in Philly as The Oval makes its triumphant return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Announced by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson and the Parkway Council, the pop-up outdoor haven is poised to transform a mere parking lot into an eight-acre playground complete with a smorgasbord of food, drink, art, music, and a buffet of free special event programming for seven weekends of sunny shenanigans.
With a nod to the pursuit of unique outdoor fun, Slawson has proclaimed, "Providing unique outdoor experiences during the summer is what Parks & Rec does best, and The Oval will be an exciting destination for people of all ages to have fun and relax amid the beauty of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway." as per the City of Philadelphia's newsroom report. The Parkway Council's executive director Nicholas Anderson added, "As the Council continues to work with the City on the Parkway planning process, events like the Oval demonstrate the potential the Parkway has as a great urban park for Philadelphia and the region."
This year's roundup of festivities kicks off on July 11 and stretches through August 25, with Thursdays and Fridays providing evening revelry, while weekends come alive from noon. Expect to see a mural by Mural Arts Philadelphia, a Libertee Grounds beer garden, and a smattering of food trucks to satisfy every craving. As for activities, visitors can strike a pose in group wellness exercises or dance along to local bands, curated by none other than Philly's own SNACKTIME.
The Oval is determined to not only offer Philly a taste of summer delight but to also prop up the city's creative backbone, supporting local artists and entrepreneurs in the process. One can imagine lounging on the lawn, drink in hand, soaking up the sun and culture in one fell swoop—an integral goal of the current Parkway makeover. Additional support for The Oval comes from a variety of local sources, including Visit Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, as listed in the recent announcement.
The full schedule, event highlights, and partner details for the 2024 Oval are actively circulating online, with social media accounts like @theovalphl on Facebook and Instagram serving up the latest updates. So, whether it's a round of mini-golf peppered with Philly landmarks or a family-friendly Sunday romp, The Oval is shaping up to be the quintessential spot to unwind and experience the collective joy of a community in full summer swing.
