Spruce Street Harbor Park is rolling back onto the Delaware River waterfront for Memorial Day weekend, with the seasonal pop-up set to reopen Friday, May 22, 2026. The hammocks, floating barges and food stalls that turned the riverfront into a summer habit are all returning, joined by new on-the-water options including pedal-powered Chiliboats, an expanded swan-boat fleet offering after-dark Glow Night Rides, live music, public art and happy-hour specials aimed at the after-work crowd.
New on-the-water experiences
According to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Spruce Street Harbor Park will open daily beginning May 22 and will debut additions such as Chiliboats Adventures, an all-new swan-boat fleet and a floating double-decker barge that gives visitors fresh vantage points over the river. The announcement also highlights the Lazy Hammock stage, seasonal floating barges serving cocktails, a trading post stocked with Philly-made snacks and a public art series scheduled to run through the summer.
Pedal, glide and glow
The water-bike operator Chiliboats bills its rides as an easy, pedal-powered outing and is already taking reservations for Penn’s Landing trips through its website. Wheel Fun Rentals, which operates the swan boats at Penn’s Landing Marina, says the upgraded boats seat up to five people, feature more comfortable seating and shaded canopies, and will offer extended Glow Night Rides after dark. Action News also got an early look at the new attractions ahead of opening day.
Plan your visit
General admission is free, and the park will be open seven days a week, including holidays, starting May 22, per the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Hammocks are free on a first-come basis, leashed dogs are welcome on-site, and Waterfront Happy Hour specials are scheduled to begin May 24 at the Lazy Hammock and Cherry Street Pier.
Tips and where to book
To snag a spot on the Chiliboats or a Glow Night Ride, booking online ahead of time is recommended if you want to avoid long waits on busy summer evenings. Opening-day programming stretches through Memorial Day weekend, and local event listings show the weekend schedule and additional waterfront activities on the Old City District calendar.
With the new water rides and the Lazy Hammock stage in the mix, organizers are hoping for a steady stream of after-work and weekend visitors along the riverfront. Check operator websites and the park’s official channels for reservations and any weather-related updates before you head out.
