Delaware River Festival

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden

What: A free day of fun and discovery along the Delaware River.

The river is always the heart of the festival, and this year it will be livelier than ever with the Philadelphia Cup Regatta happening alongside the event for the first time. Sailboats racing along the water will bring extra excitement to the day.

If you’re eager to get on the water yourself, pedal boats will be available for a relaxing ride. Free RiverLink Ferry rides will carry visitors across the Delaware River, making it easy to experience both locations and everything in between. Prefer to stay on land? There’s no shortage of fun. Face painting, games, and crafts will be available throughout the day. Interactive environmental exhibits from local organizations will offer hands-on fun and education. A Bingo-style scavenger hunt will encourage attendees of all ages to explore and engage in the many offerings on both sides of the river, with the chance of winning a prize!

Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss the live bird show at Penn’s Landing or the chance to meet feathered friends up close during a special meet-and-greet at Wiggins Park. Art lovers can vote for their favorite piece in the 2025 Trash Free Waters Art Contest, highlighting creative visions for a cleaner, healthier Delaware River. Also, enjoy free admission to the Independence Seaport Museum building (please note that the Olympia and the Becuna, the museum’s two historic ships do still require the purchase of tickets to visit). Outside, step aboard the Gazela Primeiro, a turn-of-the-century Portuguese fishing ship, for deck tours and on-board programming.

With so much to do, don’t forget to stay hydrated! The Philadelphia Water Department Water Bar will be back with free, cold, refreshing tap water. Be sure to bring your reusable water bottle!

Don’t miss out on this incredible event that brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and vitality of the Delaware River. Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us for a day of joy, learning, and connection!

Due to ongoing construction on the Delaware Riverfront at Penn’s Landing, we recommend carpooling or using public transit. Limited paid parking is available along the Philly waterfront. Visitors can also park on the Camden side of the festival and take the RiverLink Ferry. For more information about traveling to the festival, visit delawareriverfest.org/getting-to-the-festival.

You can keep up to date on all the activities being planned through the festival’s official website, www.DelawareRiverFest.org, and on social media by following the handle @DelRivFest.

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Center for Aquatic Sciences, Philadelphia Water Department, and the Independence Seaport Museum have partnered to plan this magical day along the river. Additional thanks to New Jersey American Water and Camden County for their support.

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc., received financial support from the EPA under an Assistance Agreement to support this work.

This project was financed in part by a Federal Coastal Zone Management Grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with funds provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.