What to Expect at the Oval Pop-Up on the Parkway This Summer
The Parkway pop-up will feature mini golf, free concerts, movie nights, and more.
The Oval pop-up is coming back in July with free fun on the Parkway. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Back in 2013, Philly’s Parks & Rec department started painting the drab parking lot on Eakins Oval with vibrant colors and filling it with family-friendly fun for the summer months. The Oval took a few years off due to the pandemic, then returned in 2022 with festival vibes, a beer garden, and weeks of activities.
And now, the Oval is coming back beginning June 18th and running through September 14th, Wednesdays through Sundays. Across its eight acres on the Parkway, there will be free music, family fun, putt-putt, a beer garden, movie nights, shopping and more. Here’s what’s on the lineup.
Mini Golf by Libertee Grounds
Fresh Prince of Bel Air-themed mini-golf hole at the Oval last year / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Last year, the Oval introduced a nine-hole mini-golf course by Libertee Grounds. Co-founders, Sanil Shah, Kanay Patel and Priyank Rambhia, designed this bespoke course especially to honor its location, with homages to Parkway locations like the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art; plus Philly pop-culture references like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air throne, Rocky running through the Italian Market, and more. Well, they’re back this year, along with a beer garden and “Sidekicks by Libertee Grounds” food truck (more on that below).
Tickets for mini-golf are $10 for adults and teens, while kids 12 and under play free.
Food and Drink
Libertee Grounds beer garden at the Oval / Photograph courtesy of Libertee Grounds
In addition to their mini-golf course, Libertee Grounds is also bringing a beer garden to the Oval. There will be some summery cocktails — including a tea-based one — and a frozen piña colada slushy. Additionally, they’ll feature beer and canned beverages from local makers like Surfside, Two Robbers, Dock Street, and a Libertee Lager collab by Love City Brewing.
As for food, the beer garden will feature some of the Asian-influenced bar fare from its parent restaurant, like their Korean Smash Burger and a bánh mì wrap. They’ll also have more standard beer-garden bites like hot dogs, fries, and chicken tenders. And for dessert? Three flavors of milkshakes: vanilla, strawberry-matcha, and black sesame cookies & cream.
The beer garden will also host Quizzo on Sunday afternoons from 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Johnny Goodtimes.
Movie Nights
Movie night at the Oval on the Parkway/ Photograph by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia
Grab a blanket and gather around the big screen on the Parkway. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Movies begin at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays.
- June 20th: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- June 27th: Inside Out 2
- July 11th: A League of Their Own
- July 18th: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- July 25th: Wicked
- August 8th: Finding Nemo
- August 15th: Sister Act
- August 22nd: Black Panther
- September 5th: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- September 12th: The Muppet Movie
Performances
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
In July and August, the Oval will kick off the weekend with live Friday night performances on the main stage.
- July 11th: drum line performance by Mad Beatz Philly
- July 18th: Los Bomberos
- July 25th: Mutya Philippine Dance Company
- August 8th: taiko drumming and dance by Casual Fifth
- August 15th: Mariposa Galacticas
- August 22nd: Philly POPS (f.k.a. No Name Pops)
RNB After Dark
In addition to Friday night performances, the Oval is planning monthly RNB After Dark shows on select Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Each will include DJ sets by BlckTeeth, plus live performances. Here’s the schedule:
- June 26th: Nadir Azim, Angel Concepcion, and Lexi Palmira
- July 24th: Joey Stix & Superfriends
- August 28th: Calm Shindig performances
Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate Juneteenth with a day of live music and performances, live art, a Black marketplace, and more. See the full list of performers here. June 21st, noon-9 p.m.
Festival: Hip-Hop in the Park
Celebrate the history and legacy of hip-hop with an all-day festival of performances and DJ music. August 9th, noon-9 p.m.
Family Fun and Teen Takovers
Kids’ activities at the Oval / Photograph by Laura Swartz
In addition to the mini-golf course, the mural-covered asphalt of the Oval will offer lots of unstructured play for little ones. There’s giant chess and checkers, see-saws, and oversized Lego-like blocks.
And Thursdays in July are Teen Takeover nights starting at 6:30 p.m. These evenings are designed by and for local youth, and will feature music, games, and arts programming.
Fitness Classes
Yoga at the Oval
On Wednesday nights, Yoga Habit hosts free, beginner-friendly classes at 6 p.m. Bring your own mat, and register for free online.
Additionally, on July 12th from 9:30 a.m. to noon, City Fitness will host free fitness classes for all skill levels.
Shopping: Now + Then Marketplace
Browse wares from dozens of local artists, makers and vintage resellers on June 22nd and September 14th from noon to 6 p.m.
Learn more and keep up with upcoming events on their Instagram (@TheOvalPHL) and their online calendar.
