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It is night time. The sky is dark. A large ship is shown on the water. There are bright blue lights hung outlining the ship. The river below reflects the bright lights. Another smaller ship is nearby, also docked along the waterfront.

Philadelphia's Waterfront Event Venues

Date October 3, 2024

Philadelphia's Waterfront Event Venues

Philadelphia is positioned between two waterways – the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. Both offer plenty of unique waterfront venues to consider for your next event.

Moshulu

Address: 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

Climb aboard the Moshulu, the world’s oldest and tallest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat and one of Philadelphia’s waterfront venues. The ship is docked along the Delaware River and offers amazing views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. Treat your guests to award-winning cuisine and cocktails on the water.

An outdoor sofa is shown on the deck of the Moshulu, a historic ship. The sofa has dark blue cushions. There are three yellow and white striped pillows on the couches. Off in the distance is a bridge. The sky above is a bright blue.

Photo by A. Guzy for Moshulu.

City Cruises Anchored by Hornblower

Address: 401 S Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

Host your event on the Delaware River by renting one of two private yachts operated by City Cruises Anchored by Hornblower. The larger vessel, the Spirit of Philadelphia, has three levels of event space with observation decks. The middle-tier Walt Whitman deck is complete with a dance floor and bar. The more intimate vessel, the Freedom Elite, has two levels:, a lounge deck with a bar and a partially open-air observation space.

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing

Address: 201 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing is Philadelphia’s only waterfront hotel. The 350-room hotel features 24,000 square feet of event space, including ballrooms with large windows overlooking the Delaware River. Additionally, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Keating’s Rope & Anchor, features an exterior patio space that can be rented for private events.

The bright blue sky above is clear of any clouds. A skyscraper is shown in the distance. In front of it to the left is a yellow, white, and red ship. A walkway is shown off to the right above the water below it. A bridge is shown off in the distance to the right.

The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing sits on the Delaware River in Philadelphia with breathtaking views of the city skyline and steps from riverside outdoor activities. Photo courtesy of Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing.

Independence Seaport Museum

Address: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

Philadelphia’s maritime museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, has a collection of waterfront venue options. The museum offers two floors of rentable, spacious galleries and a theater with over 400 seats. There is also the Riverview Lookout and a large ballroom on the fourth floor, both providing incredible views of the Delaware River. One of the museum’s most unique (and most historic) venue options is the Cruiser Olympia. The ship is the oldest steel warship still afloat and is available to rent for private events.

It is nighttime. Lights are strung overhead. A large group of people are shown on a deck of a ship enjoying the fresh air. More lights are shown above the boardwalk to the left and a barge to the right

Host an event on the deck of the oldest steel warship afloat in the world, the Cruiser Olympia. Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum.

Cherry Street Pier

Address: 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

Once a municipal pier, Cherry Street Pier is now a rentable mixed-used public space. The pier hosts pop-up markets and art exhibitions, in addition to its collection of artist studios. For events, the pier features two spaces: the 2,000-square-foot covered Garage and the 640-square-foot Terrace. The space also presents stunning views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge in an industrial, open-air setting.

An open-air pier with an open roof is set up with metal chairs and tables. People are shown standing around the space. Others are sitting down. Lights are strung overhead. Greenery is also spread throughout the space.

Cherry Street Pier’s open-air Garden space connects guests directly with the waterfront, offering picturesque views of the river and nearby Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Photo by K. Kelly.

Morgan’s Pier

Address: 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge soars overhead at Morgan’s Pier, which has several distinct dockside event spaces available for rent. Guests can enjoy plenty of patio seating in The Garden, the pier’s main open-air area, which is ideal for large networking events and receptions. For a more intimate experience, the Crow’s Nest fittingly sits above the pier, accessed via a private spiral staircase. The Craft Bar is a large private bar, with traditional high-top seating for cocktail sipping guests. For additional space, the Lounge Bar is situated between the water and the DJ booth. Renters have the option to combine or use multiple spaces for larger groups.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge soars overhead beneath a blue sky with white fluffy clouds. Picnic tables are set up on the pier. Yellow, red, blue, orange, and yellow umbrellas provide shade for each table. People are shown sitting at the tables. A server is off to the right walking toward customers.

Morgan’s Pier. Photo courtesy of Morgan’s Pier, FCM Hospitality.

Battleship New Jersey

Address: 100 Clinton Street
City: Camden, NJ
Delaware River

Just a short drive from Center City is the Battleship New Jersey, docked along the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. It’s the U.S. Navy’s most decorated battleship and one of the largest ever built. The battleship can accommodate events in a variety of sizes and formats in one (or all) of its 11 event spaces. Both the Main Deck Portside and Forecastle present stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline from the other side of the river. The Forecastle features 16-inch gun turrets and the ship’s superstructure as the backdrop.

Adventure Aquarium

Address: 1 Riverside Drive
City: Camden, NJ
Delaware River

Home to the East Coast’s largest collection of sharks, Adventure Aquarium is a quick drive over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The spacious Currents ballroom offers views of its 550,000-gallon Shark Realm and the Philadelphia skyline. Consider the Ocean Realm Gallery for smaller gatherings, which presents similarly striking skyline views. Colorful fish, sea turtles, shark rays, and other sea creatures will surround your event.

A table is set up with three chairs on either side. The table is set with silverware and blue plates. Glasses are at each table setting. A centerpiece of white flowers is slightly elevated. Surrounding the table is an immersive tank of water. Sharks are shown swimming around. Fish are also seen to the right. The Shark Tunnel continues beyond the table.

Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium.

Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Address: 1 Harbour Blvd
Neighborhood: Camden, NJ
Delaware River

Across the river in Camden is the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion amphitheater. Set amidst a captivating outdoor landscape with breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline, this venue promises an unforgettable experience. The pavilion’s team offers state-of-the-art lighting, sound equipment, and the option for custom menus and mixology. Accommodating up to 25,000 guests, the outdoor 17,000-square-foot venue guarantees an impressive event.

Fringe Bar 

Address: 140 North Christopher Columbus Blvd
Neighborhood: Old City
Delaware River 

Located inside a historic riverfront pumping station, Fringe Bar is an experimental and inviting venue  within FringeArts. The newly renovated bar and restaurant provide a highly versatile venue for unforgettable experiences year-round. Dining experiences are further accentuated by the soaring views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the industrial-chic space directly adjacent to FringeArts’ 220 seat theater. Located outdoors, Haas Biergarten is a vibrant, beer garden available for rent in the warmer months. 

Fairmount Water Works

Address: 640 Waterworks Drive
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Schuylkill River

Constructed in the 1800s, the Fairmount Water Works was the first water supply in the nation to use paddle wheels to pump water. Now, the National Historic Landmark is a stunning venue that offers views of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. The venue features two elegant outdoor spaces — the Grand Pavilion and Mill House — in addition to the indoor Engine House.

A clear blue sky is overhead. Trees are shown in the background. The focal point is a large white structure up against and reflecting into the river below. The water is calm. A balcony toward the right appears to be hosting an event with people.

Photo by S. Spitzer for PHLCVB.

Bartram’s Garden

Address: 2901 S 56th Street
Neighborhood: Southwest Philadelphia
Schuylkill River

Bartram’s Garden is the nation’s oldest surviving botanical garden and one of many Philadelphia waterfront venues. The National Historic Landmark serves as a unique outdoor setting for events. The venue can accommodate up to 350 guests, with a pavilion space with modern amenities overlooking the river.

Vesper Boat Club 

Address: 10 Boathouse Row
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Schuylkill River 

Housed on iconic Boathouse Row, Vesper Boat Club offers breathtaking views of the Schuylkill River and Philadelphia skyline. Established in 1865, it swiftly gained renown as a premier rowing club and since has been one of America’s storied boathouses. The clubhouse recently completed a thorough renovation, restoring much of the house to its original splendor. Inside, Vesper Boat Club can hold up to 150 guests for a cocktail reception and up to 100 for sit-down events. 

Looking for more unique venues in Philadelphia? Check out our venue search tool.