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Philadelphia’s Outdoor Event Venues

June 9, 2023

Philadelphia boasts a multitude of outdoor venues that cater to various group sizes and events. From the iconic Fairmount Park, with its sprawling green spaces and picturesque trails, to the stunning waterfront of Penn’s Landing. Consider one of these outdoor venues in Philadelphia for your next event.

Dilworth Park

Address: 1 S 15th St
Neighborhood: Center City

Found next to historic Philadelphia City Hall, Dilworth Park is conveniently located just steps away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. With over 120,000 square feet of space, the park can be converted into a variety of different layouts. There are also fountains, a lawn, and a café, setting the backdrop for any type of event.

High top tables covered with red tablecloths are set up throughout Dilworth Park, an outdoor space next to Philadelphia City Hall. Fountains to the right spray water into the air. Off to the left in the background, there are three individuals standing in front of a white and clear tent. Two of the individuals are dressed in all black suits. The third individual is wearing a gold gown. Inside of the tent, there are red and black balloons hanging from the ceiling.

Opera Philadelphia Turandot Opening Night Gala at Dilworth Park. Photo by S. Negron, courtesy of Center City District.

Rodin Museum

Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Neighborhood: Center City

The Rodin Museum is tucked behind ornate walls with an entrance marked by Auguste Rodin’s iconic ‘The Thinker’ sculpture. The museum’s Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden is an ideal spot for intimate receptions within a short walk from many hotels and attractions. The garden’s patio spaces can be outfitted with tables, high-tops, and chairs. Your guests can enjoy lush greenery and calming fountains throughout the garden.

Large trees on either side provide shade over a walkway. The lush green leaves cover the top half of the shot. There are three concrete steps onto a landing in front of a gate. On either side of the gate, there is a planter with an elaborate display of flowers. Similar planters are placed on wither side of the set of steps. There are statues on either side off toward the back under arches.

Rodin Museum. Photo by Marie Labbancz Photography, courtesy of Constellation Culinary Group.

The Liberty View

Address: 599 Market Street
Neighborhood: Old City
Distance from Center City: Less than 1 mile, about a 5-minute drive

The Liberty View is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District, and a 10-minute walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The venue features an outdoor terrace that wraps around the second floor of the Independence Visitor Center. The 25,000-square-foot space offers panoramic views of Independence Mall, including the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and Liberty Bell Center.

Independence Hall is off in the background. Multiple skyscrapers are behind it. The lush green lawn in front of Independence Hall is off to the left. There is a balcony overlooking the lawn set up with tables and chairs, high top tables covered in blue tablecloths, and a table set up with drinks on top of it. A group of people are shown socializing in the corner.

Photo courtesy of The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center.

Franklin Square

Address: 200 N 6th St
Neighborhood: Old City
Distance from Center City: Less than a mile, about a 5-minute drive\

Franklin Square is one of Philadelphia’s five original squares. This family-friendly destination is located near the foot of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Known for its iconic fountain, carousel, and historically themed mini golf, the park can serve as the perfect setting for special events. The lawn accommodates tented affairs for larger groups, with an all-season pavilion available for smaller gatherings. There is also Franklin’s View, a contemporary venue with featuring translucent ceilings, chic décor, and chandeliers.

A large tent is set up outdoors. The roof is clear. There are trees outside of it. Inside of the tent, there are shorter tables set up with metal chairs around them. There is a taller table set up using a wooden slab as the counter and two barrels for the base. Back in the distance, a bar is set up in front of a green wall. Chandeliers hand from the roof of the tent.

Cescaphe’s Franklin View outdoor event venue in Franklin Square, seen here transformed into a public beer garden for the summer. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

Moshulu

Address: 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Neighborhood: Old City
Distance from Center City: About 2 miles, about a 10-minute drive

Docked along the Delaware River waterfront is the historic Moshulu. The ship offers amazing views of the river, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia skyline. Treat your guests to award-winning cuisine while they mingle on the deck of the world’s oldest and tallest square rigged sailing vessel still afloat.

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.

Fairmount Water Works

Address: 640 Waterworks Dr
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Distance from Center City: 2 miles, about a 10-minute drive

The Fairmount Water Works, located on the Schuylkill River, was constructed in the 1800s as the sole water pumping station for Philadelphia. Now, the National Historic Landmark serves as a stunning event venue that offers views of the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. In addition to its indoor Engine House, the venue features two elegant outdoor spaces: the Grand Pavilion and Mill 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.

Cira Green

Address: 129 S 30th St
Neighborhood: University City
Distance from Center City: About 2 miles, about a 15-minute drive

Wow your guests with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline atop Cira Green. The 1.5-acre park is stationed on the 12th floor of a parking garage and features a seasonal rooftop eatery called Sunset Social. The elevated park features several lawns, a concrete space that accommodates a tent, and a large screen. The garage below provides ample parking. The space is also within walking distance of the 30th Street Station transportation hub, as well as several of the city’s universities and hotels.

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

Address: 100 N Horticultural Dr
Neighborhood: West Fairmount Park
Distance from Center City: 5 miles, about a 20-minute drive

Connect your attendees to Philadelphia’s largest park at The Horticulture Center at Fairmount Park. The center offers a spacious greenhouse next to an outdoor lawn with a long, tree-lined reflecting pool. An on-site caterer offers customized garden-inspired seasonal menus to elevate your experience. With unique floorplan possibilities, this picturesque venue offers a lush natural backdrop that will set the tone for any event.

An outdoor patio set is set up. The chairs and sofas are brown wicker with beige cushions and red-orange pillows. Tables in front of the sofas are set with planters and candles. Behind the sofas, there is a high top cocktail table covered in a beige tablecloth. A flower is placed in the center. Beyond that, there are fountains spraying water into the air. Fall foliage is seen on either side of the fountain pool. Yellow and orange mums line a walkway to the left of the seating area.

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. Photo courtesy of Constellation Culinary Group.

Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Address: 5201 Parkside Ave
Neighborhood: West Fairmount Park
Distance from Center City: 5 miles, about a 20-minute drive

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is a popular summer concert venue with a variety of event spaces available to rent. The Mann can accommodate any gathering size, from intimate cocktail parties to large-scale presentations. For a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline, consider the hilltop Crescendo Tent. Surround yourself with lush gardens at Cadillac Terrace or relax in Adirondack chairs at Woodlands by TD situated on The Mann’s Picnic Grove. Both the Skyline Stage and TD Pavilion also offer performance areas with sweeping city views and a seasonal breeze.

The Philadelphia skyline stretches across the shot. There are green trees in front of it. In the very front is a table covered in a burgundy tablecloth set for a dinner. There are wine glasses on the table. Each table setting has silverware and a cloth napkin. There are four chairs on either side of the table. Down the center of the table, there are beautiful flower arrangements.

Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Jordan August Photography.

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

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