Friday Night Performances
On Fridays at 6:30 p.m., the Oval will kick off the weekend with live performances on the main stage:
- August 4th: West Philadelphia Orchestra, a brass band inspired by Eastern European sounds of Romani brass “orkestars” and “fanfares,” brings a show that is “large, loud, and extremely danceable.”
- August 11th: Ghostly Circus, a site-specific theatrical troupe, includes aerialists, fire performers, and “light sculptors.”
- August 18th: Project Positive, a Philly dance group with a mission: “The organization’s core value is P.E.A.C.E (Positive Energy Allows Constant Elevation), and they work to engage youth to keep them focused on their goals and off the streets.”
Family Fun
In addition to the lawn games and general fun, the Oval is planning some free, child-focused activities and programs every weekend.
Let’s Rock Recess
On two Sunday afternoons — July 9th and August 20th — Let’s Rock Recess will bring their kid-friendly DJ dance party to the Oval from 1 to 5 p.m. The shows include games, prizes and lots of dancing. Plus, there will be balloon sculpting, face painting, juggling, and caricature drawing.
Parkway at the Oval
Parkway institutions bring art, sports, storytelling and more on select weekend mornings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
- August 5th: Association for Public Art will provide a hands-on printmaking program inspired by Kelly Drive’s new sculpture exhibition Steel Bodies.
- August 6th: Greene Towne Montessori hosts a fun-filled morning of craft-making, singing, and stories for toddlers, preschoolers and their families. We’re talking chalk, bubbles, play-dough, arts and crafts … It’ll be a good (and messy) time.
Food and Drink
The Oval is planning to host a rotating selection of food trucks throughout its run.
Plus, the Oval beer garden returns! It will again be operated by MilkBoy, and will have beers on tap, non-alcoholic options and a seasonal food menu from Forîn Cafe in a 21,000-square-foot shady area featuring upcycled decor. They’ll also host Quizzo every Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., hosted by Johnny Goodtimes. Bring your team (up to eight people) and compete to win prizes.
Dance Parties
DJs from Milkboy Philadelphia will host themed parties on select Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30 p.m., from grunge to pop to reggaeton:
- August 4th: Grateful Dead Night
- August 5th: Pearl Jam Night
- August 12th: Bad Bunny & J Balvin Night
Movie Nights
Grab a blanket and gather around the big screen on the Parkway. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Movies begin at dusk on Fridays.
- August 11th: Encanto
- August 18th: Grease
Festival: Hip Hop in the Park
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with an all-day festival featuring musical performances, shopping and art. Christian “TAMEARTZ” Rodriguez curates this “classic hip-hop party featuring all four elements of hip-hop: graffiti, breakin’, MC, DJs.” August 12th, noon-8 p.m.
Fitness Classes: Community Yoga
Yoga at the Oval
Yoga Habit hosts beginner-friendly $10 classes on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Bring your own mat, and be sure to pre-register online.
