With its sweet skyline views, free entertainment and shaded beer garden, The Oval is a super spot to spend an autumn day. Check out the pop-up park on two weekends this fall. (Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)
If, like us, you already miss the alfresco good times of The Oval, then heads up: The Oval returns in October with two weekends of family-friendly festivities.
The pop-up open-air public space put the “park” back in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as a month-long summertime installation, transforming an island of asphalt and surrounding lawns at 24th Street and the Parkway into an eight-acre entertainment zone.
The temporary space offered up free live entertainment, tons family-friendly programming, outdoor movie screenings, a lineup of food trucks and (wait for it!) an amazing beer garden.
The official season of The Oval wrapped up in August, but we can soon relive the summer cheer under the autumn sun. For two weekends — October 3-5 and October 10-12 — The Oval will host all of the elements of the summer pop-up, as well as fall-appropriate activities and happenings.
Outdoorsy Weekend, October 3-5
To welcome the fall season, The Oval kicks off its October festivities with Outdoorsy Weekend, three days of camping-inspired activities and events.
Head out to hang out in the Yards Brewing Company beer garden, enjoy live music, fire pits, fireside stories, sing-a-longs and free film screenings, including a showing of the camping-themed Wes Anderson flick Moonrise Kingdom and the classic 1961 family film The Parent Trap at night.
Plus, on Sunday local outfitter Fireside Camp Supply hosts a tent pitching contest and the weekend caps off with a live screening of the Eagles vs. Rams football game.
Philadelphia County Fair, October 10-12
The following weekend, The Oval makes for proper fairgrounds for a three-day Philadelphia County Fair.
Get ready, there’s going to be a Ferris wheel on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus carnival games, farm animals, face painting and seasonal activities.
Also, look for a wine and cider garden from Frecon Farms, nightly film screenings, live bands and much more.
Stay tuned for more on fall fun at The Oval!
Fall at The Oval
When: October 3-5 and October 10-12
Where: Eakins Oval, 2601 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: Free
More info: www.theovalphl.com