Historic Philadelphia announces the 17th Season spring and summer schedule. Spring fun brings back the dazzling Franklin Square Fountain Show in late April, as well as the annual fundraising event for the Square, Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx on May 17 when the historic central fountain will be renamed the Rendell Family Fountain in honor of former Governor Edward G Rendell and his family. Plus, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will return June 21 – August 13, 2023.
SPRING IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
Franklin Square Season Opening Day, Saturday April 29, 11 am – 1 pm. Springtime in Franklin Square means the spectacular fountain is back on and dancing to music, the SquareBurger grill is sizzling, the carousel is spinning, and new trees are being planted, all ready for the season ahead. On Saturday, April 29, come to beautiful Franklin Square for FREE rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel (11 am – 1 pm), FREE ice cream cone with purchase at SquareBurger (11 am – 1 pm), and the opening day first performance of the Franklin Square Fountain Show (12 noon, and then every 30 minutes).
Franklin Square Fountain Show, Beginning April 29 through October 31, with daily performances every 30 minutes from 12 pm until closing. In 2019, Historic Philadelphia renovated the then 181-year-old historic fountain to dazzle with a spectacular show featuring choreographed lights and water. Fountain jets dance magically with dramatic lighting and music as LED lights glisten for visitors. Guests visiting the park day or night can enjoy free choreographed “performances” that showcase the historic infrastructure of the fountain. Each performance is a selection of one of six songs: “Levitating” by Dua Lipa; “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, Theme from Rocky; “Beautiful Day” by U2; “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong; “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men; “Firework” by Katy Perry.
SUMMER: PHILADELPHIA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
Leopards and tigers and dragons, oh my! In summer 2023, the spectacular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will celebrate light and culture with magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted artistic sculptures. The popular 200-foot-long dragon returns along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays. In addition to the gorgeous light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show, taste Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf, ride the Parx Liberty Carousel, and more. The Festival will illuminate Franklin Square at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelphia from June 21 – August 13, 2023. A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit that operates and manages Franklin Square, for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events. Stay tuned to www.phillychineselanternfestival.org for updated information.
