The 2019 season of The Oval+ presented by PNC is in full swing at Eakins Oval and down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway! Fan favorites have returned again, such as the beer garden, the ribbon garden, and the spray garden at The Oval. But with just one glance at the calendar of events, it’s clear to see that there is more to do at The Oval+ than ever before – especially all along the Parkway.
So if you’re looking to check out some of the key new features of The Oval+, we’ve got you covered. Here are just 5 of the must-see attractions happening along the Parkway this year:
1. Reading + Music Carts
On the MAKE Block of the Parkway, be sure to have a seat at the reading and music “rooms” and read a book or play a musical instrument, courtesy of Free Library of Philadelphia! The carts were designed by Tiny WPA and Interface Studio and encourage visitors to come together in a public space over a good book and music. Throughout the season, enjoy free reading and music programming, from Drag Queen Story Time to Nature Read-Aloud with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to guitar lessons with Interface Studio.
2. The BOOM BOX
On the HEAR Block of the Parkway, don’t miss the BOOM BOX, a double decker bus that has been retrofitted by FKB Productions into a music and snack venue! Wednesdays through Sundays, enjoy live radio from Radio One, as well as live DJ takeovers on the weekends. While you’re at it, sip on brews by Mainstay Independent Brewing Company and cool off with Rita’s Water Ice.
3. Play ping-pong and basketball
On the PLAY Block of the Parkway, play a friendly game of your choice, whether it’s at the pop-up basketball court, ping-pong tables, or tether ball court! Or, just hang out on the bleachers and cheer on your favorite team.
4. Make some art at the design container
On the MAKE Block next to the reading and music carts, explore the art+design container by fashion designer Desiree Negron, with support from artist Najeeb Sheikh. Throughout The Oval+ season don’t miss free arts and crafts activities such as Family Design Workshop, Architecture+Design Play with DesignPhiladelphia, and more!
5. Live performances
On the HEAR Block, grab a seat at the yellow bleachers every Thursday night for a live performance by an array of talented artists, including BalletX, Liberian Women’s Chorus for Change, Bogo District, and Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers. (If you’re lucky, you might even catch a bonus pop-up performance elsewhere at The Oval+ by Fringe Arts!)
Follow The Oval+ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates. And sign up for email updates here – you’ll also receive your digital entry card to the beer garden!
Hope to see you at The Oval+ this summer!
