13 Free Events #OnTheCircuit to Kick-Start Your Summer

woman in a blue shirt and tan hat fishing off a pier
Photo courtesy of Bartram's Garden

 

Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to take advantage of the beautiful weather by getting outside to attend the many events happening #OnTheCircuit this month. With over 415 miles of multi-use trails in the area, the Circuit Trails network has plenty of events to keep you occupied this summer.  

Take a look at some of the upcoming free events happening on trails near you in July!

Wednesday Free Fishing

When: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (continues through August!)

Where: Dock & Community Boathouse – Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19143-6128

Join Bartram’s Garden every Wednesday this summer for an evening of catch-and-release fishing along the Schuylkill! With rods, tackle and bait all provided, this weekly event is perfect for novices and expert anglers alike.

Celebrate July 4th #OnTheCircuit

When: Friday, July 4

Where: Along the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia

If you’re searching for a place to watch the fireworks or a way to walk or bike to a parade or festival, the Circuit Trails can help you celebrate July 4th! Along the Schuylkill River Trail, you will find a few picture perfect spots to see the fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. See where you can get the best view here.

exterior of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

Image Courtesy of The Schuylkill Center

#SelfCareSchool Field Trip: Guided Schuylkill Center Hike

When: Saturday, July 5

Where: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education – 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Did you know that there’s a 365-acre nature preserve located in the heart of Northwest Philadelphia? Explore it for yourself when you join Healing Through the Land–a Circuit Trails Community Grant Program recipient–for a relaxing guided hike through the Schuylkill Center in Roxborough! Led by an informative environmental educator, this free hike is an opportunity to learn more about Northwest Philadelphia’s natural environment while enjoying the beautiful sights of the Schuylkill Center’s urban wilderness.

Stroll and Sip Graphic

Image Courtesy of Manayunk.com

Stroll After Hours

When: July 10, 17, 24, 31

Where: Main Street in Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA 19127

Every Thursday, Manayunk becomes the ultimate evening destination. Presented by the Manayunk Development Corporation, “Stroll After Hours” injects a vibrant nightlife scene into the historic Philadelphia neighborhood. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at a food truck, browsing the pop-up vendor markets or enjoying the live music and DJ sets, there’s always something to enjoy along Main Street.

people lined up watching a movie outside on the Schuylkill River Trail

Image Courtesy of Schuylkill Banks

Movie Nights on the Schuylkill Banks

When: July 10, 17, 24, 31 (continues through August!)

Where:  Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade OR the grassy area just north of the Walnut Street Bridge

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy a free movie along the Schuylkill River! Every Thursday from June through August, Schuylkill Banks hosts an outdoor screening of familiar movie favorites that you can enjoy under the stars. July’s stacked cinematic lineup includes Paddington in Peru, WALL-E, Argo and The LEGO Batman Movie.

Butterfly Hike

When: Friday, July 11

Where: Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center – 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931

Insect enthusiasts, get ready to be on watch for butterflies. Join the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and experts from the North American Butterfly Association as they search for mid-summer butterfly species on this exciting “Butterfly Hike.” Explore the charming meadows of Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and be on the lookout for any Monarchs, Painted Ladies or Marbled Whites! 

Borski Park

Image Courtesy of Riverfront North Partnership

Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park Dedication Ceremony and Borski Splash!

When: Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12

Where: Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park – 3101 Orthodox Street Philadelphia, PA 19137

Riverfront North Partnership invites you to celebrate community and natural spaces at the brand-new Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park in Bridesburg! The dedication ceremony for this much-anticipated trailhead park will feature speeches from elected officials and community members, coffee, snacks and tours of this new 10-acre greenspace! 

Then on Saturday, head back to the park for Borski Splash!, a community celebration from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. that will include a nature walk, field games, yoga, soul line dancing, drumming, art activities and more. See all event details and register here.

Cardio on the Cooper

When: July 11, 18, 25

Where: Cooper River Park – 5300 North Park Drive, Pennsauken, NJ, 08109

The Cooper River is the backdrop to your Friday morning exercise this summer! Bring a mat and enjoy a group workout class at the beautiful Vista Deck in Cooper River Park. With these morning workouts, you’ll be sure to keep your mind and body active all summer long!

Group of adults posing with bikes

Image Courtesy of Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Learn to Ride at Lloyd Hall

When: Saturday, July 12

Where: Lloyd Hall Recreation Center – 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Brush up on your biking skills with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s monthly Learn to Ride classes! With students ranging from young adults to working professionals to retirees, this positive and encouraging course is perfect for anyone looking to improve their biking prowess.

Hunny Hangout @ Burlington Farmers Market

When: Saturday, July 12

Where: Burlington County Agricultural Center – 500 Centerton Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Our friends at Hike+Heal–another Circuit Trails Community grant recipient–are hosting a hangout at the #1 farmers market in New Jersey. Come for the regional vendors, stay for the crafts, live music and great company! Whether you want to browse the locally sourced fruits, vegetables and baked goods or chill at the picnic tables, the Burlington Farmers Market is the perfect way to kick-start your Saturday.

two people in kayaks in a river

Image Courtesy of Landhealth Institute

Guided Sunset Paddle on the Delaware

When: Thursday, July 17 (continues through September!)

Where: Tacony Boat Launch – 7071 Milnor St, Philadelphia, PA 19135

Gear up for an aquatic adventure atop the Delaware River! This guided kayak tour begins at the Tacony Boat Launch along the Delaware River Trail and gives guests the opportunity to experience the river like never before. Reserve your kayak, grab your paddle and get ready for stunning sunset views.

Summer Sounds Concert Series at Spruce Street Harbor Park

When: Saturday, July 26 (continues through September!)

Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park – 301 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Come out to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a can’t-miss concert along the scenic Delaware River waterfront. On the last Saturday of every month, Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts a performance by emerging and established artists alike–completely free and open to the public! You definitely don’t want to miss July’s featured performer: electric indie-rocker Bartees Strange.

Take advantage of these awesome events happening #OnTheCircuit this month! Don’t forget to share photos from your favorite July festivities with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok using the hashtag #OnTheCircuit.