After being forced to switch formats due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parks on Tap will be hitting the road for the first time in two years starting on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Five parks throughout the city will be hosting the beer garden’s activities: Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown, Clark Park in West Philly, Columbus Square in South Philly, Matthias Baldwin Park in Logan Square and the Schuylkill Banks in Center City.
Originally started in 2016 as a collaboration between FCM Hospitality and Parks & Recreation, the mobile beer garden aims to give back to and promote neighborhood parks. However, the pandemic had forced it to settle for longer-term, seasonal locations.
“Parks on Tap is on the move just in time for fall,” said Neina Langford, the director of special events and promotions for FCM Hospitality, in a press release. “Over the pandemic, Parks on Tap took on season-long residencies at beautiful destinations around the city. Now, by popular demand, the traveling beer garden will travel each and every week. The original mobile format was created to introduce locals and visitors alike to the variety of incredible, beautiful public places all throughout our great city. We are very proud to offer this to our community. Get out your calendars and invite your friends and neighbors. We are gearing up for one of our biggest fall seasons ever.”
The full schedule is as follows:
- Penn Treaty Park, Aug. 31 – Sept. 5
- Clark Park, Sept. 7-11
- Columbus Square, Sept. 14-18
- Matthias Baldwin Park, Sept. 21-25
- Schuylkill Banks, Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
Each location will be open Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. There will also be festivities on Labor Day from noon to 10 p.m. In addition, FCM Hospitality will donate 25% of proceeds from 4 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday to each park’s friends group on their respective weeks.
Drink options will include local craft beers, wine, cocktails and various non-alcoholic beverages. Mainstay Independent Brewing Company will be offering its Love Your Park Pale Ale, which was made exclusively for the event.
Food choices such as casual bites and grab-and-go snacks will be offered. That includes soft pretzels, hummus, chips and salsa and sandwiches.
People of all ages are able to attend, though visitors under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Dogs are also welcome but are required to be on a leash. Seating is first come, first serve.
