The first Saturday in September is booked solid with fun PWD-supported activities that celebrate Philly’s rivers and provide opportunities to lend a hand or learn about other organizations that share our mission.

Whether you want to give fishing in the Schuykill a try, help combat litter that can harm aquatic wildlife, or are interested in learning more about maritime history on the Delaware River and taking a quick cruise, there is something for you.

Free Fishing on the Schuylkill with SRDC

Starting at 7 a.m. on September 7th is the 15th annual Philly Fun Fishing Fest. One of our most popular family events of the year, the fest is organized by the Schuylkill River Development Corp. and is a great way to see how much healthier the Schuylkill River is today compared to even just 20 years ago. Plus, it’s FREE!

Details:

  • Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Awards ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m.
  • Fishing takes place at Schuylkill Banks, 24th and Walnut Streets (see parking and transit info)
  • Rain date is September 14

Highlights:

  • Free to the public, ADA access
  • No fishing license required
  • Fishing gear available to borrow
  • Prizes awarded in various categories + free raffle!
  • Meet on Schuylkill Banks
  • Catch-and-release
  • Bring your own snacks & refreshments
Deadline to Register: You must register using the form on the Fish Fest website by Thursday, September 5. Also, make sure to print and sign a waiver at home ahead of time so you can get your line in the water as soon as you get there!
Register for 2019 Philly Fun Fishing Fest

Volunteer with PWD and United By Blue

On the other side of the city, the public is invited to lend a hand at the Delaware River Cleanup:

Details:

  • What: Join PWD and our partners at the locally-owned clothing United By Blue for a community cleanup of the Delaware River! We'll clean the riverbanks along the Frankford Boat Launch and riverfront trail, and record data on the trash that we collect.
  • Where: 5501 Tacony Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19137
  • When: Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

A locally-owned clothing outfitter, United By Blue removes one pound of litter from waterways for every item sold at their stores. Together, PWD and United By Blue have removed hundreds of tons of trash from local waterways over the last few years.

After a morning of cleaning our waterways and outdoor recreation areas, volunteers will enjoy complimentary snacks provided by Luke's Lobster. We'll also play cleanup games—keep an eye out for the weirdest trash you can find—and United By Blue is giving away prizes.

We'll provide cleanup supplies, water and reusable water bottles, and snacks. You bring sturdy shoes, long pants, and your friends!

Sign Up to Clean Up!

Delaware River Fest

If those options don’t float your boat, check out the Delaware River Fest (formerly known as Coast Day), a day-long series of events and activities we are helping to sponsor. A big part of the focus is bringing together Penn’s Landing and Wiggins Park in Camden.

There will be boat rides, LEGO-boat building, historic boat tours, a Camden-to-Philly bike ride in morning, and more. Look for PWD’s Philly Water Bar and watershed education table. The event is free and rain-or-shine.

Want to Get Out on the Delaware?

There are three opportunities to experience a boat trip on this mighty tidal waterway:

  • Rides on both the Liberty Yacht and Riverlink Ferry are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. See Ferry and Cruise Times ›
  • Tickets for kayaks, canoes, and swan boats can be found at the Marina ticketing booth (Zone 4 on the Philadelphia Map). A photo ID is required to rent these boats; children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities on the Pennsylvania side will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and PWD Commissioner Randy Hayman will join other festival organizers in welcoming visitors with remarks and a “Tap Water Toast” outside of the Independence Seaport Museum at 11 a.m. The museum is located on the waterfront at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge.

This year's event will also partner with the Camden Jam Music Festival at Wiggin's Park! The music starts at noon and ends at 6 p.m. Because there are so many activities in both cities, there are separate maps for Philly and Camden available here.

See the Delaware River Fest website