This year, the Parkway made room for once-in-a-generation events—the nation's 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and more. Those events may be over, but the fun continues in August with The Oval Minifest!
The Oval Minifest brings everything you love about The Oval—community and family programming, local food trucks, movie nights, lawn games, and more—to three pop-up festival days on Saturdays in August.
The full summer-long Oval and the larger Parkway to Park Festival will return in 2027.
Free and open to all.
Eakins Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Find full event details and times below:
During program hours, food and drink (including adult beverages) from Sidekicks by Libertee Grounds, as well as other local food trucks and vendors will be available.
Events are weather permitting. Find the latest program updates on The Oval Minifest Instagram.
The Oval Minifest is organized by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Parkway Council.
Additional support is provided by Creative Philadelphia.
August 8
12:00–9:00 p.m.
Hip Hop in the Park
The 6th Annual Hip-Hop In The Park Festival returns to Eakins Oval, bringing together music, art, dance, food, and community programming for attendees of all ages. This free, all-day event celebrates Hip-Hop's five elements: graffiti, breaking, MCing, DJing, and knowledge.
Headliner & MCs
This year's festival is headlined by Philadelphia's DJ AKTIVE. An all-star roster of legendary and emerging MCs will take the stage, including:
Craig G (Juice Crew legend)
Mr. Eon (of the legendary High & Mighty)
Outerspace (Army of the Pharaohs)
Goody Gunz & Truck North (from the legendary Roots Crew)
KXNG Charisma & Elemxnt
Plus surprise performances throughout the day
DJs
DJ Mike Nyce, DJ Too Tuff, BEAR-ONE, DJ JS1, DJ JAYSKI, Nico Oso, and more.
House Music Hour
A special set celebrates one of dance music's most influential genres, featuring the legendary DJ Lee Jones and FLYGIRRL, with spoken word icon and house music legend Ursula Rucker hosting.
Art & Dance
Live graffiti murals will be painted throughout the day by artists from Philadelphia, New York, and Florida. Virginia's One Take Studios will present a special performance spotlighting the next generation of movement and choreography rooted in Hip-Hop culture, alongside breaking and street dance exhibitions.
More to Do
3-point basketball contest hosted by No Phly Zone
Vendor marketplace and food trucks
Beer garden hosted by Human Robot and BOTLD
Community organizations, family-friendly activities, and giveaways
Hip-Hop In The Park is organized by TAMEARTZ and presented by SNIPES, with support from No Phly Zone, Human Robot, BOTLD, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Philadelphia Flyers, and Red Bull.
August 15
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12:00–6:00 p.m.
Now + Then Marketplace: Summer Scorcher Market
A curated marketplace featuring local artists, artisans, makers, and resellers from the Philadelphia region. Music by DJ Sweat Daddy, 2:00–6:00 p.m. Learn more.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Phone-Free Parkway Puzzle Hunt
Join PA Unplugged and Screen Free Philly for a puzzle hunt along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway! Teams and solo sleuths will crack a series of location-based puzzles devised by Eric The Puzzler woven into some of Philly's most iconic civic spaces. The fun starts at the Art Museum steps.
How it works:
Come alone or with a group of friends. You'll get a puzzle packet to guide you along the route. No phones allowed, so you'll use your eyes, your brain, and the people around you to crack each clue.
About going phone-free:
This is a phone-free challenge, but you're not required to turn your phone in to participate. If you'd like to lean all the way in, we'll have a secure "phone check" at registration, and anyone who checks their phone gets a little something extra for going all in on the experience.
Join for an afternoon of brain-benders, real-world connection, and exploration of one of Philly's greatest urban parks.
Screen Free Philly is an initiative of PA Unplugged, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring real-world connection by advocating for policies and cultural norms that prioritize people over technology.
PLEASE NOTE: This special activity requires pre-registration and a $5 participation fee. Register here.
8:00 p.m.
Movies at The Oval: Project Hail Mary (2026)
Bring a blanket or chair and grab a spot on the lawn of Eakins Oval.
August 22
1:00–3:30 p.m.
Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program for ages 2 to 8. Join coaches on Soccer Island for age-appropriate soccer skills, character-building, and fun! Children will run, play, build confidence, and experience the joy of soccer through imaginative games and positive encouragement. Drop by anytime— specific age appropriate activities are as follows:
1:00–1:45 p.m.
PREMIER — Ages 6–8
A more advanced curriculum for school-aged children that focuses on skill progression, teamwork, and fun challenges. Children continue developing soccer skills through engaging games, team play, and positive coaching.
2:00–2:35 p.m.
CLASSIC — Ages 3–5
Creative, imaginative games teach basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. Sessions also introduce character traits like respect, teamwork, and appreciation in a fun and age-appropriate way.
3:00–3:30 p.m.
MINI — Ages 18 months–2
A high-energy program that introduces young children to fundamental soccer concepts like using their feet, dribbling, and following basic directions. Children enjoy fun games, songs, and positive reinforcement as they experience the joy of playing soccer.
3:30–6:00 p.m.
Family Fun Day
Join Kith + Kin for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community designed for the whole family! Spend the day creating, playing, and making memories alongside friends—old and new—on the beautiful Oval lawn.
Pop Up Play will lead an imaginative cardboard flower garden and clay mosaic experience that invites little hands (and grown-up ones, too!) to create together.
Throughout the afternoon, you'll find plenty to explore, including lawn games, a free book giveaway courtesy of Tree House Books, face painting by A Dash of Magic, colorful balloon creations, and a joyful live concert at 5:00 p.m. from Mister John’s Music to close out the day.
Bring a blanket, gather your favorite people, and join us for one last summer celebration before the season comes to a close.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Live Music: Grupo Sumak
Grupo Sumak is a Philadelphia-based band made up of Latin American immigrants playing psychedelic cumbia that is inspired by Peru's chicha tradition. Their high-energy performances feature gems from the vast Latin American cumbia catalogue, reimagined through the lens of Peruvian chicha. Grupo Sumak ignites the dance floor, driven by shimmering electric guitars and irresistible dance grooves. Presented in partnership with Fire Museum Presents.
8:00 p.m.
Movies at The Oval: The Incredibles (2004)
Bring a blanket or chair and grab a spot on the lawn of Eakins Oval.