Blog Post by Chloe Shakin

Philadelphia has been a beer city since its inception, and today, those roots still hold strong. Many of Philly’s breweries have been lauded as some of the best in the nation; others have been listed among the most renowned in the world. 

But even more unique than the ales brewed exclusively in Philadelphia is the sense of camaraderie that fills each of the city’s beer gardens — which is why Philadelphians have been counting down to the launch of Parks on Tap, a program that will bring a mobile beer garden to 14 of Philadelphia’s parks throughout the summer and into fall, with plans to expand in the future.

Parks on Tap, the brainchild of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Avram Hornik of FCM Hospitality, features two concession trucks: one will offer craft beers and wine as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages; the other will provide an array of sandwiches, salads, and convenient on-the-go items such as pie in a jar.

In addition to providing ample seating and restrooms at every location, Parks on Tap boasts live music, games and prepackaged picnics. This family-friendly beer garden aims to provide a new space for Philadelphians of all ages to come together to enjoy food, drinks and nature.

Plus, a portion of all proceeds will benefit Philly’s parks.

“This initiative provides an amenity for enjoyable, family-friendly gatherings in these beautiful parks,” explains PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “It will introduce residents and visitors to Philadelphia’s incredible, and often unknown, assets in fun and engaging way, connecting them to our rich culture, history, and distinction of having one of the top park systems in the world!”

“Parks on Tap celebrates the city parks we may have overlooked and the familiar ones we can encounter in new ways,” says Hornik, who has pioneered popular seasonal establishments such as Morgan’s Pier. “This is a chance to gather people together at several neighborhood locations throughout the summer and take full advantage of something generations past worked hard to preserve – whether that be through any of the activities we bring to the park or just enjoying conversation over snacks and beers.”

Normal hours of operation are Friday and Saturday, 1:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Parks on Tap offers extended hours on select Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., offered at six of the various parks on its roster.

Be sure to follow Parks on Tap on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram — and tag your photos and selfies with #ParksOnTap!