✅ Your ultimate Philly summer bucket list

What are your absolute must-do summer activities in Philly?

I asked what’s on your summer bucket list, and you, my wonderful Hey Philly readers, didn’t disappoint! Here’s how some of you are hoping to spend the season, rounded out with a few suggestions from the City Cast Philly team. Thanks to everyone who participated!

🏊 Take a Dip

Taking a swim at local pools is at the top of Hey Philly reader Cat C.’s list. Find out here if your neighborhood’s public pool is open this season.

🎻 Listen to the Philadelphia Orchestra at Its Summer Home

Dave G. wants to make it to the Mann Center in Fairmount Park for an orchestral concert. This season, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform at the outdoor venue alongside Beck, the Marcus Roberts Trio, and a screening of Disney’s “Aladdin.”

🍻 Drink in the Park

Parks on Tap, Philly Parks & Rec’s traveling beer garden, is on Lauren C.’s local summer bucket list. Check the calendar to see when the pop-up is landing near your neighborhood.

🍸 Relax at a Rooftop Bar

Samantha E. is keen to hit up some of Philly’s rooftop bars for happy hour, particularly Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Stratus Lounge, and Attico. We’ve got even more suggestions for spots to hit up (plus some patio recs, too).

🌉 Enjoy Waterfront Views

Kayaking is a summer must-do for Hey Philly reader Emily L. If that also sounds fun to you, you can try it out for free at Bartram’s Garden or FDR Park, or buy tickets for a kayak tour on the Schuylkill.

That’s not the only way to enjoy the waterfront, though. Melissa B. wants to take a ride across the Delaware on the RiverLink Ferry, and Laurie M. loves to bike through Old City after seeing a show at FringeArts. “Being under the Ben Franklin Bridge at night is so beautiful,” Laurie wrote.

My summer tip: If you just want to get away from the noise of the city and stare out at the water, the Washington Avenue Pier on the Delaware in South Philly is a nice little oasis.

🍦 Get a Sweet Treat

Is this one too obvious? Philly’s just got so many frozen treats worth seeking out! City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri wants to head to Franklin Fountain at least once this summer — and don’t be surprised if you see me in line at John’s Water Ice multiple times per week.

👀 Feeling a Little Nosy?

Then you might want to adopt Hey Philly reader Elaine G.’s bucket list item: “People watching in Rittenhouse Square!”

Here’s What the Entire Country Is Talking About

You may know the City Cast Philly podcast, but did you know there are 12 more podcasts (and newsletters!) just like us around the country? City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast hubs — including our host Trenae Nuri — to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Tune in to see how Trenae’s story stacks up against the rest.