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    Parks on Tap is back — here’s where to find’em in the Northwest

    By Rasheed Z. Ajamu

    | News

    Tags: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

    The traveling beer garden transforms local parks into unique social experiences. Proceeds support the same parks you visit.

    Photo provided by FCM Hospitality.

    Northwest residents have a few chances to get it poppin’ this summer, and it’s thanks to a little bit of brew and bubbly — for a limited time only.

    Between this month and September, Northwest residents will have a few opportunities to experience the unique, nomadic Parks on Tap experience, transforming Philly parks into a beer garden for families to gather, enjoy, and socialize.

    This year, five Northwest Philly parks & sites have been chosen to receive a five-day transformation with wooden picnic tables, bright-colored silk canopies, twinkling market lights, wood spindle tables, hammocks, and white retro lawn chairs.

    This year’s selections include:

    • Germantown’s Fernhill Park (June 17–21)
    • East Falls’ McMichael Park (July 15–19)
    • Germantown & Mt. Airy’s Historic Rittenhouse Town (July 22–26)
    • Roxborough’s Gorgas Park (July 29–August 2)
    • Germantown & Mt. Airy’s Cliveden Park (September 23–27)

    But Parks on Tap wouldn’t be complete without the wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, including non-alcoholic beverages and options. Drinks range from $3 to $14.

    There’s also a delectable selection of food items like a loaded Mexican hot dog or a classic cheeseburger.

    Parks on Tap is a collaboration between FCM Hospitality and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. This year’s cycle, which began on April 8 and will travel through Philly parks until October 11, is in its ninth season.

    The garden isn’t just unique in its traveling capacity but also in how it gives back. When you turn out to Parks on Tap, the proceeds benefit the park where you gathered.

    Some improvements made possible by those proceeds have included trail work and maintenance, tree plantings, new signage, free music and movie programs, and other initiatives as feasible.

    Admittance is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Approximately 200 seats are available each day. Neighbors are also encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs.

    People under 21 are allowed to attend, but only with a parent or legal guardian. All alcoholic drinks must stay within the gate of the curated experience.

    While Parks on Tap is free to attend, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requires membership in Parks on Tap for entry. Membership is free and can be obtained upon arrival at the park, with the requirement to complete it only once per season, but you must sign in every time you visit. You can also sign up here.

    Rasheed Z. Ajamu is a Germantown-born and raised Black journalist, reporting from a place-based lens to see how things affect life in Germantown. They strive to preserve the stories of Black natives in an ever-changing Philadelphia and Germantown social landscape.