Beer Gardens a Go-Go

Beer’s back in the Falls this year — big-time!  The huge success of Wissahickon Brewing Company’s grand opening last April has kicked off a whole series of pop-up beer gardens, including a mid-summer pool party in Art Deco grandeur. 

Last fall, some neighbors were doubtful that Wissahickon Brewing Company’s proposed “tasting room” on Schoolhouse would attract any new business to the area outside of rowdy college students.  Famous last words from the zoning meeting: “Who goes out for craft beer when they’ve got kids at home?”  Ummm… everyone?

East Falls loves beer gardens! The bar at WBC is always lively, and every 3rd Thursday it looks like the whole neighborhood comes out for sunsets on the river under the Twin Bridges. Parents, strollers, dogs… hipsters! Clusters of students, coworkers from nearby offices. You’d be surprised how cozy a parking lot can feel, with some effort and imagination.

Operator Megan Keel created most of the furniture herself out of reclaimed wooden packaging like crates, pallets, spools outfitted with cushions she sewed herself with fabric leftovers and remnants. With canopies, twinkle lights, and music, she’s created a casual, welcoming space for neighbors and visitors to relax and socialize.

Glass-blowing demonstration (June)

Megan also ran the beer garden for Falls Flea at McMichael Park June 3rd — and she’ll be pulling drafts again this September 23rd, when Philly Flea brings their market back for another day of bargain hunting. Shopping and drinking? Count us in!  BTW, McMichael’s also featuring Parks On Tap Saturday July 15th, a special one-night-only engagement for this wildly-popular Parks & Rec event.

Pools can be beer gardens, too!

Dive into history this July 22nd at the most luxurious beer garden East Falls has ever seen. Philly.com writer Sandy Smith called the three historic buildings that compose Alden Park’s complex “without a doubt the most photogenic apartment buildings in the city.” And that was last year, before the bulk of $70+ million in upgrades were underway…

This summer,  Alden Park is ready to party South Beach-style with “Miami Days and Nights” July 22nd.

Hard to imagine prettier scenery than the gardens and forest surrounding Alden Park’s brand-new outdoor pool, but thru a door just a few steps away you’ll find a spectacular Art Deco wet dream: a glittering mosaic of turquoise tile with marble columns, arched windows, and a retractable roof. Such a breath-taking sight all lit up at night, we’re keeping this party going after sundown!

Come out for a full day of sunning, swimming, and exploring with family-friendly vendors & attractions. When the sun sets, we’ll bust out the Cuban music & food, roll back the roof, and party under the stars like jet-setters! Beer garden with tropical extras like mojitos, sangria, and fruit punch.

FREE ENTRY, plenty of parking. Prizes & raffles from local businesses. Goodie bags for all!

Mark your calendar for Saturday July 22nd — for event updates, follow “Miami Days and Nights at Alden Park” on Facebook. Portion of the proceeds goes towards replacing Frequency Tattoo’s sculptural bike rack on Ridge Avenue.

VENDOR INFO & INQUIRIES.

Drink Local this Summer at one (or all!) of East Falls’ beer gardens & events:

BEER GARDEN SCHEDULE

THURSDAY JULY 13 — Standup comedy showcase at Trolley Car (8pm -10pm)
SATURDAY JULY 15 — Parks on Tap at McMichael Park (3pm – 8pm)
THURSDAY JULY 20 — Reggae Fest under the Twin Bridges (6pm – 11pm)
SATURDAY JULY 22 — Miami Days & Nights at Alden Park (12pm – 10pm)
THURSDAY AUGUST 17 — Beer Garden under the Twin Bridges (6pm – 11pm)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 16 — Laurel Hill Flea Market (10am – 5pm)
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21 — Beer Garden under the Twin Bridges (6pm – 11pm)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23 — Falls Flea, McMichael Park (8am – 5pm)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30 — Castle On Tap Two, Ringstetten (2pm – 7pm)

 

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.