Philly Skates Free Day Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday on the Waterfront

The Delaware River Waterfront is throwing a birthday party Philly-style, and everyone is invited to lace up and hit the ice. Philly Skates Free, presented by Rivers Casino Philadelphia, is taking over Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with a full day of free skating admission and skate rentals from 11 AM to 11 PM. The celebration helps kick off America’s 250th year with a festive, birthday-themed day on the waterfront.

Hosted by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), the nonprofit steward behind RiverRink Winterfest, Philly Skates Free is all about access, joy, and community. DRWC’s goal is to make the Waterfront a welcoming, inclusive destination, and this event is one of several Winterfest programs designed to reduce barriers so more Philadelphians can enjoy the ice, the views, and the seasonal fun. As President and CEO Joseph A. Forkin explains, Philly Skates Free is about opening the Waterfront to everyone and creating a moment that feels unmistakably like Philadelphia.

All day long, guests can soak in the river views, cozy winter vibes, and plenty of extras. At noon, a special RiverRink cake-cutting will set the tone, with complimentary birthday cake available while supplies last. From 12 – 2 PM, families can take advantage of free face painting, making it a perfect window for a kid-friendly visit. As evening rolls in, the Lodge comes alive with DJ entertainment from 6 – 9 PM, plus half-off happy hour from 6 – 10 PM and fun birthday-themed menu items.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from favorite Winterfest vendors, including Chickie & Pete’s, Philly Taco, and Skelly’s, so no one has to leave the rink hungry. Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy special activations: the Philadelphia Visitor Center will invite attendees to sign the Philly Phambassador pledge and enter a prize raffle, Ensemble Arts will host a Lodge pop-up with show promotions, merch, and ticket giveaways, and Wawa Welcome America will be on site with another ticket giveaway opportunity. Rounding out the experience, Jacquin’s will offer complimentary sampling and giveaways.

While skating is free, ticket reservations are required for January 31 and must be made online at RiverRink.com. Each valid email address can reserve up to four tickets, which include both skating admission and skate rentals, and tickets are available while supplies last to keep the rink comfortable throughout the day. All other Winterfest activities remain pay-as-you-go.

Whether you want to skate under the lights, grab a slice of birthday cake, enjoy a date-night happy hour, or bring the kids for a full day of winter fun, Philly Skates Free is a can’t-miss moment on the Waterfront. For more details and to reserve tickets, visit RiverRink.com, and to stay up to date on events all year long, head to delawareriverwaterfront.com.