Last night’s An Evening in Franklin Square, presented by Parx, June 17, was a vibrant celebration of community, charity, and fun under the stars.
Guests were treated to an open bar and dinner by Cescaphe before placing their bets in the thrilling Parx Square Derby.
Franklin Square is a historic gem and lush retreat in the heart of Historic Philadelphia. Originally laid out by William Penn in 1682 as one of the city’s first public green spaces, this seven-and-a-half acre park offers a mix of history and family-friendly fun.
Managed by the non-profit Historic Philadelphia, Inc., which restored and maintains the park, Franklin Square features wide lawns, shady trees, and beloved attractions like the Rendell Family Fountain—with its stunning day and night water shows—Philly Mini Golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, two playgrounds, and the popular SquareBurger run by Cescaphe.
Guests attending the Evening in Franklin Square also get a sneak preview of the 2025 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square which opens on Friday, June 20th. This year it celebrates the Year of the Snake with dazzling silk-wrapped lanterns, including the return of the 200-foot dragon and all-new giant displays.
Featuring over 1,100 sculptures across 40 scenes, guests will journey through glowing forests and underwater worlds, highlighting Chinese culture and nature in a stunning display of light and color.
The 2025 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will illuminate Franklin Square June 20 through August 31.
Open 6 – 11 p.m. daily (Franklin Square is open during the day to the public, but will close at 5pm daily for festival preparations and ticket holders)
*Festival closed July 4
For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Follow on Facebook at HistoricPhila or FranklinSquare or on Instagram at historicphilly or franklinsquarephilly/.
PR Relief Communications cari@reliefcomm.com
Socially yours, HughE
