SAFETY ALERT: Owing to a fire early on October 27, the area around the Eastwick Pavilion will be closed until further notice. The rest of the Garden remains open.

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FloatLab Celebration

October 20 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thanks to many committed supporters and friends, FloatLab’s next chapter will begin with construction at Bartram’s Garden in Fall 2024.

Join Bartram’s Garden, Mural Arts, and architect J. Meejin Yoon to celebrate and look ahead! This rain-or-shine celebration will have refreshments and

Free All-Ages Public Fishing

  • More than 40 species of fish live in the Tidal Schuylkill River, including channel catfish, white perch, common carp, bluegill and American eel, and FloatLab will be an exciting new access point for anglers of all ages. Enjoy free catch-and-release fishing on October 20, with all rods, tackle, bait, and basic instruction provided. There might even be prizes!

Performance by Mel Hsu

  • Mel Hsu is a sonic painter of impossible worlds. As a multi-instrumentalist, Mel often ventures from her classical roots as a cellist into unexpected, cross-disciplinary collaborations. Rooted in Philadelphia, Mel’s restless spirit finds adventure across time zones and oceans as musical and administrative support for others who inspire her.

Guided Architect’s Walk

  • Hear from FloatLab creator J. Meejin Yoon about the complex engineering supporting FloatLab’s system of ballast chambers, which allow the structure to remain steadily aligned with the river even as the tide moves in and out.

Remarks from FloatLab’s Champions

  • Hosted by Maitreyi Roy, Executive Director of Bartram’s Garden, and Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts, the celebration will include remarks by some of FloatLab’s strongest champions and supporters:
    • State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams
    • State Senator Vincent Hughes
    • Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton
    • State Representative Regina Young
    • City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier

Hang out at Bartram’s Garden on October 20 from 12–3pm for Harvest Fest: enjoy free outdoor activities, cider pressing, wellness workshops, seasonal planting, and crafts for the whole family!

Or make the most of the season with Mural Arts Month during all of October, with tours, community celebrations, mural dedications, and more.

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Biking & Walking

Stroll the Schuylkill River Trail or join us for biking!

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

Find our latest data on the river’s bacteria levels and recent rainfall.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.