Brazilian, Israeli Fests Added to Delaware Riverfront Summer Activities

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Delaware River waterfront is gearing up for summer with a lineup of free festivals, multicultural events, and concerts.

The season officially kicks off this weekend with the annual Art Star Craft Bazaar, on Penn's Landing, May 10th and 11th.

Then there's the Peco multicultural series, which will feature celebrations of nearly a dozen cultures on the waterfront. Two of those celebrations are first-time events on the Delaware, says Peco CEO Craig Adams:

"Israel 66 (is) a celebration of Israeli heritage," he tells KYW Newsradio, "and Brazilian Day Philadelphia (is) a colorful tribute to the culture and traditions of Brazil."

Brazilian culture was represented today by capoeira dancers, drummers, and carnivale performers. Events this season include free jazz, gospel, and orchestral concerts, film screenings, and more.

Philadelphia Orchestra VP Ryan Fluer says the orchestra has a fun program planned:

"We'll be performing a program of patriotic works, including Tchaikovsky's '1812' overture and a fireworks finale."

One other highlight this summer will be a "pop-up" park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, according to Jodi Milkman of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.

"We're going to have hammocks -- we're going to have nets which will suspend you over the water -- paddleboats, swan boats, and all kinds of fabulous experiences that will take place during the day and at night," she says. The pop-up park at the foot of Spruce Street opens June 27th.

For a full list of what's going on along the waterfront, go to delawareriverwaterfront.com.