Fairmount Water Works

Story Time with Fairmount Water Works
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Stop in for a story with your little ones, aged 2 to 6 years old!
Families are welcome to bring their children to the Fairmount Water Works to enjoy story time and explore the Interpretive Center. Geared towards 2- to 6-year-old kids, we will read a book from the Philadelphia Free Library, then go on a short outdoor tour. Guardians must accompany their children for the entire duration of the program. Younger/older siblings are also welcome.
In the case of rain, we will do story time and tour inside the building.

Turtle Talks with Aark Wildlife Rehab and Education Center
2026-08-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Join us at Fairmount Water Works for an engaging in-person turtle-themed event, “Turtle Talks” with Aark Wildlife Rehab and Education Center!
We will have Aark Wildlife Rehab on-site with some of their ambassador turtles.
Discover insights about turtles and wildlife rehabilitation from the experts at Aark Wildlife Rehab and Education Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and support local wildlife education efforts.

John Brady Photography VIP Opening Reception
2026-09-16 16:30 - 19:00
WALKING THE SCHUYLKILL
John Brady Photography
William Penn placed the city where it is because of the Schuylkill River, guaranteeing the city and the river a prominent place in American history. Over time, the Schuylkill has served the city and its industry, first with a canal system and later with railroads and highways in the river’s flood plain. Factories and mills were built along its full length. Industry radically changed the river. Along with bringing farm products and coal to the city. The Schuylkill River provided drinking water. These purposes often collided; eventually drinking water won out. The environmental movement changed the river as radically as the industrial age had. These changes, and contemporary uses, leave imprints. “Walking the Schuylkill” intends to capture and highlight those marks, illustrating the character of the modern Schuylkill River.
VIP OPENING RECEPTION
Wednesday September 16, 2026
4:30-7 PM
Details to come!

WALKING THE SCHUYLKILL: John Brady Photography
2026-09-19 10:00 - 17:00
WALKING THE SCHUYLKILL
Photography Exhibition Opening Day
September 19, 2026
William Penn placed the city where it is because of the Schuylkill River, guaranteeing the city and the river a prominent place in American history. Over time, the Schuylkill has served the city and its industry, first with a canal system and later with railroads and highways in the river’s flood plain. Factories and mills were built along its full length. Industry radically changed the river. Along with bringing farm products and coal to the city. The Schuylkill River provided drinking water. These purposes often collided; eventually drinking water won out. The environmental movement changed the river as radically as the industrial age had. These changes, and contemporary uses, leave imprints. “Walking the Schuylkill” intends to capture and highlight those marks, illustrating the character of the modern Schuylkill River.

Come view during Interpretive Center’s open hours:
Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
September 19, 2026 – January 8, 2027

FLOOD, BEGIN AGAIN Dance Performance by Naked Stark
2026-09-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-03 13:00 - 15:00
FLOOD, BEGIN AGAIN Dance Performance by Naked Stark
The Naked Stark is a partner in movement at Fairmount Water Works. Join us to watch their full-length immersive performance FLOOD, BEGIN AGAIN premiering in the former Kelly Pool. Six dancers propel, cascade, and ebb through the textural landscapes of concrete, river, fabric, and lighting that flood the pool and offer uncomfortable, humorous, and risky possibilities.
Co-created and performed by The Naked Stark artistic collaborators, Amalia Colón-Nava, Chloe Marie, Harlee Trautman, Katherine Kiefer Stark, Marcie Mamura, and Meredith Stapleton
Original live music by Andy Thierauf and lighting installation and design by Harbour Edney

Photos by Channing Billups
