Events and Initiatives

University City District produces and sponsors a roster of exciting special events and initiatives including University City Dining Days, Winterfest!, the Clark Park Party for the Park, and others. UCD also co–sponsors events with other organizations like the Annenberg Center, International House, The Firehouse Jazz Series, Philadelphia Film Festival, Philadelphia Flower Show, and works with restaurants and retailers to ensure that there is a robust arts, cultural and entertainment scene year long throughout University City. Some of our events are described below.

Inspirational Gardens Contest
UCD, in partnership with UC Green, organizes the annual Inspirational Gardens Contest for commercial and residential properties within the boundaries of University City.  This contest is an effort that recognizes the transforming power of green space, flowers and general beautification in urban environments, and UCD believes that such efforts deserve special praise for their dedication and commitment, especially while working with difficult growing conditions.  Following the encouraging success of last year’s contest, UCD continues to offer incentives and rewards to those whose rigorous commitment to the neighborhood’s beauty is prevalent. UCD hopes that this contest will continue to build enthusiasm for gardening and beautification; encouraging more businesses, institutions and residents to decorate their surroundings with plants and flowers is part of our strategy to improve the quality of life in University City.

Arts and Cultural Programming
UCD partners with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to provide information on arts programming and events. For more information on what's going on when you go out in University City, click here.

Party for the Park
Since 2000, University City District has hosted the Party for the Park – an annual benefit that provides necessary funding for a maintenance contract to care for Clark Park, University City’s largest park. Over the past six years, park advocates and donors have raised more than $400,000 to supplement the maintenance of Clark Park. Thanks to these contributions, the appearance, health, and vitality of the park continue to improve. But, ongoing maintenance, such as mowing grass, edging walkways, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, tree plantings, and emptying trashcans, cannot continue without these contributions. In addition, a long-term endowment exists and continues to grow each year for capital improvements. For more information on this year’s party, click here.

University City Dining Days
Since June of 2005, University City District with the assistance of local restaurateurs, business leaders and public relations professionals has held four successful University City Dining Days. These events are remarkably successful, yielding unprecedented patronage and significantly increased sales at University City restaurants during typically slower periods.  University City Dining Days offers patrons a 3-course dinner for $20, $25, or $30 (excluding tax, alcohol and gratuity).  Since its inception, thousands of diners have taken advantage of the “three courses – three prices” theme and sales were up dramatically at most of the participating restaurants. 

Friday Farmers' Market at The Radian
University City District (UCD), in partnership with The Food Trust, The Rotunda and Inland American Retail Management LLC, announces the launch of the Friday Farmers’ Market @ The Radian. This new market will be held every Friday in June and July from noon-2pm at the plaza in front of The Radian at 3925 Walnut Street. It will feature a variety of Pennsylvania’s delicious foods sold by local growers themselves, including fresh, fruits and vegetables, sustainably raised meats, and fresh breads and baked goods. For more information, click here. To view and download the flier for this event, click here.