PHILADELPHIA, PA — An evening of outdoor movies, lawn games, food trucks, and community gathering is coming to the Navy Yard this summer, all while supporting independent filmmakers and documentary storytelling.
Free People will host “Feels Like Free People: A Summer Social” on Saturday, July 11, at the Marine Parade Grounds in Navy Yard Park, transforming the waterfront green space into a family-friendly summer celebration featuring live music, giveaways, and an outdoor screening of the documentary Cookie Queens.
The event’s proceeds will benefit the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, which supports nonfiction filmmakers and emerging storytellers.
Guests can spend the evening enjoying food trucks, complimentary water and lemonade, lawn games, photo opportunities, and a DJ set before settling in for a screening of Cookie Queens, a documentary that follows four determined young girls as they compete to become top cookie sellers.
The film has a special connection to the event’s host. Cookie Queens was partially funded through Free People’s Creative Spirit Fund, an initiative designed to support independent creators and storytelling. Earlier this year, the company partnered with the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program to provide grants to five women documentary filmmakers, including Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias.
In addition to supporting documentary filmmaking, organizers hope the event creates an opportunity for neighbors, families, and visitors to gather outdoors and enjoy an evening of entertainment in one of Philadelphia’s growing waterfront destinations.
Event Details
- What: Feels Like Free People: A Summer Social
- When: Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Cookie Queens screening begins at 7:15 p.m.
- Rain Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Where: Marine Parade Grounds, Navy Yard Park, Philadelphia, PA 19112
Parking: 1 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19112 - Cost/Tickets: $5 for adults; children ages 15 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, with an option to make an additional donation at checkout.
- More Info: https://freepeoplesummersocial.splashthat.com/PR
What to Expect
- Food trucks with food available for purchase
- Complimentary water and lemonade
- Free gifts and giveaways while supplies last
- DJ set and live music atmosphere
- Lawn games and family activities
- Photo moments throughout the event
- Outdoor screening of Cookie Queens
For updates and additional event information, follow @FreePeople on Instagram and TikTok.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.