by Jackie Dolopei
June 29, 2026
Last Thursday, community members, employees, residents, and visitors gathered at Chapel Plaza for a special edition of Third Thursdays that served as the perfect kickoff to Navy Yard Night at Citizens Bank Park.
As attendees arrived in Phillies gear, Chapel Plaza turned into a lively pregame destination with local vendors, food trucks, live music, and opportunities to connect with friends, neighbors, and colleagues before heading to the ballpark.
People spent the evening browsing offerings from local makers and small businesses, including Phillies-inspired apparel, hats, accessories, artwork, pet accessories, and other handcrafted goods from vendors such as Chu Homemade Blessings. Whether stopping by for a quick bite before first pitch or spending the entire evening at the Plaza, attendees helped create a vibrant gathering that showcased the growing energy surrounding Third Thursdays.
Adding to the excitement, attendees had the opportunity to pick up brand-new Navy Yard giveaways, including themed stickers, koozies, and clear Navy Yard-branded stadium bags. The bags proved especially popular with fans heading to Citizens Bank Park and will come in handy again for the next Phillies Navy Yard Night on September 24.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing conversations spark around favorite Phillies memories, and excitement for Navy Yard Night. As game time approached, groups made their way from Chapel Plaza to Citizens Bank Park, extending the evening’s sense of connection beyond the Navy Yard.
While the Phillies didn’t come away with a victory that night, the spirit of the community certainly did. The combination of Third Thursdays and Navy Yard Night created an unforgettable summer evening that brought people together and showcased the growing momentum behind the event series.
“One of the best parts of working at the Navy Yard is having events like this right outside my office,” Sam Reilly, Human Resource Generalist, Geodis. “Between the food trucks, music, local vendors, and seeing familiar faces, it was the perfect way to unwind before Navy Yard Night at the Phillies.”
June’s Third Thursday demonstrated the continued momentum behind the event series, bringing community members together at Chapel Plaza for an evening of local shopping, entertainment, and pregame excitement ahead of Navy Yard Night at Citizens Bank Park. Guests explored offerings from 15 local vendors, including a mobile bookstore, enjoyed food and drinks from participating vendors, and connected with friends, coworkers, and neighbors before heading to the ballpark. As the series continues to grow, Chapel Plaza is becoming a vibrant gathering place where people can support small businesses, discover new experiences, and strengthen community connections.
Photo credit: Kingston Keith.
stayin the Loop on Third Thursdays
Third Thursdays will continue monthly through October, bringing new vendors, food offerings, entertainment, and community experiences to Chapel Plaza.