Photo by Ryan Collerd, courtesy University City District.

It’s hard to believe it but The Porch at 30th Street Station is celebrating its 5th anniversary this week. It opened in the fall of 2011 and transformed a parking lot and a dangerous walkway outside of the nation’s second busiest train stations into a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly public space complete with tables and chairs, umbrellas, swings and greenery.

The Porch’s 5th Anniversary Party will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28 (weather permitting) and will feature food, drinks, giveaways, and music. University City District (UCD), who operates and programs The Porch, is partnering with 33rd Street Hospitality and Jet Wine Bar to bring $5 food and drink specials in honor of the five years since The Porch debuted.

Since its introduction in 2011, The Porch at 30th Street Station has been offering seasonal horticulture, special events, and lunch service from local food trucks. The Porch was Philadelphia’s first “lighter quicker cheaper” public space, and originally involved simple, cost-effective, and fully removable elements.

Five years later, The Porch has evolved into a more permanent mainstay, with elements contributed by Groundswell Design Group, Gehl Studio, and Visit Philly. The Porch has also cemented itself as a popular gathering space for commuters, local workers, and visitors to Philadelphia looking for a space to lounge and linger. 

Guests planning to attend the party should be ready to eat, drink, and dance. Popular food trucks Say Cheese, Street Food, and Taco Mondo will offer items from their regular menus at a special $5 price point, including 2 for $5 tacos, deluxe grilled cheese, BBQ and Bahn Mi sandwiches, and more. Drinks will be provided by Jet Wine Bar at special $5 prices for beer and wine. Local DJ Shawn Ryan will provide music for the event, and as a special treat Shake Shack will be giving out free scoops of their signature custard while supplies last.

The event is free to attend and pay-as- you-go for food and drinks, and will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Rain date is Thursday, Sept. 29.