A Delaware Valley Summer Fixture

The amphitheater on the Camden waterfront, currently named the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, has anchored the Philadelphia region's summer concert scene since the 1990s. Planted on the New Jersey bank of the Delaware River, directly across from Center City Philadelphia, it offers one of the most striking settings of any major amphitheater in the country, pairing live music with sweeping skyline and river views that change with the light. Early in the evening the city glows gold; by the encore it is a wall of glittering windows across the water.

Its layout mixes a large covered pavilion with a spacious general-admission lawn. The pavilion delivers reserved, sheltered seating that keeps fans comfortable and close to the action, while the lawn is the relaxed, open-air option that draws groups and families looking to spread out. Between the two, there is a fit for just about every kind of fan and budget, from a splurge up front to a laid-back night on the grass. That flexibility is a big reason the venue draws such a wide mix of fans every summer.

Over the decades, the venue has hosted an enormous span of acclaimed touring acts across virtually every genre, and it has become one of the busiest amphitheaters in the Northeast. Its waterfront perch has made it a signature part of summer in the Delaware Valley, pulling huge crowds from both the Jersey and Pennsylvania sides of the river year after year. For a huge swath of the region's music fans, a night here is simply part of what summer means.

The surrounding Camden Waterfront has matured into a destination in its own right, with riverfront attractions and walkways that complement a night at the pavilion. And because the full sweep of Philadelphia sits a short trip away across the Delaware, the venue works beautifully as the anchor of a larger night out, dinner in the city, a show on the water, the skyline lit up the whole time. Few venues make it this easy to combine a great show with a full night out in a major city.

To plan ahead, the venue's concert calendar appears through Live Nation as shows are added, regional trip-planning help is available from Visit New Jersey, the venue's full history lives on its Wikipedia page, and confirmed dates can be tracked on Songkick as the season comes together.

Know Before You Go: The Camden Waterfront

No 2027 shows are on the books yet, so use this stretch to get familiar with how the venue works. When the lineup drops, a little prep makes grabbing tickets and getting there a breeze.

Getting tickets

The 2027 schedule will roll out in the months before summer. Watch this page and official channels for the first word, keep an eye on Ticketmaster for on-sales, and when seats are live, buy through a trusted source. BigStub offers a wide selection with a buyer guarantee, a dependable way to lock in your spot, and for the bigger waterfront shows, booking early really does matter, since the marquee waterfront dates can sell out well ahead of the show.

Pavilion vs. lawn

Decide early which experience you want. The covered pavilion means a guaranteed, sheltered seat closer to the stage; the lawn is the casual, open-air pick with those skyline views as a bonus. Both have their fans, and knowing your preference ahead of the on-sale helps you move quickly when the on-sale opens and the best spots start to disappear.

Getting there

Coming from Philadelphia, you can reach the waterfront easily by car or transit across the river, so weigh your options and map the route in advance with something like Google Maps. Give yourself extra time for parking on busy show nights, and consider transit if you would rather skip the lots entirely.

Night-of tips

It is a riverfront venue, so the breeze can pick up and the temperature can drop after sunset; a light layer is smart for lawn shows. Review the venue's current bag and outside-item rules before you head over, since they can change. You can also confirm dates on Bandsintown as the season fills in. Do that, and you are set for a night on the water.

Camden Waterfront 2027: Common Questions

Has the Camden waterfront pavilion announced its 2027 shows?

Not yet. The 2027 schedule is still coming together and is typically revealed in the months ahead of summer. This page is updated as headliners, dates, and on-sale times are confirmed, so checking back is the best way to stay current with the lineup.

What is the venue actually called?

The amphitheater on the Camden waterfront is currently named the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. It has carried several names over the years but has remained the Philadelphia region's marquee outdoor music venue on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River.

What are the views like from the venue?

The waterfront location gives it one of the best backdrops of any major amphitheater, with the Philadelphia skyline across the Delaware River. As the sun sets and the city lights come on, the view becomes a real part of the experience, especially from the lawn.

How do I get there from Philadelphia?

The venue sits just across the river from Center City and is reachable by car or regional transit. Plan your route and parking in advance, and consider transit on busy nights to avoid the lots. Either way, allow extra time for waterfront events that draw big crowds.

How do I buy tickets once a show is confirmed?

Use a reputable marketplace such as BigStub, which offers a wide selection of seats and a buyer guarantee, and watch official outlets for on-sale dates. For high-demand waterfront shows, buying early gives you the best shot at the seats you want.

Lawn or pavilion - which should I pick?

It depends on what you are after. The lawn is relaxed, open-air, and comes with skyline views, while the covered pavilion offers a guaranteed seat and shelter closer to the stage. Both are popular, so it comes down to your style and budget, and how close you want to be to the stage on the night, with the Philadelphia skyline as the backdrop either way.