Make The World Better
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before heading to The Dell for a weekend outdoors, under the stars, at one of Philadelphia’s most historic venues.
The Venue
Where / What Is The Dell?
The Dell Music Center is a historic outdoor amphitheater located in Fairmount Park at 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132.
How do I get to The Dell?
The Dell is accessible by car, bike, and public transit. SEPTA's Route 32 bus stops nearby. We strongly recommend checking Google Maps or the SEPTA website for the most current routing, as Kelly Drive can sometimes be closed. Rideshare drop-off and pickup is available at the front entrance by the box office
Can I park at The Dell, and is it really FREE!?
Yes, FREE parking is available on site on a first come, first served basis. Lots can fill up early, so we recommend arriving with a little time to spare.
Can we eat and drink outside before the show?
We encourage all fans to take advantage of the venue being within Fairmount Park! The grass field parking lots outside the venue are open early and are a great place to spread out before the doors open. We encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park beforehand. In our opinion, it is a wonderful way to enjoy a summer day before the show.
Are there bars and food inside?
The Dell has food and beverage options inside the venue. In years past, the drink / bar lines have been very long. This year The Dell has agreed to bring in additional mobile bars serving quick canned cocktails and beers, so you can spend more time enjoying the music and less time waiting.
We'll have more details on food and drink options in the coming weeks, so check back here.
The Charity
What is Make The World Better?
Make The World Better is a Philadelphia-based public charity founded by former Philadelphia Eagles player and current executive Connor Barwin. MTWB works with communities to revitalize public spaces across Philadelphia, including parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers, with the goal of creating safer, stronger, and more connected neighborhoods.
MTWB believes that great public spaces can bring people together, support healthier communities, and create lasting change beyond the concert weekend itself. Past projects include Ralph Brooks Park in Point Breeze, Smith Playground in West Passyunk, Waterloo Playground in Kensington, and Vare Recreation Center in Grays Ferry.
What are the MTWB Charity Concerts?
The MTWB Charity Concerts have been an almost yearly Philadelphia tradition since 2013, beginning with a simple idea from Connor Barwin and R5 Productions’ Sean Agnew: bring Philadelphia’s tight-knit music, sports, and civic scenes together for a great show while raising money to improve public spaces across the city. A very fun win / win!
The first concert took place at Union Transfer in 2013 with Kurt Vile & The Violators — and thirteen years later, we're thrilled to celebrate our 10th MTWB benefit show with Kurt headlining once again.
Past performers have included The War on Drugs, Japanese Breakfast, Future Islands, Hop Along, Alex G, Alvvays, Lucy Dacus, Remi Wolf, Magdalena Bay, Amos Lee, Mac DeMarco, Waxahatchee, Parquet Courts, and more.
Does the concert actually raise funds? Where does money from the ticket sales go?
Yes! After we pay the artists for their time and performances, 100% of the ticket sales from the MTWB Concert Weekend go directly to Make The World Better's public space revitalization work in Philadelphia.
That means every ticket sold helps support real, lasting improvements to parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers across the city. You get an amazing night of music under the stars, and Philadelphia gets better public spaces. A pretty good deal, if you ask us.
The Show
What happens if it rains?
The MTWB Concert Weekend is a rain or shine event. In the event of rain, it will not stop the show, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly. Umbrellas are permitted inside. In the event of severe weather, we’ll share updates via email, social media, and at the venue as quickly as possible.
What time are doors?
Doors open at 6pm each night, with the first artist going on around 7pm. We encourage folks to arrive early before prime time to avoid long lines / waits to get in.
What time will the show be over?
Exact set times and end times will be announced closer to the show. The shows will be over around 10:30pm each evening.
Can I bring drinks inside the venue?
Outside drinks are not permitted inside The Dell. However, you are welcome to enjoy food and drinks outside the venue in the parking lot areas and Fairmount Park before entering. See the parking notes above!
Can I bring blankets or chairs inside the venue?
Blankets and chairs are not permitted inside the venue. The Dell is a seated amphitheater, so every ticket includes a reserved seat.
Tickets
Can I purchase tickets in person without Ticketmaster surcharges?
Yes! Tickets are available in person at The Dell Music Center box office without the added online fees. The Dell Box office is open on Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 5pm. We recommend calling The Dell's box office before making the trip : 215-685-9766