Media Credit: Ryan Jones/The Daily Pennsylvanian A pathway runs along the Schuylkill River from Walnut Street to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The banks of the river will host a "Rockin' on the River" concert tonight at 7 p.m., featuring a local band. [Click to enlarge]

Trade in crowded frat parties for some classy schmoozing along the banks of the Schuylkill River this weekend.

Although, like frat parties, the "Rockin' on the River" concert series on the Schuylkill River banks features dancing, alcohol and free admission.

Tonight's show, "Bluegrass and Newgrass Rock the River," starts at 7 p.m. and features the local band Flexible Flyer, which will perform beneath the Walnut Street bridge on the river's east side.

The Schuylkill River Development Corp., which works to improve land near the river, has presented the concerts for the last two summers.

Audiences at past concerts have enjoyed picnics and spontaneous dancing, corporation spokeswoman Nicole Allen said.

"It's BYOB, which tends to draw people in," Allen said. "They're out by the stars, and it's just a great way to bring friends together and have fun for no money."

To get warmed up for dancing, attendees can come early to watch Annie-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Co. perform "Dances for Imaginary Places: Barely There River Mix" at 5:30 p.m. And don't worry if it rains - they'll be dancing with umbrellas.

At the same location Sunday, the gospel quartet The Mighty Aires of Wilmington, Del., will perform at 3 p.m.

Allen said her organization hopes the September dates will attract college students, including the new batch of freshmen.

Past riverside concerts have drawn about 250 listeners.

Allen said most Schuylkill Banks events are free because "we're trying to get people down to Schuylkill Banks so that they become more aware" of the things that go on there.

The area now attracts about 14,000 people a week, she added.

The banks also offer a starting point from which to explore Philadelphia.

River tours ­- which started this summer and were extended due to popular demand - leave from the Walnut Street bridge.

With a student discount, day cruises offer narrated tours for $19 or a trip to and from Center City's Bartram's Garden for $23. Cruisers over 21 can enjoy a $30 evening of live jazz, free appetizers and a cash bar onboard.

Tours will continue through Oct. 28.

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