Invisible River aerial dance performance defies gravity and entrances audiences this weekend over the Schuylkill River.

(Photo by JJ Tiziou Photography)

This weekend, Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River goes from tranquil waterway to dreamy backdrop when Invisible River 2015 takes to the water for its annual community festival and site-specific aerial arts performance.

Founded in 2010 as a progressive performance piece, Invisible River has expanded in 2015 to become a full-scale celebration of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River via dance, music, boating, visual arts, aerial arts and festive entertainment set along the river’s bank and over the river in mid-air.

An extraordinary event, Invisible River 2015 uses the Schuylkill River and Strawberry Mansion Bridge as the setting for a singular arts festival and public performance and in East Fairmount Park this Saturday, August 29.

Produced and choreographed by performance artist and dancer Alie Vidich, known locally for her site-specific pieces, this year’s spectacle runs from 2 to 8 p.m. and features a drum-line procession, a full-on arts festival, a beer garden, visual arts installations, a troupe of dancers and — as a grand finale — aerialists suspended from the Strawberry Mansion Bridge.

A multifaceted event, audiences can engage with Invisible River either from the river’s bank or — better yet — on the water.

Drum-Line Procession

Not only an on-the-water event, the festivities start upstream with a gathering and parade to the festival and performance grounds.

At 2 p.m., a group will gather at the Mander Recreation Center to kick off the event with a drum-line procession along the river to the main festival site.

Festival and Performance

From 2 or 8 p.m., the festival takes over the river-adjacent parking lot of the St. Joseph's University's Robert M. Gillin, Jr. Boathouse with boat rentals and paddling lessons, interactive art installations, environmental-focused demonstrations and classes, free yoga and local food vendors.

No one will go hungry or thirst with a beer garden from Sly Fox Brewing Company — naturally, featuring Schuylkill River Trail Ale — and eats from Chewy’s, Jerry’s Kitchen, Mom-Mom’s Polish Food Cart and Little Baby’s Ice Cream.

At 5:30 p.m., the site-specific show takes flight. Dancers on paddle boards and aerialists swinging from Strawberry Mansion Bridge perform on and above the river in a climatic show.

Boating Tickets

The festival and performance are free to attend, but tickets are available to take in the whimsical show right from the Schuylkill.

To be a part of the on-river Invisible River experience, book a boating ticket in advance to watch the performances seated in a kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board or a row boat.

All tickets should be purchased in advance, as no tickets for on-the-water seating will be sold at the event.

To watch from the shore, simply show up along the river bank and view for free.

Check here for more information on the festival, viewing locations and a complete schedule of activities and events.

Invisible River 2015

When: Saturday, August 29, 2-8 p.m.

Where: East Fairmount Park and Strawberry Mansion Bridge; Main festival site, 2200 Kelly Drive

Cost: From the shore, free; From a boat, $25 and up

More info: www.invisibleriver.org

The audience watches Invisible River from on the water and from the shore. (Photo courtesy Invisible River)