With Independence Day taking place on a Friday this year, there are celebrations throughout the city all week long. Below, our guide to what's happening over the next 10 days. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Philadelphia takes its July 4th festivities seriously. After all, Philadelphia was the site of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Celebrations of Independence Day in America's birthplace start this weekend and last all throughout next week. From outdoor movie screenings to sky-high fireworks shows, holiday partying in Philly is super accessible and mostly free.
How are you commemorating America's birthday?
Read on for our day-by-day guide to a plethora of 4th of July events and festivals in and around Philadelphia.
Saturday, June 28
Liberty Block Party: Saturday, June 28, noon-10 p.m. The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street. Wawa Welcome America! kicks off with a day of live music, tasty treats and fantastic shopping during the Liberty Block Party at and around The Shops at Liberty Place.
Post-Phillies Game XFINITY Fireworks Shows: June 26-28, nightly following Phillies games. Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. For those who want to get a start on the holiday festivities, the Phillies are hosting some spectacular Fireworks Shows set to music at Citizens Bank Park immediately following the game versus the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, June 28 (game starts at 7:15 p.m.).
Sunday, June 29
Friends of Independence National Historical Park Freedom 5K Run: Sunday, June 29, Race starts at 7:30 a.m. Race through the streets of Old City and help support the Friends of Independence National Historical Park
Mural Arts Paint Day: Sunday, June 29, noon-4 p.m. East Parkside, 1100 N. 41st Street. Grab a paint brush and join the City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program for a community paint day in the city's Mantua neighborhood, one of President Obama's newly designated Promise Zones.
Star Spangled Spectacular: Sunday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. Central Park, Doylestown. Celebrate the holiday with an evening of live music from the Philly Party Band followed by a fireworks display in Doylestown's Central Park. Admission is $5 per car.
Monday, June 30
Go 4th and Learn About Science and Wawa Dairy: Monday, June 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Go hands-on with the Wawa Dairy exhibit and wander amongst the dinosaur skeletons and indoor tropical butterfly garden of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, offering free admission for the day. Bonus: the first 200 children will get a free book.
Philly @ the Movies: Frozen at Franklin Square: Monday, June 30, 9 p.m. Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street. Sing-a-long with your favorite songs during an outdoor screening of Disney's blockbuster film Frozen on the Franklin Square lawn. Be sure to grab a Cake Shake from Square Burger to join in on the chilly fun.
The Philly Pops! play a free patriotic concert on Independence Mall on Thursday, July 3. (Photo by J. Smith for Visit Philadelphia)
For more Independence Day celebrations, see below.
Tuesday, July 1
Go 4th and Learn About Fitness: Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 00 Reservoir Drive. Families can get active at the 6.5-acre playground and playhouse in Fairmount Park. Bonus: the first 200 children will get a free book.
Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert: Tuesday, July 1, 8 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard. The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra presents a free Neighborhood Concert on the RiverStage at the Great Plaza, followed by a small land side fireworks salute.
Philly @ The Movies: Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Tuesday, July 1, 9 p.m. Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut streets. Continue the harrowing adventures of Katniss Everdeen with an outdoor screening of the second installment of the popular Hunger Games films at Rittenhouse Square.
Wednesday, July 2
All-American Celebration: July 2-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Independence Mall, 6th and Market streets. Meet the nation's founding fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, participate in Colonial-era games, sign up to become a member of the Continental Army and enjoy daily special events during the All-American Celebration at the National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia on Independence Mall and at the Independence Visitor Center.
1776 Experience Revolutionary War Encampment: July 2-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street. Experience the life of an American Revolutionary War soldier as you enter a recreated historic military encampment on the lawn of the National Constitution Center. Practice mustering with the troops, visit the wounded in a medical tent, look for a new sword at the blacksmith shop or go hands-on with carpentry and leatherwork as you experience the soldier's life.
Go 4th and Learn about History: History of the Hoagie: Wednesday, July 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street. Learn how Philadelphia's famous sandwich became known as the hoagie and discover how Wawa grew from a small dairy farm to an iconic local business during this one-day exhibition at the National Constitution Center. Bonus: the first 200 children will get a free book.
Wawa Hoagie Day: Wednesday, July 2, noon. Independence Visitor Center Lawn, Market Street between 5th and 6th streets. Bring your appetite to this tasty annual event as Wawa will be serving up 4.5 tons of free hoagies for a patriotic celebration on Independence Mall. Plus, admission to the National Constitution Center is totally free in honor of Hoagie Day, too. Throughout the day, enjoy hoagie themed events and exhibitions including the History of the Hoagie and History of Wawa exhibitions along with What America Eats: History of the Hoagie, a family-friendly show examining the different names we have for the American Hoagie.
Philly @ The Movies: Rocky: Wednesday, July 2, 9 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Grab a seat on the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and cheer on the Italian Stallion during the annual free screening of the iconic Philadelphia-film Rocky during Philly @ The Movies.
Join hundreds on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the annual free screening of Rocky on July 3. Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America)
Thursday, July 3
Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival: July 3-6. Wiggins Park, Camden Waterfront. Celebrate America's 238th birthday with the four-day Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival. The free, family-friendly celebration features live music, special events, contests, food, a Festival Beer Garden featuring Flying Fish Brewery, fireworks and much more.
POPS on Independence: Thursday, July 3, 8 p.m. Independence Mall, 6th and Chestnut streets. Join the Philly POPS! on Independence Mall for a free, patriotic celebration in honor of America's birthday. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs for the annual all-American themed concert which includes a performance of the 1812 Overture and excerpts of the Declaration of Independence read by Thomas Jefferson.
Screenings Under the Stars: The Goonies: Thursday, July 3, 8:30 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard. Head down to Penn’s Landing for a free film in the great outdoors. Cult classic The Goonies plays for free, and the film will begin at dusk, but be sure to come early as the best seats fill up fast.
Friday, July 4 Independence Day!
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony: Friday, July 4, 10-11 a.m. Steps of Independence Hall, 6th and Chestnut streets. Pay tribute to the history of our great nation at Independence Hall with a patriotic and inspiring morning of music, speeches and a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. This year's ceremony recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision.
Independence Day Parade: Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. Parade starts at 6th and Chestnut Streets. More than 5,000 participants will take to the streets of Historic Philadelphia for a patriotic and colorful parade featuring marching bands, floats, military members and more.
Battleship New Jersey Fantail BBQ: Friday, July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Battleship New Jersey, Camden Waterfront. Step aboard the Battleship New Jersey for a special July 4th barbecue on the deck of the historic vessel. Be sure to check out the Teach Fleet Lego Display featuring massive, naval-themed Lego models up to eight-feet long.
10th Annual Germantown Independence Day Celebration: Friday July 4, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 5501 Germantown Avenue and beyond. A free daylong celebration of the 4th of July happens at six Historic Germantown member sites: Stenton, Hood Cemetery, Concord School & Upper Burial Ground, Johnson House, Cliveden, and Wyck. Head to this historic district for a day of free tours, activities for children, live music, reenactors, a farmer’s market, and the annual ringing of the historic Concord School bell.
Party on the Parkway: Friday, July 4, noon-7 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval. Head to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to celebrate America's Birthday with a massive block party and celebration featuring live music — look out for the Questlove Stage! — family-friendly activities, games, food and so much more.
High above the Art Museum, Philadelphia closes out July 4 with a breathtaking fireworks show at about 10:30 p.m. (G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Franklin Square Independence Day Family Fun: Friday, July 4, noon-3 p.m. Franklin Square, 7th and Race streets. Celebrate America's birthday at Franklin Square park in historic Philadelphia with carnival games ($.25 per play) and the Franklin Square attractions, including the carousel and Lightning Bolt Express Train.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Fonthill: Friday, July 4, noon-4 p.m. Fonthill Castle, 525 East Court Street, Doylestown. Set in the shadow of Henry Mercer's impressive estate, the Fonthill Fourth of July Celebration is a traditional day of outdoor games, live music and family fun. For more information, click the button below.
4th of July at the Powel House: Friday, July 4, noon-6 p.m. Powel House, 244 S. 3rd Street. Celebrate the 4th of July at the Powel House with a day-long celebration featuring guided tours, barbecue, cocktails, live music and more. Tickets are available online in advance or at the door.
Let Freedom Ring: Friday, July 4, 1-2 p.m. Independence National Historical Park, 5th and Market streets. Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Pennsylvania Society's Sons of the Revolution take part in this special event in the shadow of Independence Hall. The morning of celebration concludes with symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell at 2 p.m.
America's Birthday Party with Betsy Ross and Termini Bros. Bakery: Friday, July 4, 1 p.m. Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market streets. The Independence Visitor Center is hosting a sweet celebration for America's Birthday with Termini Brothers Bakery. Join Betsy Ross for the unveiling of the world's largest (and tastiest) American Flag made of cupcakes, which you'll then get to taste for free.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival: July 4-6, noon-5 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard. Bring your sweet tooth to Penn's Landing for the three-day, immensely popular all-you-can-eat ice cream spectacular benefiting the Joshua Kahan Fund for pediatric cancer. A $7 donation is required to join the fun.
Philly 4th of July Jam: Friday, July 4, 7-11 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 21st Street. Perhaps the most hotly anticipated event, the culminating concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway the Philly 4th of July Jam brings legendary musicians to a pop-up stage in front of the Art Museum year after year. Philadelphia's own hometown heroes The Roots are back again to curate a killer lineup and, for the second year, VH1 has partnered up with Wawa Welcome America to provide a high-definition nationwide broadcast of the Philly 4th of July Jam. The 2014 music lineup features great names like Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Aloe Blacc and, of course, The Roots.
Betsy Ross hosts a celebration of America's birthday with Termini Brothers Bakery, giving away free cupcakes at the Independence Visitor Center on Friday, July 4 at 1 p.m. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
SugarHouse Casino's Outdoor Summer Concert Series Kick-Off: Friday, July 4, 9 p.m. SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue. The July 4th weekend brings the kick-off concerts of the SugarHouse Casino's Outdoor Summer Concert Series, a summer-long free music series. On Friday, show up for a show from 60s and70s American funk band WAR (Spill the Wine, anyone?).
Longwood Gardens' Fireworks and Fountains: Friday, July 4, 9:15 p.m. Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Longwood Gardens' lively Fireworks and Fountains event illuminates the sky to a patriotic tune on Friday, July 4 for the Independence Day edition of the recurring summer music and fireworks event. Tickets to the event include the fireworks display and full access to the gardens.
Philly 4th of July Jam’s Grand Finale Fireworks on the Parkway: Friday, July 4, 2014, 11 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The "Largest Free Concert in America" is followed by a magnificent fireworks spectacular over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Want a great view of the show? Check this interactive map of the top places to watch the fireworks.
Saturday, July 5
The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" and Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Celebration on the Delaware: Saturday, July 5, 8 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing and Camden Waterfront. One of the nation's premier musical organizations, the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own", returns for a free, patriotic performance at Penn's Landing. The concert will be immediately followed by a spectacular and enormous fireworks display presented by Adventure Aquarium.
SugarHouse Casino's Outdoor Summer Concert Series Kick-Off: Saturday, July 5, at 9 p.m. SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue. The July 4th weekend brings the kick-off concerts of the SugarHouse Casino's Outdoor Summer Concert Series, a summer-long free music series. On Saturday, check out The Family Stone. Bonus: SugarHouse makes for a great spot to watch the fireworks over the Delaware River on Saturday, July 5!
Sunday, July 6
Military Day at Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey: Sunday, July 6. Camden Waterfront. As a special thank you, active and retired military personnel can enjoy discounted admission to Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey throughout the day.
Monday and Tuesday, July 7-8
238th Anniversary of the Reading of the Constitution: Tuesday, July 8, 11:50 a.m. Independence Hall, 6th and Chestnut streets. Commemorate the 238th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in the place it actually happened. The free event outside Independence Hall features costumed National Park Rangers and free copies of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can enter the event from 5th and Chestnut Streets.
On Saturday, July 5 another fireworks extravaganza explodes over the Delaware River. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)