Happy Independence Day, Philadelphia! Celebrate the fourth in the birthplace of it all with three fireworks shows throughout early July on July 1, 4 and 5. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in the birthplace of it all — right here in Philadelphia.
We have three days of fireworks in Philadelphia — one day on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and two days along the Delaware River Waterfront.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway hosts the main show, presented by Wawa Welcome America, on Friday, July 4 when fireworks illuminate the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m., immediately after the Parkway’s Fourth of July Jam, or the “Largest Free Concert in America.”
This 4th of July, fireworks enthusiasts can look forward to not one but two explosive displays along the Delaware River Waterfront, too.
On Tuesday, July 1, enjoy a small land side fireworks salute following the Philadelphia Orchestra’s free neighborhood concert on the RiverStage at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. On Saturday, July 5, Adventure Aquarium presents a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River following a free, patriotic performance by the United States Army Band “Pershing's Own” at Penn’s Landing.
Read on for our guide to the best places to watch the fireworks on July 1, 4 and 5.
Where to Watch Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Friday, July 4
For Visit Philly’s full Benjamin Franklin Parkway where to watch guide and an interactive map click here.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway: You can stake out a spot anywhere along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Logan Circle to Eakin's Oval. The entire street is shut down in honor of the celebration. Tip: try to grab a spot at the baseball fields at 22nd and the Parkway.
Paine's Park: A gorgeous new skatepark and recreation space off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Paine's Park is directly in the shadow of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offering spectacular views of the July 4th Grand Finale.
Martin Luther King Drive: This is another great place, right across the the Schuylkill River from gorgeously lit Boathouse Row. Anyone driving in from the suburbs will find it convenient to settle in along here for the evening.
Schuylkill River Park: There is plenty of grass along the banks for comfortable viewing, with a beautiful view of the Art Museum. It's a super convenient spot for Center City residents, since it's accessible via the Walnut Street Bridge, Race Street crossing and other connectors.
Sister Cities Park: Sister Cities Park, a recently renovated green space along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is also one of the best spots to relax and refresh on July 4.
High above the Art Museum, Philadelphia closes out July 4 with a breathtaking fireworks show at about 10:30 p.m. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park: There's a a gorgeous mansion, and lots of space to set up your lawnchairs. One advantage of this site is the elevation. Bring a BBQ!
Belmont Plateau: Part of Fairmount Park in West Philadelphia, the elevated fields at Belmont Plateau offer plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the fireworks from a distance.
Kelly Drive: There are many places along the river with great views of the display, including Boathouse Row and the open field at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Sedgley Drive.
Drexel Park: Located near the campus of Drexel University, Drexel Park offers incredible skyline views and a perfect spot to watch the fireworks away from the crowds.
More places to watch, below.
Best Western Center City: Conveniently located right on the parkway, this hotel is the closest hotel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and affords prime views of the events if you know anyone staying there and can watch from inside (or outdoor pooldeck, anyone?) or just want to situate yourself close to the action.
Embassy Suites Philadelphia: Located seven blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art straight down the Parkway, the Embassy Suites hotel offers a fantastic view of the fireworks. Staycation perhaps?
More, below.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Guests at the Loews Philadelphia can head to the 33rd floor for a bird's-eye view of the fireworks at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Girard Avenue Bridge: Featuring a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline, the Girard Avenue Bridge is a nice location off the beaten path to enjoy the fireworks show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Where to Watch Fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront, July 1 and 5
For Visit Philly’s full Delaware River Waterfront where to watch guide and an interactive map click here.
From Philadelphia:
Penn's Landing: The Great Plaza (closest intersection is Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Streets), the site of the main stage, is of course a solid option. Other good spots at Penn's Landing are anywhere along its southern stretch, from Dock Street to South Street.
Independence Seaport Museum: Get a perfect view of the fireworks over the Delaware River and visit the museum's new exhibition Tides of Freedom:African Presence on the Delaware River.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: Relax at the brand-new Spruce Street Harbor Park — at the hammock lounge, the riverfront boardwalk, The Blue Anchor restaurant and bar — while watching the fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Penn's Landing hosts not one, but two fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, on July 1 and 5. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
Morgan's Pier: Morgan's Pier, a waterfront beer garden just to the north of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Get there early to stake out one of the picnic tables on the deck to enjoy the new menu from Chef George Sabatino and sample their awesome selection of local craft beer.
Penn Treaty Park: Penn Treaty Park's seven acres of open green space and clean picnic areas provide a great vantage point from which to watch the fireworks.
Race Street Pier: This lush park is an amazing spot to watch, complete with bleacher seating, but we recommend you get there early as it's going to fill up fast. Also keep in mind that alcohol, BBQ and glass containers are not permitted at the Pier.
Washington Avenue Green: This is another park on the Delaware River Waterfront, at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd, formerly Pier 53.
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia: The terrace at Keatings River Grill, which just reopened for the season, is a prime location for the fireworks show. A new summer menu this year fuses local fare with a modern edge and tapas-style dishes.
Holiday Inn Express Penn's Landing: Recently renovated and reopened, the Holiday Inn Express Penn’s Landing offers spectacular views of the Delaware River Waterfront from select rooms.
Moshulu: Get a front row seat for the fireworks aboard the Moshulu. Dine on selections from the Moshulu's regular menu, or just watch from the ship's deck (with $10 cover).
Ristorante La Veranda: This historic Northern Italian restaurant located on Pier 3 Penn’s Landing offers prime fireworks viewing on two levels.
Chart House: Situated on the Delaware River, Chart House invites guests to nosh on its surf and turf menu options while watching breathtaking views of the fireworks show.
SugarHouse Casino: Everybody wins when it comes to viewing the Delaware River Waterfront fireworks from SugarHouse Casino. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio or waterfront path and enjoy the show.
From Camden Waterfront, New Jersey:
Adventure Aquarium: Get an unforgettable view of the fireworks as they cascade over the Philadelphia skyline from outside Adventure Aquarium.
Battleship New Jersey: Enjoy live entertainment and a great view of the fireworks over the Delaware River from the deck of the Battleship New Jersey.
Wiggin’s Park: Across the river in Camden, you can get an equally spectacular view of the fireworks from Wiggin's Park, located near Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. It's free and open to the public.
Celebrate the 4th of July on the Delaware River Waterfront as free fireworks shows fill the sky on two nights, July 1 and July 5. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)