Wawa Welcome America! Celebration of Freedom and Independence Day Parade
July 4 Independence Hall, 6th and Chestnut Free
Up early? Never went to bed? You can start off one of the classiest days of the year when red-solo cups are permissible outside with music, speeches and readings of portions of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Independence hall. From there, you’re less than a block away from the Independence Day Parade (from 5th and Chestnut streets to Front and Market Streets) where you can join thousands of participants from around the country in celebration of ‘merica.
July 4, noon-7 p.m. Free Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th and 23rd streetsJoin in on one of Philly’s biggest events on 4th of July. Whether you’re there for the tan, the music, or time with friends and family, the parkway is the perfect place for music, dancing, and more. Get there in time to find a good spot for the fireworks and the concert!
Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks
July 4, 7-11 p.m. Free Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th and 23rd StreetsGot away from your family? Still with friends? The parkway is the place to be. Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, this year’s concert features artists such as John Mayer, Neo, Jill Scott, J. Cole, Grace Potter, Ben Taylor, Demi Lovato and The Roots. So even if you’re not yet ready to willingly admit that “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” makes you cry every time or that you only watch the X Factor for Demi, this concert is definitely worth your time. Also, did I mention it was free? Enjoy the show and stay for the fireworks! Places such as the parkway, Paine’s Park, MLK Drive, Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive, and Drexel Park.
July 5-7, noon – 10 p.m. Pay as you go Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
While admission is free, for a few dollars, you can try samples of top dishes from Philadelphia restaurants and food trucks all afternoon and into the night. So even if your boss makes you come in on Friday, you still have time to come out and enjoy live entertainment and special event. Saturday night, there will be fireworks on the Delaware River.
Sugarhouse Casino Fireworks Show
July 5, 9 p.m. SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue FreeStill not satisfied with one night of explosions and celebrations in honor of the red, white and blue? It’s okay, there’s always round two at SugarHOuse Casino where you can enjoy live music on a Friday night prior. The firework show can be seen from most places, although the best place to watch it is along the Delaware River.
Colonial Chocolate Making at Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street July 6-7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. FreeJuly 7 is National Chocolate Day. The Betsy Ross House will have demonstrations and free samples of delicious homemade chocolates. If you’re too tired to make it there, well run to CVS and buy a bar. PS. Now you have that excuse to go to Max Brenner’s you’ve been looking for.
Bonus Points If you make it here: Good Morning America
July 4, 6:30 am Independence Hall, 6th and Chestnut Free and Early (Arrive before 7 a.m.)Always wanted to be that person holding up a glittery poster or making strange gestures in the background? Here’s your chance. Good Morning America will be broadcasting live from Independence Hall of Fourth of July. Show up for dozens of free giveaways or a chance to yell “Hi Mom!”.
On July 4th, the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island will reopen to public, months after the monument sustained damage during Superstorm Sandy (remember, that weekend on campus you don’t really remember?) A special ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in which the Secretary of the Interior, New York Senator Menendez, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg will give a few words.
For more information, stop reading and quoting @feministtswift and go check out @July4thPhilly for more information or visitphilly.com. So whether you’re grilling outside with friends, or blasting Springsteen while cooking on your George Foreman, have great Fourth of July!
