Are you stuck in Philly studying for second session summer classes over July 4, and feeling nostalgic for your family barbecue? Unsure what to do to celebrate our country’s founding (read: hoping to find some good hot dogs and cheap beer)?
No worries, Street’s got you covered. Here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s cool in Philly over Fourth of July weekend. Happy birthday, ‘Murica.
Leading up to the day
You thought the Fourth of July was just one day? That’s cute. In Philly, the fourth is celebrated for weeks leading up to the historic day. Here’s how you get optimally patriotic, all month long!
Night Market Philadelphia: Night market is a seasonal celebration of food and music held in some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It heads to Spruce Hill for a special Independence edition, attracting thousands of people to celebrate good food, local beer and spirits, and our country’s birthday.
Where: Spruce Hill in West Philly
When: Saturday, July 1 2017, 6 pm
POPS! On Independence: The POPS! On Independence concert is an annual favorite. Bring a blanket to Independence hall and enjoy a concert led by POPS!’s Michael Krajewski.
Where: Independence Hall
When: Monday, July 3 2017, 7 - 9 pm
The Big Day
United States Independence Day Parade: Missing your small town Fourth of July parade? Never fear, Philly’s got one too! The flag waving patriotic parade marches through Historic Philadelphia. Show your American pride and come along!
Where: Begins at 5th and Chestnut
When: 11 am
Party on the Parkway: Join the rest of the city at the Party on the Parkway, five blocks of straight partying—free entertainment, food and drink vendors, and a Zipline.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: 12 – 7 pm
Wawa Welcome America Concert: One of the largest free outdoor concerts in the country, the Welcome America Concert is not one to miss. The performers include Mary Blige, named one of the greatest women in music by Rolling Stones and Billboard, and Boyz II Men. Stick around for fireworks, estimated to go off at around 9:30, when the concert ends.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: 7 pm
Freedom Festival Fireworks: Known to be one of the best fireworks shows of the year, fireworks will go off over the Delaware river. Good viewpoints include the SugarHouse Casino and One Liberty Observation Deck.
Where: over the Delaware River
When: estimated to go off around 9:30
Fireworks Over the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Didn’t get your fill of fireworks? No worries, the festivities continue over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These fireworks are usually explosive and can be seen from all over the city, but they are best viewed from the museum itself. Be sure to get there early though—it’s always packed!
Where: Philadelpiha Musuem of Art
When: estimated to go off around 9:30
Social media accounts to follow coming up to the big day:
Twitter: @July4thPhilly and @philly311
Facebook: Wawa Welcome America
