There’s no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in Philadelphia and this year’s festivities will not disappoint. If you’re interested in a little more action than a backyard BBQ, check out all that’s happening around the city!
Old City
- Honor America’s rich history by joining Vice President Joe Biden, Mayor Michael Nutter, Martin Luther King III and more for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall.
- Follow the ceremony with the Independence Day Parade full of incredible floats and marching bands that will have the whole crowd dancing in celebration.
- Head over to Independence National Historic Park for a beautiful ceremony featuring descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Pennsylvania Society’s Sons of the Revolution that will conclude with the tapping of the Liberty Bell.
- For the BBQ feel without the hassle of hosting, spend your 4th of July at the Powel House where there will be barbecue, cocktails, and a guided tour that everyone can enjoy.
- There are few places as patriotic as the National Constitution Center and this holiday is no exception. With plenty of activities and exhibitions, NCC has planned to keep your family busy and entertained all day until the fireworks.
Penn’s Landing
- Kick off the 4th with 15th Annual Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival. This three-day event at Penn’s Landing will benefit the fight against pediatric cancer by donating all proceeds to the Joshua Kahan Fund, so get your sweet tooth ready!
- For an old-school vibe, SugarHouse Casino will be serving drinks and refreshments to 60s and 70s tunes as guests take in the beautiful view of the Delaware River Waterfront.
- Looking for a romantic spin on this patriotic holiday? Join Pinot Boutique on Thursday or Saturday for their Sunset Wine Cruises: Wines of the American Revolution!
- If waterfront views are your cup of tea and you’re up for a quick drive, head to the other side of the Delaware to Camden Waterfront, which boasts events aboard the Battleship New Jersey, Freedom Festival Beer Garden, and the largest fireworks display in the region!
Center City
- One of Rittenhouse Square’s newest bar/restaurant additions, Crow and the Pitcher, is hosting an all-you-can-eat-and-drink 4th of July pig roast starting at 12 p.m. noon for only $25 per person. After the keg is kicked, it’s $2 canned beers and spiked punch.
- Try to sing over the fireworks at Stella Rossa’s karaoke night! Dance and sing the night away in celebration of the nation’s biggest party.
- You’re guaranteed to have a sexy, fun time at Sleepover The Party’s second monthly bash at The Venture Inn. This month’s theme is G.I. Jane, so come in camo to represent your American pride! Show your military ID and get a free shot.
- To make the holidays even happier, the PPA has graced us with FREE METERED PARKING! There is no enforcement of parking meters on major holidays, including the Fourth of July.
- If you can’t find a designated driver (which we can understand), the SEPTA extended holiday schedule ensures everyone safe travels.
Fairmount
- Lox Stock & Barrel‘s 4th of July Bash provides a cozy setting with their large outdoor porch and great drink specials all night. If you’re looking for a place to wind down and celebrate with friends, LSB is the place to be.
- Did you miss the Vetri-Shake Shack collaboration in June? You’re in luck because Vetri is bringing back the Carbonara burger at Alla Spina just in time for the holidays!
- No Fourth of July celebration list would be complete without mentioning the Wawa Welcome America Festival Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Boasting the title of the largest free concert in America, the Philly 4th of July Jam will have performances by top artists Nicki Minaj, Aloe Blacc, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson. After that, the show is always followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Northern Liberties
- Celebrate the Pork of July at Standard Tap over the long weekend! There will be a special brunch and dinner menu featuring… you guessed it, pork. Ribs, belly, chops, and of course complementary beers.
- Cool down with a dip in the pool by heading to North Shore Beach Club for the Stars & Stripes BBQ Pool Party! All attendees will receive free VIP admission to the after party at Lit Ultrabar to keep the celebration going.
Manayunk/Roxborough
- For those of us who still want to keep up with FIFA World Cup 2014, Kildare’s has you covered. With $3 Budwisers and $4 Magners and Carlsbergs, you can maximize your Fourth of July by starting the party early at 11 a.m. and enjoying the quarterfinals.
- In case you forgot to pick up wine and spirits before the 4th, don’t fret. The Foodery on Ridge Avenue will still be open to make sure your festivities remain…well, festive. Visit either of their other two locations in Northern Liberties and Washington Square as well.
Nearby Philadelphia
- For the partiers, there’s no better place to let loose with friends than AC. Lucky for you, there are two amazing pool parties happening on the Fourth. First up is HQ Beach Club with special guest and world-renown DJ, Tiesto.
- You may want to book a room in AC for the weekend because Keeping Up With the Kardashians personality, Scott Disick, will be hosting The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort on Saturday.
- Class it up for Independence Day at Chaddsford Winery’s Red, White & BBQ. With wine tastings at just $10 per person, this is yet another unique way to celebrate this national holiday all weekend long.
- If fireworks aren’t enough for you, Longwood Gardens has put together a beautiful Fireworks & Fountains Show. The colorfully lit water show compliments the fireworks perfectly for an unforgettable display.
Don’t see your neighborhood on the list? Here is a list of great places to catch spectacular fireworks throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Share your Fourth of July plans with us in the comments or on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
