There are SO many ways to celebrate America’s 243rd birthday in Philly! From free museum admission, to outdoor festivals and (of course) fireworks – there’s something for everyone. Here are the highlights:
Free Admission Days
There are over 20 museums/attractions offering free activities starting on June 29. Here are the offers by day. Be sure to check the individual establishment for times and details.
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June 29:
Christ Church, 20 N. American St. Old City
Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department, 1901 Vine Street, Logan Square
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad Street, Center City
June 30:
American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, South Philadelphia
Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road, Southwest Philadelphia
One Liberty Observation Deck, 1650 Market Street, Rittenhouse
The Rosenback, 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia
(Pay What You Wish)
Rodin Museum
July 1:
Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Old City
Museum Without Walls, various locations
Photo Pop Philly, The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall, Old City
July 2:
African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Center City
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Old City
July 3:
National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street, Old City
Moore College of Art and Design, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, University City
Fireman’s Hall Museum, 147 N. 2nd Street, Old City
Photo Pop Philly, The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall, Old City
(Pay What You Wish)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
July 4:
Bartram’s Garden House, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Southwest Philadelphia
National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall, Old City
June 29:
Philly Ice Cream Scoop
When: Saturday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
Fourteen of Philly’s best ice cream makers will be scooping out frozen treats during the largest ice cream festival in the county. There will be ice cream eating contests, games, activities, demonstrations, live music and more! Admission is free. Ice cream is pay-as-you-go.
U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” & Waterfront Fireworks
When: Saturday, June 29 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Always a favorite event during Wawa Welcome America! The United States Army Band will play old favorites, new hits and patriotic tunes. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
June 30:
Philadelphia’s Historic District Block Party
When: Sunday, June 30 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall, S. 6th and Chestnut Streets
This free classic Philly street celebration offers dozens of food trucks, pop-up performances, a kids’ fun zone and more.
Philly @ the Movies: Rocky on the Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: Sunday, June 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Watch an iconic Philly movie right next to the famous Rocky Statue! The movie will start at 7 p.m., but come out early for festivities such as a Rocky and Creed look-alike contest, entertainment by DJ Hollywood and trivia led by Bobby Mansure. Chase is sponsoring the event and will be providing free blankets while supplies last. There will also be free popcorn courtesy of Chase and treats from Herr’s and Tastkake.
Gospel on Independence
When: Sunday, June 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
More than 100 singers from across the city, including the Philadelphia Men’s Fellowship Choir and The Sisterly Love choir, will take the stage for an unforgettable Gospel performance. Bring your own chair or blanket.
July 1:
Philly @ the Movies: Invincible at Franklin Field
When: Monday, July 1 at 7 p.m. (pre entertainment at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: 235 S. 33rd Street
Watch the 2006 drama about the remarkable bartender-turned-Eagle Vince Papale … right on the field where the movie was filmed. Movie starts at 7 p.m., but arrive early for photo ops, trivia and free treats from Herr’s and Tastykake.
U.S. Army Field Band Concert & Waterfront Fireworks
When: Monday, July 1 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Join the U.S. Army Field Band for a musical evening celebrating American independence. After the concert, there will be fireworks over the water.
July 2:
Wawa Hoagie Day
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When: Tuesday, July 2 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
The annual Wawa Hoagie Day is back for its 27th year! The event features a none-ton hoagie salute and free hoagies for attendees. The U.S. Army Field Band will be performing. And police officers and firefighters will participate in a hoagie-building competition.
July 3:
Mutter Museum (Photo from Facebook)
Summer Beer Garden at the Mütter Museum
When: Wednesday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 19 S. 22nd Street
Celebrate Independence Day by sipping drinks in the Mutter Museum’s picturesque Benjamin Rush Medicinal Garden. (Named after one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence!) Tickets are $12 for general admission and include late night, full museum access, popcorn and pretzels. Drinks and Okie Dokie Donuts are pay-as-you-go.
POPS on Independence at Independence Hall
When: Wednesday, July 3 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 520 Chestnut Street
Bring your own blanket and get comfortable on the lawn of Independence Hall for an evening of patriotic tunes. The Philly POPS will be joined by Tony Award-nominated actress and singer Susan Egan. This event is free.
July 4:
America’s Birthday Party at the Independence Visitor Center
When: Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 599 Market Street
Celebrate American’s birthday with an epic birthday party! Termini Brothers Bakery will be decorating a 5-tier cake on-site, and there will be 2,500 cupcakes arranged in the shape of an American flag. Betsy Ross will lead the crown in singing Happy Birthday.
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
When: Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
Kick off your 4th of July with a patriotic presentation at Independence Hall. There will be speeches, music, special guests and more.
Salute to America Independence Day Parade
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When: Thursday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at 5th and Chestnut Streets
Winding its way from Independence Hall through the most historic square mile in the U.S., the parade showcases the contributions and talents of diverse groups with colorful floats, marching bands and proud military units.
Betsy’s Independence Day Bash
When: Thursday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
Bring the kids for an afternoon of activities! There will be a naturalization ceremony at 1:30 p.m. and a ceremonial bell ringing at 2 p.m. This event is free.
(Photo by Tara Brzycki)
Spirit of Philadelphia Cruises
When: Thursday July 4 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 401 S. Columbus Boulevard
Celebrate the 4th of July aboard the newly renovated Spirit of Philadelphia! Savor tasty buffet menus, dance to music from the DJ and play games like giant Jenga and tabletop shuffleboard. Enjoy an amazing view of the fireworks during the dinner cruise! Click here for more information.
Party on the Parkway
When: Thursday, July 4 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 21st Street
Party on the Parkway is Wawa Welcome America’s biggest event for the holiday featuring a full day of family fun. There will be food trucks, live performances, beer gardens, games, zipline, a kids’ zone and more.
Fireworks at the Art Museum (Photo Courtesy of Wawa Welcome America Philadelphia)
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert & Fireworks
When: Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Wawa Welcome America invites the entire city to one of the largest free outdoor concerts in the country. This year, there will be performances by Jennifer Hudson, Philly POPS Big Band and the United States Army Field Band. The night concludes with fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
