There’s really only one way to spend your Fourth of July evening in Philadelphia, and that’s through the classic celebration of fireworks. In Center City, the lone option is on the Parkway, which is not always the best if you don’t want to deal with a large crowd or wait until after several musical acts play. Fortunately, several other opportunities abound in Philly and beyond. Here are eight fireworks shows in the Philadelphia area worth viewing this holiday.
Abington America the Beautiful
Where: Abington High School
When: 9 p.m.
What else: They say more than 1,000 shells will be launched, which sounds pretty great.
Lambertville — New Hope
Where: On the bridge between New Hope, in Bucks County, and Lambertville, in New Jersey.
When: 9:30 p.m. July 3
What else: You could use your day off to make a daytrip up to Ringing Rocks Park and New Hope.
Lawncrest
Where: Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Boulevard
When: Dusk
What else: There’s plenty more to do in Lawncrest throughout the day and evening, including a 9 a.m. parade and an afternoon car show, if you want to stay away from the crowds in Center City.
Phoenixville
Where: Reservoir Park and Friendship Field in Phoenixville
When: 9 p.m.
What else: Plenty of breweries to stop at up here, but unfortunately you’ll be a week too early for Blobfest.
Star Spangled Celebration
Where: Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown
When: 5:30 p.m. entertainment with 9:20 fireworks
What else: Yes, Allentown is far away, but the drive might be worth it if you’re into things like pet parades, skydivers and hot air balloons before the fireworks show.
Upper Darby
Where: Upper Darby High School stadium
When: 7:30 p.m. show time with fireworks starting at dusk
What else: It’s not just fireworks. It’s also a music and light show.
Waltz Golf Farm Fireworks
Where: Waltz Golf Farm in Limerick
When: 9:45 p.m.
What else: Pretty old-school-sounding show. And it’s in a MontCo town called Limerick. How could that be disappointing?
Welcome America Fireworks
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Probably around 10:30. The fireworks are the finale to the concert, which is slated to last from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
What else: Check out Visit Philly’s guide for the best places to snag a seat far from or above the Parkway to watch these fireworks.
