Philly is already in the thick of Fourth of July week preparations and festivities, with Wawa’s Welcome America lineup in full swing and countless other holiday-themed events scheduled across the city.
And it doesn’t end on July 4, which lands on a Friday this year — opening up the ensuing weekend to extended celebrations.
From fireworks and backyard BBQs to museum days and history-infused events to remind us of what and why America once fought for independence, Billy Penn is here to help you plan or update your to-do list.
Wednesday, July 2
Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade (9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.)
A flag-raising, chocolate-making, storytelling, live poetry and music, and more “pomp and parade” that begins at the Betsy Ross House.
Then a parade of 13 fun and festive wagon floats — each fully decked out with iconic Philly landmarks and patriotic flair — leave from the National Constitution Center on what is the longest parade route yet: passing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and ending on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets.
All American Block Party (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Enjoy pay-as-you-go food trucks, family-friendly activities and games, special activations and extended hours at local museums and attractions, and a performance from DJ Sophia Rocks, a 17-year-old musical prodigy who began DJing at age 2.
Where: 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets
Wednesday, July 2: Cocktails and Congress (5:30 p.m.)
Opening night of this new event with Carpenter’s Hall, taking guests back to 1774 and the First Continental Congress. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while watching actors reenact debating independence, taxes, and learning how to come together to become Americans. $50 tickets. Runs Thursdays through August 28.
Wednesday Night at Eastern State Penitentiary (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Reflect on the theme of “Independence & Incarceration” at the historic prison. Consider the complex paradox of American freedom inside the walls of this prison-turned-historic-site and reflect on civil rights, mass incarceration and social justice.
Where: 2027 Fairmount Avenue | $17 online/in advance; $20 at the door.
Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band (7 p.m.)
The U.S. Army Field Band returns to Independence Mall, as part of the Independence Concert Series. Performers will also include husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. BYO chair or blanket.
Where: 599 Market Street
Thursday, July 3
Welcome to South Street Night Market (5 to 9 p.m.)
South Street’s incredibly popular night market series returns this summer, kicking off the 4th of July weekend with open streets and pop-up vending on the 700, 500 and 300 blocks of South Street, as well as South 3rd Street.
Pops on Independence (7 to 9 p.m.)
An over-40-year tradition returns, as the Philly Pops take to the stage for the first time under their new name. As a bonus: Ben Folds joins the orchestra for a special performance. Limited seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. BYO chair or blanket.
Where: Independence Mall, at 615 Chestnut Street
Friday, July 4
Philly Truce: Brotherly Action Parade & Game Day in North Philly (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
A rally and parade at Broad Street and Erie Avenue, featuring appearances from former NBA player Rasheed Wallace and others. Then, a day of games, including 3-on-3 basketball, flag football, tug-of-war, giveaways, and prizes, at the Sixth Man Center.
Presented by Philly Truce, a non-profit dedicated to empowering African American men with tools, resources and support
Where: Parade at Broad Street & Erie Avenue | Game day at 4250 Wissahickon Avenue
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony (10 a.m.)
With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America. The agenda: Mayor Parker speaks and presents the Mayor’s One Philly Award and the 10th Anniversary of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award – both honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in our city. Plus, musical guests DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine.
Street Closures:
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage placement on 07/03 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage removal on 07/04 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Patriotic Pet Costume Contest (10:30 a.m.)
Do you have the most patriotic pet in Philadelphia? Find out at the third annual Patriotic Pet Parade at the Betsy Ross House. Well-behaved pets of all kinds are welcome!
Register in advance or on-site on the day of the event. Participation is capped at 25 participants. The five prizes include Best in Show, Betsy Pet/Owner Duo, Most Inspired by Betsy, Most Patriotic and Best Non-Canine.
Where: Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street
National Constitution Center Independence Week (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Flag-raising ceremonies, a show about the History of Independence, a look at a fragment of the Lincoln flag, and learning about the four Harriets of U.S. history — Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs and Harriet Beecher Stowe — who confronted slavery through literature, lawsuits and direct action.
Where: 6th and Arch Streets | Free admission
Salute to Independence Parade (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
BYO lawn chairs along the parade route for this annual spectacle featuring a diverse mix of floats, entertainers, marching musical groups, and the debut of the first float set for the America 250 Semiquincentennial parade planned for next year in 2026.
On tap: a traveling dance production set to the music of a song written by the parade producer titled “America My Home Sweet Home,” the World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps from Reading, PA, the Corotegas Latin Marching Band from Honduras, and more local groups.
The parade begins at 5th and Chestnut Streets and travels in front of Independence Hall in the exact steps of our founding fathers, and then turns right onto 6th Street, and then left onto Market Street, ending at Arch and Broad Streets.
Street Closures:
- 2nd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 3rd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 4th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 5th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Front Street from Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Chestnut Street between 6th Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From 10:30 a.m. to parade end:
- 5th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 13th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
- N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
- S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
- E. Market from 5th Street to City Hall
- 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- Arch Street between 13th Street and Broad Street
- Strawberry Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street
- Bank Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street
Sky High 4th of July at Sunset Social (12 p.m. doors open; 2 p.m. start)
Face painting and live caricature art are up for grabs at different points throughout the day. In the evening, live music and a DJ set the mood for the rooftop views of the Welcome America fireworks over the Ben Franklin Parkway.
Where: 129 S. 30th Street | Free entry | $10 meal deals
Porkroll Souvenir Splash (12 to 6 p.m.)
Philadelphia’s underground queer dance party from DJs Redevil and The Nightowl pop-up at WET Deck at the W Hotel Philadelphia with a bar, dancing, and Souvenir pop-up. Free to attend.
Where: 1439 Chestnut Street
Art, Music, Burgers and Beer (2 to 6 p.m.)
Burgers, dogs, beers (feel free to BYO) and the opening of Genaro Vergoglini’s art show. Original pieces, prints and shirtss for sale. Free to attend.
Where: Together Skateboarding | 1301 N. 27th Street
Hot Dogs Not Monarchs (3 p.m.)
“American classics with a twist, good music, and a beer pong tournament worthy of rebellion by Chef Harry!” At Old City’s Maisy’s Meeting House.
Where: Maisy’s Meeting House | 39 N. 3rd Street | $35 in advance; $50 at the door
Karaoke & BBQ at Baby’s Kusina (5 p.m.)
Sing your heart out during karaoke in Brewerytown! Grilling begins at 5 p.m., with karaoke starting at 6 p.m. Food includes Filipino BBQ skewers and pinoy chili dogs.
Where: 2816 W Girard Avenue
Arts & Eats: First Friday in Chestnut Hill (5 to 8 p.m.)
Celebrate the holiday with live music, BBQ, and participating galleries, restaurants, and retailers!
FreedomFest Fireworks Festival (5 to 10 p.m.)
The 2025 4th of July FreedomFest will bring fireworks, vendors, food trucks, beer gardens, music, a 40-foot Ferris Wheel, and performances by Philly Heart & Soul. At Pleasant Hill Park on the Delaware River at Linden Ave. Fireworks begin at around 9 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Hill Park at Linden Avenue | No parking on-site
Cedar Park Friday Night Jazz (6 to 8 p.m.)
A free, family-friendly event. BYO lawn chair, water, beverage cooler, and dancing shoes! Tonight feat. Bobby Zankel’s Wonderful Sound Six.
Battleship New Jersey Fireworks on the Battleship (7:30 p.m.)
Enjoy the view of fireworks from the Camden side of the Delaware River aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Live music, face painting, food concessions and a full-service bar will be available.
Where: Camden, N.J. side of the Delaware River | Ferry-accessible | $10 tickets
Other fireworks shows:
- Battleship New Jersey (7:30 p.m.)
- Harrah’s Philadelphia (9 p.m.)
- Narbeth Park (9:00 p.m.)
- Heuser Park (9:15 p.m.)
- South Germantown Recreational Park (9:15 p.m.)
- Pleasant Hill Park (9:30 p.m.)
- Camden Waterfront Stadium (9:30 p.m.)
Fourth of July Dance Party (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Celebrate with a throwback night to the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s, courtesy of DJ Deejay at Moshulu Boat at Penn’s Landing, perfect for a view of fireworks over the Delaware River.
Where: Moshulu Boat at 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. | Parking is $20 | $25.31 tickets
Welcome America Concert and Fireworks
Since 1993, this festival, concert and fireworks show has been a staple of Philly’s Independence Day celebrations, even as it evolved from a day-long event centered on the Ben Franklin Parkway into a 16-day multicultural lineup at locations across the city that also incorporates Juneteenth celebrations.
This year, the musical lineup’s headliner, LL Cool J, may or may not perform, as the rapper, actor and icon announced on Instagram and X that he “is not gonna cross a picket line” — unless the city and workers with the AFSCME DC33 reach a contract agreement before the evening concert.
Co-headliner Philly’s own Grammy winner Jazmine Sullivan and DJ Z-Trip are also slated to perform. The night also kicks off with performances from Grammy-nominated Jojo and Latin trap sensation Alvaro Diaz.
- Gates open at 4 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.
- Tickets aren’t needed, but prepare for big crowds and tight security. Bags will be checked.
- The single entrance will be located at Logan Circle, at 20th Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway.
- Here’s a list of prohibited items, including selfie sticks, posters, alcohol and ski masks.
- The boulevard will be lined with tents for free health screenings, local food trucks, Rita’s Italian Ice and a Herr’s chip giveaway.
- Fireworks over the Parkway begin at 9:30 p.m.
- Activities include a Beer Garden, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka with a lemonade spritz cocktail, and Chaddsford Wine available for purchase.
If you can’t make it in-person or just want to avoid the crowds, the concert and fireworks will air on NBC10, Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play, as well as nbc10.com and the NBC10 app.
July 4 Road Closures
Road closures will hit Old City, Center City, and the Ben Franklin Parkway. Check out the full list here.
Saturday, July 5
5th of July Car Show and Fireworks (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. + fireworks at dusk)
The Lawncrest Community Association presents the neighborhood’s annual Independence Day celebration. Daytime activities include a car show, music, information and resources tables, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art and food by the Lawncrest Lions. Fireworks at dusk at the Lawncrest Community Center field.
Where: Lawncrest Community Center field | 400 block of Comly St.
Yacht Rock Cook Out (Noon to 11 p.m.)
A Fourth of July weekend classic cookout in the Evil Genius Beer Company beer garden with DJ Bob Beast. At 7:30 p.m., New Yacht City plays a free live show at the taproom.
Philly Foodie and Fireworks Festival (2 to 10 p.m.)
Harrah’s Philadelphia continues the celebration at their Outdoor Pavilion and Racetrack. Food, fun, fireworks.
Where: 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, PA | $15 tickets
Multi-Day Events
Free Museum Days (various dates and times)
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Mütter Museum and Historical Library, Historic St. George’s Museum and Archives, and Cliveden of the National Trust are among the many museums and historical institutions hosting free admission days for the holiday.
Fourth of July Week 2025 at the Museum of the American Revolution
Special activities, costumed interpretation, and crafts for all ages to explore what freedom means to you and discover the American Revolution’s ongoing relevance over Fourth of July week.
Fireworks 101
Good viewing locations for Penn’s Landing fireworks:
- Penn’s Landing and its staircase
- Anywhere along Dock to South streets
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Race Street Pier or Cherry Street Pier
Good viewing locations for Art Museum fireworks:
- Lemon Hill
- Schuylkill Banks
- Kelly Drive
- Paine’s Park
- Belmont Park
- Girard Avenue Bridge
- Drexel Park
Fireworks safety
- Are fireworks legal in Philly? Yes, but only consumer fireworks like bottle rockets and firecrackers, and only for adults age 18 and older.
- Where and when you can set off fireworks? Review our handy guide to Philly’s rules and regulations before the big day. For non-holidays, quiet hours are either after 9 p.m. (Philly’s 2020 ordinance) or between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. (a 2022 state law). However, July 4 and the weekend before it allow an exception — a 1 a.m. cutoff.
- Where can you buy fireworks? Not in Philly, according to the state list. There are a few sellers in the suburbs, though.
- National Fire Protection Association statistics show fireworks start more than 18,500 fires per year and cause an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
- If you’re using fireworks, be safe about it.
General safety
A happy holiday means a safe holiday. So keep these tips for BBQ safety, grilling safety and driving safety in mind going into the long weekend.
- Drive safely. Wear a seatbelt when in a car or truck. Wear a life vest when on the water. Pennsylvania state officials also shared their annual reminder this week to stay sober while driving — whether that’s a car, boat, bike or other moving vehicle.
- Drink responsibly. The state Fish and Boat Commission will be doing sobriety tests on the water, and Pa. State Police say, “During the July 4th holiday, we’re showing zero tolerance to drunk driving.”
- Use oven/grill mitts and gloves, and don’t wear long sleeves or anything loose that can catch fire when grilling. Keep children away and don’t leave a barbecue pit unattended.
- Ensure your grill has good ventilation and no leaks. DIY outdoor grills and kitchens are popular, so make sure they’re also safe and have no recalls. Keep them on a flat surface and outdoors, not indoors.
- Clean your grill after use. Don’t leave grease to accumulate and cause a fire hazard.
Know your history
- Go beyond the touristy spots. This primer on Philly’s Revolutionary-era history (map included!) will take you to Cliveden and Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, the Thaddeus Kościuszko National Memorial, and dozens of historical markers.
- Join a non-traditional walking tour, which explores the city’s diverse cultural history led by women, LGBQT+ pioneers, South Asian Americans, Jewish Americans and others.
- Which museums are free? Family-friendly? Cover less-known communities? This historic landmark index will help you narrow down your Philly options.
- Go on a self-guided tour of Philadelphia’s abolition history, starting from the WHYY Studio on the site of the former Pennsylvania Hall — built as a meeting place for abolitionists in 1838, then burned down by anti-Black rioters three days after opening.
- Pay your respects to fallen soldiers, founding fathers and notable historical figures alike. In addition to this guide to war memorials around Philly, there is the Christ Church burial ground where Ben Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried, and potential African American burial grounds where pioneers in the community rest.
- Explore some of Philly’s unique murals and architecture.
- The Philadelphia region has an interesting tie to Juneteenth: Soldiers who trained at Camp William Penn were part of the army corps that secured Union control of Galveston, Texas a few days before Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, the proclamation of freedom, on June 19, 1865.
- Protest is patriotic. In 2022, after the Supreme Court reversal of Roe vs. Wade, people took to the streets to support women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Before that, the summer of 2020 was full of protests amid national outcry over the murder of George Floyd and others. And this isn’t a new thing: here are five notable Fourth of July protests from the 19th to 21st centuries.
- The city has commemorated the Fourth of July with everything from presidential visits to parades and picnics.
- The Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 is widely considered a flop. But it’s the reason we have Valley Forge National Historic Park, the clothespin statue, the LOVE sculpture and an expanded Independence Mall that includes the Liberty Bell. As Philly gears up for the 2026 semiquincentennial, let’s hope we learn from past mistakes.
