Philadelphia is pulling out all the stops for the Fourth of July this year, with a citywide lineup of celebrations marking both America\u2019s birthday and the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
Wawa Welcome America<\/p>\n
Philadelphia has launched its most ambitious Wawa Welcome America yet, with this year\u2019s festivities coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
One of the festival’s busiest days arrives July 2 with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, a citywide celebration commemorating the day the Second Continental Congress voted for independence. Activities begin at sunrise with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell and continue throughout the day with parades, historical programming, concerts, museum events, and family activities throughout Old City.<\/p>\n
That evening, Queen Latifah will headline the Salute to Service concert (8 p.m.) alongside the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. The night will then finish off with the debut of the Independence Illumination Drone Show (10 p.m.), featuring hundreds of drones creating patriotic images and scenes from American history above the Philly skyline.<\/p>\n
Thursday, July 3 features two of the festival’s marquee events: The AM will hold the National Constitution Center’s annual Liberty Medal ceremony, which will include virtual remarks from Pope Leo XIV<\/a> \u2014 this event has been moved indoors due to excessive heat \u2014 and later, the city will host the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.<\/p>\n That evening, the Philly Pops will bring back Pops on Independence<\/a>, joined by Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel. The festival then concludes July 4 with the annual Celebration of Freedom Ceremony. Marking the nation’s 250th birthday, the ceremony will feature a performance by Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, appearances by civic leaders, and tributes honoring the country’s milestone anniversary.<\/p>\n july4thphilly.com<\/a><\/p>\n Birthday Party in the USA<\/p>\n This Saturday, locals can head to a free, family-friendly event at the Independence Visitor Center. Dubbed the \u201cBirthday Party in the USA,\u201d the event will feature historic storytelling from Once Upon a Nation, colonial reenactors, a fife and drum performance, family activities, and the chance to sign one of the largest birthday cards ever created for the United States.<\/p>\n Inspired by Betsy Ross, ShopRite bakers will create a one-of-a-kind American flag display made from 5,000 red, white, and blue cupcakes, which will be revealed during a special 1 p.m. presentation followed by a community singing of \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d and a cupcake giveaway. From noon to 3 p.m., guests can also enjoy face painting, games, storytelling, and hat customization.<\/p>\n Chestnut Hill Parade + Fam Fest<\/p>\n One of Chestnut Hill’s longest-running community traditions is back. This Saturday, the Bocce Club will host its 70th Annual 4th of July Parade, with all the fun scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The free, family-friendly celebration will kick off with a patriotic bike parade at the corner of Hartwell Lane and Ardleigh Street before making its way to the Water Tower Recreation Center (209 E. Hartwell Lane). Festivities will continue with games, races, live entertainment, free food and refreshments, giveaways, and plenty of other themed fun for all ages.<\/p>\n chestnuthillpa.com<\/a><\/p>\n Lucky Duck<\/p>\n Anyone can celebrate the Fourth through an all-day party at Lucky Duck in partnership with Stateside Vodka. The day (July 4) begins with a brunch featuring a DJ spinning yacht rock classics, an ice luge, and drink specials before the evening fireworks. When night falls, guests can watch the Camden fireworks while DJ Sylo keeps the party going (this 21+ event is open to the public with no cover.) Note: dinner reservations are available through 7 p.m., after which the tables will be cleared to make way for a dance floor at 8:30 p.m. Late-night bites will be available when the pizza window opens at 10:30 p.m., and soccer fans can catch the World Cup game throughout the celebration.<\/p>\n 501 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Suite 2003, luckyduckphl.com<\/a><\/p>\n Beat the Bomb<\/p>\n Beat The Bomb Philadelphia is celebrating the occasion with the launch of their Summer Mission: America250 Edition. This new pop-up adds a patriotic twist to the immersive social gaming venue\u2019s signature Paint, Foam, and Slime experiences and teams will take on five new summer-themed challenges as they race to disarm a red, white, and blue paint bomb with set-ups inspired by backyard barbecues, beach days, and more.<\/p>\n The first 250 players to complete the experience will receive a collectible Bombie Beach Towel, while guests who upgrade to Premium or VIP packages can also enjoy an exclusive \u201cMerica Slushie\u201d frozen drink. Tickets are available for dates throughout July, starting at $34.95 per person.<\/p>\n 1218 Chestnut St., beatthebomb.com\/locations\/philadelphia<\/a><\/p>\n Little Walter\u2019s<\/p>\n Little Walter’s is celebrating its second anniversary\u2014and America’s 250th birthday\u2014with a festive Fourth of July cookout on Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. The East Kensington favorite is putting a Polish spin on the classic backyard barbecue with wood-fired specialties, house-made kie\u0142basa hot dogs served on custom Lost Bread Co. rolls, plus accompaniments and seasonal sides like pierogi ruskie, Polish potato salad, and mizeria (Polish cucumber salad). Guests can also cool off with sour cherry Polish water ice (with the option to add vodka), plus, the restaurant’s full bar and a limited indoor menu will be available throughout the celebration.<\/p>\n