When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia goes all out. Our city is where it (read: the country) all began, so we have some serious historical cred boosting our birthday festivities.
Over more than two weeks, dozens of fabulous (and many free!) events span the city during Wawa Welcome America (June 19 to July 4, 2023). The culmination on the evening of Tuesday, July 4, is a massive free concert featuring superstars Demi Lovato and Ludacris on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a dazzling fireworks display (because candles just won’t cut it here) over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
But the red, white and blue celebration kicks off well before July 4. Beginning on June 19, the 16-day Wawa Welcome America festival offers a slew of events commemorating both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. For the third year running, the festival’s programming showcases different perspectives on the meaning of independence in the U.S.
Other highlights to look out for: multiple fireworks shows over the Delaware River, free admission to more than 30 museums on select days, a wide range of musical performances, the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on Independence Mall and more.
Note that some events may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather or other reasons. Check ahead with Wawa Welcome America for updates throughout the festival.
Read on for our guide to July Fourth celebrations — from Juneteenth to Independence Day — in Greater Philadelphia for 2023.
American history starts with Philly. Iconic sites abound in Philadelphia’s Historic District, including two that are especially relevant over the Fourth of July weekend: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. Independence Hall is viewable by tour only, but the site offers extended hours (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) in the summer, seven days a week. (Tickets are required for tours before 5 p.m., while tours from 5 to 7 p.m. are first come, first served.) At the Liberty Bell, look forward to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. summer hours as well, and no tickets are needed, but bring a snack — there’s going to be a line. Our comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about visiting these two unforgettable sites. Philly’s Historic District offers plenty of other fun things to do for those looking to explore. And as the most walkable city in the U.S., you don’t have to go far to find waterfront hangout spots, critically acclaimed restaurants and, yes, cheesesteaks.
Where: Various locations including the Liberty Bell, 526 Market Street
More than 30 of Philly’s most-celebrated museums and attractions offer free admission on select days during the two-week Wawa Welcome America celebration, including:
Where: Various locations including the Masonic Temple, 1 N. Broad Street
June 27, June 30 & July 4, 2023
PECO cranks up the energy with a series of free family-friendly activities:
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
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Penn Park, 3000 Walnut Street
Independence Square, 6th and Walnut Streets
You can’t celebrate freedom in just one day. The National Constitution Center keeps the celebrations going with special Independence Day events all throughout the week. In addition to the permanent galleries, events include flag etiquette workshops, pop-up talks and a recreated revolutionary war encampment, where you can watch a blacksmith forge steel and test out the wooden muskets. Can’t decide which day to go? Stop by June 28 for free museum day, July 2 for the Finding the Fathers scholarly series or July 4 for Independence Day games and a show, all for the low, low price of $0.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
Celebrate the Fourth in Historic Philadelphia with revolutionary activities and performances for all ages. Alongside access to the museum’s daily events and special exhibitions, museumgoers can enjoy plenty of special programming including a naturalization ceremony for new Americans, stage performances telling the stories of Elizabeth Freeman (a woman who sued for her freedom from slavery and won) and James Forten (a prominent Black Philadelphian abolitionist and entrepreneur), and a hands-on program where kids join the Continental Army and sort out historic equipment.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Mayor Jim Kenney — and various guest speakers — take the stage in front of Independence Hall for a reading of the Declaration of Independence and an award ceremony, followed by a performance by the Black Pearl Orchestra.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
Philly’s Revolutionary War-era fort rings in the Fourth with contests, games, guided tours, musket and cannon demos, and more. Bring your own picnic to enjoy on the riverfront while you learn about U.S. history (or reserve a table for a $10 fee).
Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road
Celebrate the Fourth of July, Philly style! The official Fourth of July parade returns this year with patriotic floats, historic characters and performances from Miss America 2023, marching bands, dance troupes, military units and more.
Where: The parade begins at Market and South 2nd Streets and ends at City Hall
Let the folks at Peddler’s Village handle the grilling this Fourth of July. The Bucks County shopping destination’s annual Independence Day event offers an all-American barbecue picnic alongside live music, family-friendly entertainment and activities for the kiddos.
Where: Peddler's Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope
This is it: the big one. Wawa Welcome America culminates in a giant, free-for-everyone party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the evening of the Fourth of July. The centerpiece of the celebration is a high-energy concert headlined by superstars Adam Blackstone, Ludacris and Demi Lovato ahead of a stunning fireworks finale. Note: Guests can enter the Parkway through gates at 20th Street and Logan Circle beginning at 4 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 200 N. 19th Street
The Chester County Concert Band treats the town to patriotic tunes while folks gather in Wayne’s Wilson Farm Park ahead of an Independence Day fireworks display, lighting up the skies at dusk. This year, grab refreshments at one of the pay-as-you-go food and ice cream trucks, or pack your own lawn chairs and picnics.
Where: Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne
Note: Due to inclement weather and a delayed start to the Wawa Welcome America concert this evening, fireworks will begin at 10:45 p.m.
Following the free Ludacris and Demi Lovato concert (see above), this fantastic fireworks show lights up the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Crowds gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle and look skyward for the 16-day celebration’s signature send-off. (The Parkway is just one of 11 great spots to catch the July 4th display.) Boom!
Now Open
Springtime in Philly means good times with good friends, preferably with a breeze at your back and a cold drink in your hand. Many of Philly’s most popular outdoor venues are now open for the season, including waterfront destinations like Morgan’s Pier and Liberty Point, lush beer gardens like Independence Beer Garden in the Historic District and the Rodin Garden Bar (Fridays only), Uptown Beer Garden in Center City and PHS Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk, and the ever-popular rooftop Bok Bar in South Philly. Cheers!
Where: Various locations including Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Saturdays and Sundays
Bring an empty stomach to this now-permanent (yes!) weekend market in FDR Park, featuring dozens of food tents serving up Southeast Asian street food, exotic produce, flavorful spice blends and delicious beverages. For folks already tuned in to this South Philly treasure, note that, starting in July, the market moves to a new location in the park.
Where: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street
Dates vary
Philly’s roving beer garden brings brews and bites to parks and green spaces in nearly every corner of the city this year. Around Independence Day, catch Parks on Tap at the following locations:
Where: The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive
McMichael Park, 3299 Midvale Avenue
FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street
Franklin Square lights up the night with the return of the ticketed Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit among dozens of spectacular glowing installations (some never seen before), live stage performances, festival-themed crafts by Chinese artisans, and international food and drink — including the return of the super-popular Dragon Beer Garden.
Through Sunday, July 16, 2023
Lace up! This spring, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park paints the town rainbow with colorful springtime skate sessions. Vibrant overhead art and the checkerboard rink floor bring good times and retro vibes. For more fun, chow down at the Dilworth Park Café, fuel up at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden or hop your way through the Dilworth Park dancing fountain. Advance reservations for hour-long skating sessions are strongly recommended, and discounted matinee skate sessions are offered Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
Through Sunday, August 27, 2023
The House of Mouse celebrates a century of dazzling audiences with a brand-new exhibition, making its world premiere in Philadelphia. Disney100: The Exhibition opens the vaults for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows and attractions, offering 10 themed galleries with interactive installations covering everything from Snow White to Star Wars. Pro tip: Score complimentary tix to the exhibition when you book the Visit Philly Overnight Package for stays through August 20, 2023.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
Through Sunday, September 24, 2023
When the ice melts and the shades come out, it’s time for Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. The annual Penn’s Landing extravaganza boasts boardwalk games, carnival rides, mini-golf, an arcade, the city’s largest outdoor roller skating rink and much, much more. The fest has plenty of food and drink options on deck, including faves like the funnel cake at Skelly’s, the creative cocktails at The Lodge Bar or the Crabfries at Chickie’s & Pete’s. General admission is free (everything else is pay-as-you-go).
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio and arcade games, musical performances and tasty treats from local purveyors while strolling the boardwalk at this warm-weather attraction. Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect escape for visitors looking to relax and locals hoping to unwind.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
The Greater Philadelphia area offers many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Along with West Philadelphia’s huge parade and festival (see below), you can find celebrations in areas like the historic Germantown neighborhood and Chester County, as well as events at attractions and venues like The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens, the Betsy Ross House and more.
Where: Various locations including the Johnson House Historic Site, 6306 Germantown Avenue
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival & Parade is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. The all-day event kicks off in West Philadelphia with a parade, performances and floats from noon to 2 p.m. After the parade, kids can join in the fun with a carnival, games, arts and crafts, and more at the Children’s Village. A music festival pumps up the crowd with a lineup featuring Fatman Scoop, Lil Mo and DJ Cupid from 3 to 7 p.m. And all throughout the day, a marketplace of over 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses, vendors, nonprofits and Philly entrepreneurs line Malcolm X Park with treats, artwork, free food, yoga classes and more.
Where: Various locations in West Philadelphia including Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street
This Juneteenth celebration is a daylong block party outside of The African American Museum in Philadelphia, featuring performances from legendary DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame), a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses, food trucks, hands-on activities and free admission to the museum (with online registration).
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
LOVE Park lives up to its name during this daylong celebration spotlighting the contributions of Philly’s refugee communities and the families that welcome and support them. The festival-like atmosphere is full of live music, storytelling, interactive art-making, and free dance lessons celebrating popular dances from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
Where: LOVE Park, North 15th Street & Arch Street
Bring a blanket and sprawl out on six-plus acres of playground during this fun-filled kids music festival. The day features performances by Emmy Award winner Alex & The Kaleidoscope, music by Johnny Shortcake, a rendition of Let It Go by a member of Disney’s Frozen and other attractions like art stations, giveaways and food trucks. The event is free to attend, but capacity is limited, so advanced registration is required.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive
Part of the PECO Multicultural Series and officially joining the Wawa Welcome America celebration for the first time in 2023, Hispanic Fiesta is an annual event celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage with two days of food, dancing and music. Musicians Manny Manuel and El Canario get the party started with salsa and merengue tunes before grand-finale fireworks each night of the celebration.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
You already know that Rocky is quintessential Philly. But when’s the last time you watched cinema’s most famous underdog story on the big screen? Go the distance this month with a free screening of Rocky at the Philadelphia Film Center. (You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll yell, “Adrian!”) Seats are limited, so reserve your tickets in advance.
Where: Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street
What’s better than a free hoagie? Seven tons of free hoagies! On Wawa Hoagie Day, competing teams of first responders, military members and other everyday heroes gather at Independence Mall to take part in the ultimate Philly showdown: a hoagie-building competition. Everyone’s a winner in this friendly food fight as the teams build and distribute 25,000 (!) free Wawa Shorti hoagies to residents and visitors.
Ten-hut! Join the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus for America the Beautiful, a celebration of veterans across every generation with moving musical performances and visual presentations. BYO blankets and chairs.
Where: Independence Mall, 1 N. Independence Mall
Check out live performances and workshops, chow down at various pay-as-you-go food trucks or even zoom down a 120-foot (!) slide during this festive celebration on the Avenue of the Arts. The block party also features free giveaways, a family-friendly dance party and — onstage at the Kimmel Center — preview performances from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen. The day’s events are free to attend, but RSVPs are recommended.
Where: Broad Street between Locust Street and Spruce Street
A special edition of Shady Brook Farm’s ticketed Summer UnWINEd series features live music, food, craft beer, specialty cocktails and wine from Rose Bank Winery. Top it all of with an Independence Day fireworks spectacle.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Originally formed back in 1922 by General John J. Pershing, the United States Army band Pershing’s Own comes to Philadelphia for a patriotic, star-spangled concert — capped off by an exciting fireworks show over the water. (And Philly has no shortage of spots to enjoy the fireworks.)
Kennett Square’s uber-popular and breathtakingly beautiful botanical garden celebrates the Fourth with musical selections and soaring water shows that highlight the unbreakable spirit of America. Pieces span Lin-Manuel Miranda’s The Story of Tonight (from Hamilton) to Whitney Houston and the Florida Orchestra’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Jackpot! Rivers Casino Philadelphia joins in on the Fourth of July festivities with a huge outdoor party in Fishtown. On the docket: Local food trucks, games like cornhole and giant Connect Four, family fun like face painting and balloon artists, a live stage featuring both a DJ and a Michael Jackson tribute band, and the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the river.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue
Canceled due to inclement weather
June 30 & July 14, 2023
This hittin’ season, phans can enjoy dazzling post-game fireworks not once, but twice. Stick around for a spectacle after the game on June 30 against the Nationals and again on July 14 after facing off against the Padres.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
What to look forward to in Philly, June through September...