From Juneteenth to July 4th: A Guide to Fireworks, Fests, Concerts & More in Philly for 2025

American history starts with Philly. Iconic sites abound in Philadelphia’s Historic District, including two particularly relevant stops during Fourth of July season: Independence Hall (advanced timed tickets required) and the Liberty Bell (no tickets needed, but expect a lengthy line), both open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Our comprehensive guides break down everything you need to know about visiting these sites. And as the most walkable city in the nation, you don’t have to travel far to find waterfront hangouts, critically-acclaimed restaurants and, yes, cheesesteaks.

During Wawa Welcome America, dozens of Philadelphia’s most beloved attractions offer complimentary (or pay-what-you-wish) admission during Free Museum Days. Each day from June 19 through July 4, at least one Philly museum or attraction participates in the promotion.

This year, 44 museums and historic sites across the city are offering free admission, including art museums like the Barnes Foundation, cultural museums like the African American Museum, history museums like Independence Seaport Museum and science museums like the Science History Institute. Many also offer special programming and tours.

You can’t honor freedom in just one day. The National Constitution Center keeps the party going for 11 days during its Independence Week Celebration, kicking off with its Free Museum Day on Thursday, June 26, 2025, concurrent with Wawa Hoagie Day (see above).

Along with permanent exhibits on the First and 19th Amendments, daily Freedom Rising multimedia performances and Signers’ Hall’s life-sized bronze statues, expect special events honoring the holiday, including an interactive Independence Day show, American flag history and etiquette workshops, colonial-era crafts and a Revolutionary War encampment on the Front Lawn.

Year-round, the Museum of the American Revolution delves into the Revolutionary War through personal accounts and artifacts. And during their Fourth of July Week, guests can experience even more with nine days of special events, costumed interpretation and crafts.

Explore what freedom means to you with musical performances on the Plaza during Red, White, & Blue To-Do (see below), guided gallery tours, create-your-own flag workshops, an In-Gallery Talk on The Promise of Equality, a reenactor First-Person Performance of Joseph Plumb Martin (one of thousands of colonial teenaged soldiers), the educator-led Discovery Cart: Season of Independence and more.

America declared independence from England on July 2, 1776, and John Adams campaigned for that day to become America’s Independence Day. That didn’t happen (obviously), but the annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do aims to honor the Founding Father’s wishes.

During the commemoration, enjoy a special flag raising, events at sites and museums throughout the Historic District, the Pomp & Parade procession along Independence National Historical Park, freedom celebrations, games, restaurant and retail specials, extended hours at attractions, a patriotic concert on Independence Mall, and the All American Block Party on 3rd Street (see below).

Part of Red, White, & Blue To-Do (see above) but a special event all its own, the massive afternoon-long All American Block Party is held after and at the end point of the Pomp & Parade procession, setting up along 3rd Street in Philadelphia’s Historic District.

The party spreads out between Chestnut and Walnut streets (by the First Bank of the United States and Museum of the American Revolution) and includes pay-as-you-go food trucks, family-friendly activities, games and culturally-inspired music and dance performances at eight different stages. Some area museums will offer extended hours afterwards.

The famous U.S. Army Field Band honors soldiers and veterans during the popular Salute to Service show featuring a rousing selection of Americana, gospel, rock and patriotic tunes. Come early to grab limited first-come, first-served seating, or bring your lawn chairs and blankets (and snacks) and spread out on the Independence Mall grass.

Along with showcasing talented Army musicians, this powerful evening of music — part of Wawa Welcome America’s Independence Concert Series Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia — will also feature a special performance by acclaimed husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty.

They’re back and pops-ier than ever! The 2025 edition of the over-four-decade-old tradition Pops on Independence — part of Wawa Welcome America’s Independence Concert Series Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia— marks the official return of the Philly Pops, as well as the debut performance of newly appointed music director Chris Dragon.

The pops band excites concertgoers with a night of patriotic standards and beloved Americana. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds also joins the orchestra as a special guest. Limited first-come, first-served seating is available, or BYO blankets and lawn chairs.

The morning of July Fourth welcomes the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, Independence Day’s formal kickoff, honoring everyday Americans with pomp, circumstance and patriotism in front of Independence Hall.

The event features remarks from Mayor Cherelle Parker, plus the presentation of the Mayor’s One Philly Award and tenth Wawa Foundation Hero Award — both honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in Philadelphia — along with music from DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine. Stick around for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence nearly 249 years to the day it was first read on this very spot.

Predating the first Independence Day, Fort Mifflin is the oldest American military facility in continuous service, commissioned 1771. It is the site where colonial troops beat back a British naval invasion and held off 2,000 Redcoats while Washington withdrew to Valley Forge.

Celebrate the day during The 4th at the Fort by touring the Revolution-era grounds and buildings, walking the walls, participating in musket drills, firing the cannon (for an additional fee) or just enjoying a picnic. Bonus: Watch airliners land low right over the military park on approach to Philadelphia International Airport.

Join over 80,000 spectators for the annual Salute to Independence Parade — the nation’s largest Independence Day procession — featuring dozens of colorful floats along with thousands of dancers, marching bands, drummers, color guards, drill teams and celebrities celebrating our nation.

Find a spot on the sidelines to view highlights including a dance to original song America My Home Sweet Home, the world champion Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps and the debut of the first float set designed for America’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The parade begins near Independence Hall and ends north of City Hall.

Journey through 360 years of the American Jewish experience at the always-free (with suggested donation) Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the country’s only museum exclusively devoted to preserving the culture, history and heritage of the nation’s Jewish diaspora.

Head to the Weitzman on the Fourth after the Salute to Independence Parade (see above) for a day of special activities to promote a deeper understanding of our nation’s culture and values. Check the museum’s website for a detailed schedule of activities as the date approaches.

Nothing says Independence Day like burgers, hot dogs, ribs and … blueberries? That’s the juicy purple vibe at the Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash at Bucks County play-shop-and-dine destination Peddler’s Village.

This Independence Day all-day outdoor ’cue-berry BBQ features all-American grill favorites and blueberry-themed food and drinks, live music (including patriotic selections), old-fashioned games (for prizes), and lots of blueberry vibes. Then enjoy the remainder of your day around the site’s 42 acres and over 70 shops and restaurants, recently voted one of the nation’s 10 best shopping centers.

Celebrate the birth of the nation with a high-energy circuit of some of Philly’s most beloved bars, taverns and watering holes during the annual Official Philadelphia July 4th Bar Crawl. The event offers a “red, white, and boozy” day of fun, including free entry to participating establishments, up to half-off themed drink specials, food discounts, live DJs, party favors and plenty of surprises.

Included among participating self-guided bar hopping locations are favorites like Woody’s, GloBar, Voyeur Nightclub, 253 Rooftop, Lucy’s, Concourse Dance Bar and more. Note that locations are subject to change.

For an Independence Day fireworks spectacular and party away from the bustling crowds on the Parkway, head up to Pleasant Hill Park in Holmesburg for the July 4th Freedom Festival.

Celebrate the Fourth with family and friends during an evening-long fest of live music, food trucks, vendors, a Ferris wheel, a beer garden and activities for all ages at the Northeast Philly park right along the Delaware River. Then stick around after dusk for a fantastic fireworks display with room to spread out on a blanket or in a lawn chair.

Friday, July 4, 2025 | Concert: 7 p.m., Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.

After 16 days of Wawa Welcome America programming, the last Independence Day before next year’s semiquincentennial culminates with a free evening-long party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring a big-name concert followed by fantastic fireworks filling the sky.

The July 4th Concert and Fireworks festival is highlighted by music from Álvaro Díaz and JoJo, along with food trucks, vendors, wellness activities, a beer garden, games and family-friendly fun. Then join thousands lining the Parkway to take in a breathtaking fireworks show above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Looking for the best places to watch the display? We’ve got you covered.)

Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 descending on Philly in summer 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup — the global competition for club teams featuring champion squads from the six continental football federations — visits Lincoln Financial Field, providing an incredible preview of what’s to come while offering plenty of thrilling club-level action.

Independence Day marks the culmination of the Philly region’s bracket, with a nighttime Quarterfinal matchup on the Linc pitch between the site’s last remaining teams vying for a spot in the tournament’s “final four” at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Every Friday through August 29, 2025, hundred-year-old Shady Brook Farm, a real working farm in Bucks County, celebrates the season with the Summer unWINEd concert series with live music, food and drinks, and plenty of relaxing farm-fresh fun.

On July 5, 2025, the facility cranks it up a notch with a special Saturday edition featuring some additional Independence Weekend fun. The Summer unWINEd Concert with Fireworks event features music from Buzzer Band, local brews, Rose Bank Winery wines and spirits from The Silo ahead of a patriotic fireworks show launching at dusk.

Now Open

Summer 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, beer gardens such as Independence Beer Garden and Uptown Beer Garden, and rooftop attractions like Bok Bar and Sunset Social at Cira Green.

For even more outdoor options, check out our guides to Philly’s best alfresco drinking and dining spots and best rooftop bars and restaurants.

Now open

Give the City of Brotherly Love a standing ovation: The internationally renowned TKTS ticket booth service is now available right here in Philly.

Joining the ranks of New York, Tokyo and London, TKTS Philadelphia offers unbeatable deals of 30% to 50% off last-minute tickets to select Philly theater and performing arts shows (within 72 hours of the start time) including performances by Ensemble Arts Philly and The Philadelphia Orchestra plus shows at over 20 venues like The Wilma Theater, Forrest Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre. Tickets must be purchased in person at Independence Visitor Center.

Through Sunday, June 29, 2025

Summer brings rollerskating to Dilworth Park’s Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink in the heart of Center City on the City Hall west terrace. Grab an advanced ticket for hour-long skating sessions — rentals available or BYO — on the retro-inspired checkerboard rink (open afternoons and evenings seven days a week). And don’t forget to take a look up at the custom overhead art installation.

When you’re done, enjoy eats and drinks at the adjacent Air Grille Garden and Dilworth Park Café for rink-inspired snacks and cocktails. Worked up a sweat? Splash through the park’s dancing ground-embedded fountains.

Through Sunday, July 6, 2025

Film buffs and fans of Latino culture can celebrate cinematic grandeur from established and emerging Latino filmmakers at the 14th annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PLFF). This season’s 180-plus selections include features, shorts, animations, web series and documentaries, running through Independence Week.

Peruse the schedule for film titles, times and locations, including screenings at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, Fleisher Art Memorial, Taller Puertorriqueño and Cherry Street Pier during the event’s final three weeks. Other festival-related events include filmmaker Q&A sessions and the annual LOLA Awards, honoring filmmaking achievement in the Latino creative community.

Through Sunday, August 10, 2025

Hundreds of flags and banners stitched by colonial Philadelphia flagmakers like Betsy Ross and Rebecca Flower Young were carried by Revolutionary soldiers and militiamen. But only 30 are known to have survived.

The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the U.S. Armed Forces with the milestone exhibit Banners of Liberty: Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags, which showcases over a dozen of these original flags — the largest collection of Revolutionary-era colors seen together in over 200 years.

Through Wednesday August 27, 2025 (Wednesdays)

The pay-as-you-go Center City District SIPS series is back for its 21st season with lots of happy hour revelry. The weekly Wednesday night program offers substantial discounts at nearly 100 (and counting) bars, restaurants and beer gardens throughout Center City.

The CCD SIPS promotion is simple: enjoy $5 beer, $6 wine, $7 cocktails and half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. at favorites like Franky Bradley’s, Taste Cheesesteak Bar, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Square 1682, Bud & Marilyn’s, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Continental Midtown. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner at select locations.

Light up the night at historic Franklin Square during the must-see Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City. Celebrate the Year of the Snake among dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns and installations constructed by Chinese artisans spread around the park.

Along with the fantastical light display, enjoy live cultural performances, folk art, dumpling-making, fountain shows, festival-themed crafts and lots of international food and drink, including brews at the popular Dragon Beer Garden. Advanced tickets (timed Fridays through Sundays) are required to attend the event, which starts after the park closes.

Through Monday, September 1, 2025 (select days)

Family-friendly Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches feature free tales performed by specially-trained, uniformed historians at eight key locations around Philadelphia’s Historic District, from Independence Visitor Center and National Constitution Center to Betsy Ross House and Carpenters’ Hall.

Told in three-to-five-minute summaries, the stories recount details about some of our nation’s earliest citizens — well- and not-so-well-known — who shaped America’s history, shared in the places where they actually happened. Visit all the benches and receive a certificate and a special surprise in Franklin Square. Benches are available on select days through Labor Day.

Through Monday, September 1, 2025

During warm-weather months, the focus along the Delaware River waterfront turns to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. The open-air festival’s centerpiece is the NHL-sized rollerskating rink surrounded by a double-decker carousel, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, mini-golf, a moon bounce, and a midway with boardwalk games and rides.

Hit up any of those popular tentpole attractions, or just chill and indulge in plenty of food and drink alongside soaring views of the river and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Admission to the festival is free, with food, rides and skating available for an added cost.

Through Monday, September 1, 2025

One of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to travel around the city is aboard the colorful Philadelphia PHLASH Downtown Loop. Single rides on the purple buses are just $2 per person or $5 for an all-day pass, with free rides for children 4-and-under, seniors and SEPTA Pass and Key card holders.

The PHLASH service follows a loop from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with over a dozen stops along the route near attractions like Independence National Historical Park, The Franklin Institute, LOVE Park and the Please Touch Museum.

Through Monday, September 1, 2025

The latest iteration of the famous three-decade-old traveling exhibition, Body Worlds: Vital is on display now through September at The Franklin Institute. A joint work of anatomists and over 13,000 body donors, the exhibit is an exposition of dissected human bodies, animals and other anatomical figures, which allows visitors to view complex anatomy structures and functions in an unprecedented way through the innovative preservation process of plastination.

The exhibit explores health concerns of contemporary times and celebrates the living human body in its optimal state: healthy, vibrant, vigorous and in motion.

Through Monday, September 1, 2025

An intriguing exhibition is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, showcasing the monumental changes in design aesthetics that came during and after World War II. Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s highlights a shift toward creativity and a departure from norms across media, including fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture and more.

Within this exhibition featuring works from the museum’s permanent collections, see how artists brought new ideas to their work and began to express a creative spirit that flourished — despite the restrictions and adversity of the era from across the decade.

Through Sunday, September 7, 2025 (select dates)

Believe it or not, we’ve known how to get, how to get to Sesame Place — the only Sesame Street-themed amusement park outside California — for four-and-a-half decades.

Throughout the summer, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby, Julia and more favorite fuzzy stars invite you to the Bucks County playland for its 45th Birthday Celebration. Look forward to bright balloons and colorful garland, fabulous birthday presents and birthday-themed twists to favorite rides and attractions, including the return of the fan-favorite Sesame Street Birthday Parade. Get ready for the sapphire anniversary with ready-to-print birthday coloring sheets to bring along.

Through Sunday, September 28, 2025

The popular summertime attraction at Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River features a bevy of summery activities, a boardwalk with food and drink concessions, and plenty of spaces to chill — in waterside Adirondack chairs, in flat-bottomed net lounges above the river or in cozy hammocks in the meadow.

Favorite amenities back for 2025 include The Lazy Hammock covered bar and performance stage (with video wall), The Blue Anchor Barge local beer and cocktail bar and The Trading Post waterside snack and ice cream bodega, plus much more.

Through Sunday, October 12, 2025 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

Philly’s beloved roving beer garden Parks on Tap brings brews and bites to urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood to visit each week. Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks.

Find Parks on Tap at these great spaces between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July:

• Fernhill Park, Germantown (June 18-22, 2025)
• Historic Rittenhouse Town, Wissahickon Valley Park (June 25-29, 2025)
• Schuylkill Banks, Schuylkill River Trail (July 2-6, 2025)

Through Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Saturdays & Sundays)

Hailed as “one of the best food markets in the United States” by Food & Wine, the seasonal Southeast Asian Market brings the tastes of the region to FDR Park each summer weekend (in the park’s southeast corner in June and on the south bank of Edgewood Lake in July).

The massive culinary treasure includes over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, street food, native produce, plants, jewelry, apparel and more. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your food fresh along with your take-home haul. Please note: Some vendors are cash-only with no ATM on site.

Celebrating the anniversary of the day the last enslaved Africans were notified of their freedom, the day-long Juneteenth Block Party (in partnership with Visit Philadelphia) kicks off outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia with its theme of Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Emancipation.

On the docket: a vendor village highlighting Black-owned businesses and food trucks, a beer garden, book giveaways, wellness and relaxation activities, educational events like panels and speakers, and live musical performances headlined by Lady Alma and DJ Drama and hosted by Patty Jackson.

Kick off the first day of summer at the kid-approved Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground. The 11th version of the annual fest — targeting youngsters ages 4 to 12 — features a lineup including Hezekiah, Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill, Jams for Junior Jawns and The Mic’d Up All-Stars.

In between dynamic musical performances on the park’s spacious front lawn, little ones and grown-ups can enjoy free treats, interactive art stations, giveaways, wellness and relaxation activities, and more. The night comes to a close with a kid-tastic fireworks display set to Kidz Bop hits.

The month-long Doylestown Pride Festival is the Bucks County seat’s annual LGBTQ+ fete offering film screenings at County Theater, book signings, programming at the Michener Art Museum, a drag party and a dedicated music day. The fest begins with dual Pride Flag raisings at the old Bucks County Courthouse and Borough Hall.

But the event’s tentpole is the annual Doylestown Pride Festival Block Party along East State Street. The two-block-long celebration includes live music from local artists and DJs, drag performances, food and merch vendors, and family activities for all ages.

One of the city’s coolest neighborhoods is home to a brand-new beerfest — and everyone’s invited. Evil Genius Beer Company plays host to the inaugural Fishtown Beer Festival, which takes over Front Street between Columbia Avenue and Palmer Street (the stretch outside the brewery).

The soon-to-be-annual event features over a dozen local breweries, including Evil Genius, Cartesian, Dock Street, Punch Buggy, Tired Hands, Urban Village and more. Tickets include unlimited samples and a special event tasting glass to take home. VIP and designated driver passes are also available.

Find blocks of fun for everyone at the all-day Avenue of the Arts Block Party along Philly’s most musical street. Music is the day’s highlight with live performances at Broad and Spruce streets featuring Broadway’s finest singing selections from upcoming Broadway season shows, plus top-tier local artists.

Along Broad, festers can enjoy free book giveaways, a fashion show celebrating Philly Fashion Week’s 20th anniversary, soccer activities, a beer garden, lawn games, a Kimmel Center tour, pet fun at Avenue of the Barks, food trucks, wellness activities and more.

Come aboard for a beer festival experience like no other. The Battleship New Jersey is back on its home dock on the Camden waterfront after refurbishing, and Battleship Beer Fest is back on the deck of the nation’s most decorated warship.

Join beer fans from across the region as over 30 Garden State-based breweries pour more than 60 different locally crafted beers all afternoon. Experience tasty brews with an unforgettable view of the Philly skyline, as well as live music and specialty vendors during the shipboard festival.

Toast to the beauty of local and international Black culture at the free, family-friendly Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival at the Delaware River waterfront’s Cherry Street Pier, curated by multi-slash musical artist Shekhinah B.

Hosted by The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment in partnership with Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the third annual festival honors the spirit of Juneteenth through wine tastings from Pennsylvania wineries (which requires a separate tickets), local art exhibitions, live music performances, craft vendors and more. All ages are welcome.

The largest outdoor juried arts festival in the tri-state area, the Manayunk Arts Festival returns to Main Street for two days of food, fun and creativity. The 35th annual free-to-attend festival in the trendy Manayunk neighborhood brings together over 300 fine arts and crafts artists and creators from around the country.

Artisans showcase works in media from glass and ceramics to photography and paintings — with art fans, collectors, buyers and designers also experiencing two days of music, food from Manayunk restaurants, and shopping around the neighborhood’s boutiques and shops.

Held the Sunday after Juneteenth, the ninth annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival commemorates the anniversary with the largest event in the nation celebrating the summer holiday. First, a joyous parade featuring 25,000 attendees, 2,000 participants and over two-dozen floats proceeds through West Fairmount Park, kicking off across from The Mann Center.

The celebration then continues at historic Malcolm X Park with the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park featuring over 250 vendors, the Juneteenth Youth Pavilion and the family-friendly Juneteenth Music Festival.

The 2026 semiquincentennial celebrates America’s 250th birthday and brings huge sports events to Philly next summer, including the FIFA World Cup 26 and the MLB All-Star Game. Luckily, you can kick off the festivities now with the For the Fans Block Party outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.

Join the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for a festival of skill tests at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex like speed pitch and a soccer challenge, music from Go Go Gadjet and Mr Hollywood DJ, food trucks, and a beer garden.

What’s better than a Wawa hoagie? A free Wawa hoagie! Join 25,000 of your closest friends on Independence Mall for the annual Wawa Hoagie Day. The beloved Philly-based convenience chain will honor local heroes by giving away free Shortis (a 6-inch hoagie) to all comers while supplies last.

The one-day hoagiefest kicks off at noon in the Historic District along Arch Street between 5th Street and 6th Street. Between bites, attendees can relax with free lunchtime entertainment, then enjoy free admission to the adjacent National Constitution Center (see below) all day long courtesy of Wawa.

The Wawa Welcome America party stretches up to Northeast Philly for an evening of food, music and community pride during the free-to-attend three-hour Five Points Night Market along Rising Sun Avenue in the Fox Chase neighborhood.

Expect deals and rare finds from a slew of local vendors, all-ages activities and a lineup of nearly two-dozen delicious food trucks. Take a break throughout the event with live performances featuring Laura Cheadle + The Girls, DJ Fly Girrl and more.

June 26, 28-29, 2025

What better way to celebrate the season’s nostalgic Americana than with one of the country’s most legendary musical artists?

The great Paul Simon graces the Academy of Music stage for three nights of unforgettable performances on his A Quiet Celebration tour, widely regarded as the octogenarian Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s retirement tour.

Gather on the Independence Mall lawn for an evening of soul-stirring gospel music with the equally stirring Independence Hall as backdrop as twilight falls during the annual Gospel On Independence concert, part of Wawa Welcome America’s Independence Concert Series Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia.

Join an incredible lineup of local artists, choirs and musicians for a night filled with uplifting performances you won’t want to miss, headlined by multiplatinum-selling and Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian artist Marvin Sapp. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, or come early for limited first-come, first-served seating.

Experience Philly’s best Latino dance, crafts, cuisine and culture during the annual Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, hosted by the city’s oldest Latino nonprofit and Wawa Welcome America. The weekend fest, attended by upwards of 15,000 revelers, moves to a new location in LOVE Park for 2025.

Enjoy salsa dancing, interactive cultural exhibits, kid-friendly entertainment, Latino food, a beer garden and craft vendors, along with a day of music headlined by Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ivy Queen. The event kicks off with the Hispanic Parade of Flags representing each Hispanic nation.

The Battleship New Jersey is all aboard for the July Fourth season, celebrating its homecoming with an Independence Day Fireworks watch event aboard the historic vessel.

View the post-U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own Concert fireworks display (see below) from the deck of the nation’s largest and most decorated military warship for just $10 (or pay extra for drinks and apps on the Admiral’s and Captain’s decks). Before the show, enjoy live music, temporary tattoos for kids, and pay-as-you-go food and bar service.

Commemorate Independence season with a patriotic big band performance surrounded by the lights of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest (see below) and picturesque views over the river at U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own’s patriotic soul-stirring Concert + Fireworks at Penn’s Landing.

Originally formed in 1922 by General John J. Pershing, the famous Army ensemble returns to Philly sporting star-spangled favorites like By Dawn’s Early Light, The Liberty Bell March, Forged in Fire, Stars & Stripes Forever and even Katy Perry’s Firework. Speaking of, stick around for an evening-closing fireworks show above the Delaware River.

A free event celebrated across two counties, Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival is held annually inside and outside Abington Art Center in Jenkintown. Founded in 2017, the family-friendly event, hosted by The Welcome Project PA, celebrates pride in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Show your pride during the LGBTQ+-focused event featuring DJ Triiish, Philly Cheer Elite performances, yoga from Invert Your World Studio, food trucks, an art and sculpture show, and local organizations offering resources and plenty of tchotchkes. Enjoy live music as well, headlined by Jakeya Limitless, Yari and the Positive Movement Entertainment Drumline.

Founded right here in Philadelphia nearly 50 years ago, Black Music Month celebrates Black artists’ innumerable contributions to the music world. That legacy is honored during the Celebration of Black Music Month + Fireworks at The Dell Music Center in East Fairmount Park.

The free show — paying tribute to multiple expressions of music pioneered by Black musicians — is headlined by Kindred the Family Soul, Philadelphia Freeway and DJ Aktive. The event (with tickets available at the box office) also features food vendors, line dancing workshops, a roller-skating rink, yoga, Double Dutch performances and a night-ending fireworks display.

Honor diverse voices in the global culinary movement during Philadelphia African Restaurant Week. Over two-dozen restaurants across the city offer special discounted menus of African, African-American and Caribbean favorites from June 19 to 29, 2025, along with dedicated programming like cooking experiences, meet-and-greets and happy hours.

Programming concludes with the free, all-day Philadelphia African Restaurant Week Festival finale in LOVE Park. Celebrate community, culture and small business with food from across the diaspora, a marketplace of local vendors selling handmade items and live cultural performances, dancing, and DJ music.

Summer is heating up and so are Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and the rest of your Philadelphia Phillies. But as June ends and July begins, the Fightins host one of Citizens Bank Park’s most popular promotions with two nights of post-game Phillies Xfinity Fireworks Shows.

On Saturday, June 30, 2025, and Sunday, July 1, 2025, the Phils take on Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres. Enjoy the battle between two of the league’s top pennant contenders, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the darkened stadium.

Splish splash! Grab your tankinis and your sunscreen and join Wawa Welcome America for summertime fun at the family-friendly Cherashore Pool Party at Cherashore Playground in the Fern Rock-Olney region.

Celebrate the season opening of the pool with an afternoon and evening of fun with DJ Caesar spinning throughout the event, while guests enjoy free food, book giveaways, arts and crafts, a water slide, food and merch vendors, and more.

Honor the courage, sacrifice and service of our nation’s veterans and groups continuing to serve the community during Vet Fest held in Philadelphia City Hall’s magnificent inner courtyard. The event begins with a stirring rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner from Denise King and a welcome ceremony honoring local veterans.

The day then continues with live performances (hosted by Mina SayWhat) from Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics, Dan Harrison, Gooch & Brianna Nelson, DJ Queen Yaszy and King, plus veteran-focused services and resources, complimentary refreshments, beverage giveaways, and more.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Activities: 5:30 p.m., Movie: 7 p.m.

Welcome to Earth! Or at least the part of it that contains Independence Mall, where Wawa Welcome America presents a free Movies on the Mall: Independence Day giant-screen watch party of the timely 1996 sci-fi classic.

The film follows the stories of Marine pilot Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) as they and their band of allies work collectively to defeat a fleet of alien battleships bent on exterminating the human race. Be sure to bring your own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for this close encounter.