Things To Do in Philly on July 4th That Aren’t Fireworks
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival: Starting this July 4th and going through the 6th, the 15th annual Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival will be held at Penn’s Landing. On Friday, July 4th, come out to the first day of this mouth-watering festival and cool off with, well, as much ice cream as you want. Ice cream will be provided by Ben & Jerry’s, Haagen-Dazs, Philadelphia Water Ice Company, and many more. A $7 donation is required to enter the festival pavilion and all proceeds go to the Joshua Kahan Fund to fight pediatric leukemia. The festival runs all weekend giving you the chance to enjoy ice cream every day if you wanted to, while supporting a great cause. Friday, July 4th, 12p.m.-6p.m., Saturday, July 5th, 12p.m.-5p.m. and 6p.m.-9p.m., and Sunday, July 6th, 12p.m.-6p.m., Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony (Part of Wawa Welcome America): Begin your 4th of July morning celebrating our freedom. The hour long ceremony will start the day’s events as part of the Wawa Welcome America! festival and kick off Independence Day in an inspirational fashion. From 10a.m.-11a.m., the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony will take place and feature music and readings of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. Friday, July 4th, 10a.m.-11a.m, Steps of Independence Hall, 6th & Chestnut Streets.
Hike to Independence Hall: If you’re looking for an active way to celebrate the Fourth, how about a hike? Grab a couple of friends and join the Hiking Around Philly Meetup group for their hike to Independence Hall. The hike will depart from Chestnut Hill at 10a.m. and totals about 10-12 miles, venturing through the Wissahickon, Fairmount Park and even stops by Whole Foods Center City to grab a bite before ending up at the final destination. Just join the Meetup group! The hike costs $3 per person and there limited spots available. Friday, July 4th, 10a.m., $3, meet up spot TBD in Chestnut Hill.
Continental Army Cannon Drill: For those of you looking for the historic offerings Philly has, this event will help demonstrate military life back in the time of the American Revolution. How cool is that? The Colonial re-enactment group will be in Independence Mall outside of the Visitor Center to demonstrate the cannon drill for all to see, followed by the reading of the day’s events on the Mall for those that want to continue the history-filled fun. Friday, July 4th, 12:30p.m. and 4p.m., Independence Mall, 6th & Market Streets.
Franklin Square Independence Day Celebration: Looking for some family fun this 4th? Franklin Square will be hosting their Independence Day Celebration. The celebration is from noon-3p.m. and runs the entire Fourth of July weekend. If you’re looking for a place that kids and adults can enjoy celebrating America’s birthday, we’ve found it. With carnival games at $0.25 per play and the Lightning Bolt Express Train rides (tickets $5 for adults & $4 for kids), plus other Franklin Square attractions, it’s fun for the whole family. Friday, July 4-Sunday, July 6th, 12p.m.-3p.m., Franklin Square 200 North 6th Street.
Philadelphia Independence Day Parade (Part of Wawa Welcome America): Every year Philadelphians get decked out in their red, white, and blue to attend the Independence Day parade. Have you ever been a part of that tradition? If not, give it a go and celebrate by watching more than 5,000 people parade through Historic Philadelphia, complete with floats and patriotism galore. Friday, July 4th, 11a.m.-12:30p.m., 6th & Chestnut Streets.
America’s Birthday Party with Betsy Ross and Termini Bros. Bakery: Do you like cupcakes? If the answer is yes, this is the Independence Day event for you. Head over to the Independence Visitor Center for America’s birthday party with special guest Betsy Ross. Hosted by Termini Bros. Bakery, this celebration will showcase the world’s largest American flag made of, you guessed it, cupcakes. Stay for the unveiling of the cupcake-made flag and get to taste some for free. Friday, July 4th, 1p.m., Independence Visitor Center 6th & Market Streets.
Let Freedom Ring (Part of Wawa Welcome America): This ceremony will be held in Independence Square. The hour long event leads up to and ends with the symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell at 2pm. Friday, July 4th, 1p.m.-2p.m., Independence Square, 5th & Market Streets.
Party on the Parkway (Part of Wawa Welcome America): All afternoon into the evening, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the exciting place to be. Walk up and down the Parkway and enjoy all of the activities, games, music, and food that the party has to offer. There will be endless things to see and do with friends and family, all leading up to the 4th of July Jam which starts immediately following. Friday, July 4th, 12p.m.-7p.m, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval.
Philly 4th of July Jam (Part of Wawa Welcome America): This year the Wawa Welcome America! 4th of July Jam will once again take place in front of the Art Museum steps on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Best part? It’s free. Deemed “The Largest Free Concert in America,” this year will feature performances by The Roots, Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Aloe Blacc, Ariana Grande, and Vicci Martinez. Friday, July 4th, 7p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval.
