10 Things To Do This Weekend: Independence Day Celebrations In The City
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Party On The Parkway
Philly sure knows how to throw a birthday party. Pace yourself, because the celebration of America will last all day long on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway today, with block after block of activities, live music, games, and food. Following the bash, the most anticipated free concert of the summer—the Philly 4th of July Jam—will commence, with a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Art Museum to round out the night. If you’re feeling weary of the crowds, check out our guide to surviving the Independence Day festivities on the Parkway. Friday, July 4th, 12 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
From Things To Do in Philly on July 4th: 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.
Franklin Square Independence Day Celebration
From Things To Do in Philly on July 4th: 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.
Brandywine “Big Bang” BBQ
If you’re looking to escape the city for awhile, The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is hosting a BBQ bash—and wine outings—all weekend long. Five of their family-owned and operated regional wineries will be offering a variety of food, wines, and live music to help you celebrate Independence Weekend. No tickets are required! A full guide to the different festivities happening at each winery can be found here. Friday, July 4th-Sunday, July 6th, Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, various locations.
Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival
Camden Waterfront is hosting an Independence celebration all weekend long. All events are free and family-friendly, including live music in Wiggins Park, military displays and demonstrations, special events on the Battleship New Jersey, and more. There will be plenty of all-American fare, as well as a Festival Beer Garden featuring Flying Fish Brewery. For more information about the festivities, click here. Friday, July 4th-Sunday, July 6th, Camden Waterfront, various locations.
Sugarhouse Casino Summer Concert Series
The summer concert series at Sugarhouse Casino is kicking off this weekend, starting tonight. From now until September 6th, you can enjoy live music every Friday-Sunday at the casino. In celebration of the 4th, Sugarhouse will host iconic band War for an outdoor show. Dance to hits like “Low Rider,” “Summer,” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” beginning at 9 p.m. this evening. Saturday, The Family Stone will take the stage. Enjoy food and drink specials throughout the evening as you rock out on the waterfront. All shows are free, with live music beginning at 6 p.m., and main acts beginning at 9 p.m. You can catch a free ride to the casino using the Sugar Express, or arrive in style with Uber and receive $20 in free play. More information and a full schedule of upcoming bands is available here. Shows are 21+. Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th: 6 p.m., Sunday, July 6th: 2 p.m., Sugarhouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue.
Philly 4th of July Jam
The Wawa Welcome America Festival is bringing the largest free concert in America to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway tonight. Following the Party on the Parkway, the Philly 4th of July Jam will begin, with performances from Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Aloe Blacc, Ariana Grande, Vicci Martinez, and our hometown favorites, The Roots. Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans will be hosting this year’s show. The party won’t stop after the music does: following the concert (around 10:30 p.m.) an amazing fireworks display will light the sky over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You won’t want to miss this. Oh, and don't forget to consult our guide to surviving the crowds and getting to the concert easily. Friday, July 4th, 7 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval.
Green Velvet at Morgan’s Pier
Add some Green to your red, white, and blue tonight! Popular DJ Green Velvet will spin at Morgan’s Pier tonight, along with DJ Mat Pat, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Celebrate the Fourth by taking in the Pier’s incredible waterfront view, and dancing your way into the wee hours. Tickets are available here. 21+. Friday, July 4th, 9:30 p.m., $10, Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd.
“Pershing’s Own” Band and Fireworks Celebration at Penn’s Landing
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will take the stage at Penn’s Landing for an free evening of patriotic music, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the waterfront presented by the Adventure Aquarium. Bring the kids, and celebrate America's birthday the classic way: with tunes and a night sky filled with fireworks. Saturday, July 5th, 8 p.m., Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.
The Crow at Liberty Lands Park
Need your alfresco movie fix this Independence Weekend? The Awesome Fest is presenting The Crow at Liberty Lands Park this Saturday evening. Catch the supernatural action film on the big screen at 9 p.m., with Rochelle Davis (who plays Sarah) in attendance! There will also be a pre-party prior the screening at Philly Phaithful showroom beginning at 6:30 p.m., with complimentary beverages, light snacks, and a meet and greet with Davis. More information (and a schedule of other Awesome Fest Events) is available here. Saturday, July 5th, 9 p.m., Liberty Lands Park, 926 N. American Street.
