Philly: The Ultimate 4th of July Destination?
Party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the city where the United States was born?
As it should, Philadelphia plays host to one of the largest birthday bashes in all of America. The City of Brotherly Love boasts a week-long celebration called Wawa Welcome America, featuring a wide range of events such as free admission to several museums, free movie screenings in iconic locations, free hoagies on Wawa Hoagie Day, concerts, parades, and of course fireworks.
A free screening of Rocky on the very steps that made him famous. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
After an exciting week of events, the Fourth ramps up the party with a jam-packed day of festivities. The day kicks off with the Independence Day Parade that winds through Historic Philadelphia and past some of our country’s greatest landmarks, including the building where our freedom was declared — Independence Hall. With over 6,000 participants from several different states, the parade begins at 11 a.m. and features floats, marching bands, military branches, and other special guests.
Following the parade, the celebration continues with the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at 5th & Market Streets, concluding with the symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell.
Also in the early afternoon, over at the landmark Termini Brothers Bakery, you’re invited to America’s Birthday Party with Betsy Ross. During the celebration you’ll find 2,500 red, white, and blue cupcakes, arranged into a giant American flag, as well as a five-tier birthday cake. Betsy Ross herself will conduct a brief ceremony to celebrate the nation’s 239th birthday and cut the cake. Make sure you stick around – all 2,500 cupcakes and the entire cake are distributed to attendees for free!
Related: Top 10 Small Town 4th of July Celebrations
An American flag inside the Betsy Ross House in Old City, Philadelphia. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
After the morning ceremonies, the fun continues on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the aptly named Party on the Parkway. The main street leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is completely closed down, making for a fun-filled afternoon of music, dancing, games, cultural activities, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors.
The Roots perform during the Philly 4th of July Jam. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
The Philly 4th of July Jam, the “Largest Free Concert in America,” begins around 7 p.m. and keeps the entertainment going with Philly’s own The Roots serving as the house band for the evening. The performances this year include names like Miguel, Jennifer Nettles, MKTO, Zella Day, and other special guests. No worries if you can’t get a seat up front and center, as there are giant screens lining the Parkway so everyone can enjoy the musical performances.
Related: Thursday Night: Philadelphia
Grand Finale Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
Not long after the concert is over, it’s time for the grand finale – an amazing fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s the perfect ending to a great day of celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!
Related: 8 Wonderfully Weird Museums in Philadelphia
A packed Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (Photo: Christian Carollo/Say Hello to America)
WATCH: Did Sinbad Get This Seasick? Hitting the High Seas of Oman
Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out our original adventure travel series, “A Broad Abroad.”
