Is there any single day of the year more stimulating than Independence Day? Filled with explosions of fireworks (and, perhaps, drunken lighter fluid mishaps on the grill), the Fourth of July is a colorful event in any American city. And where better to celebrate America’s birthday than America’s birthplace?
Each year Philly plans a week-long extravaganza to remind us why it is that Americans gather around their barbecues on this most hallowed summer holiday. Here are the hottest city-wide events celebrating America’s 233rd. Happy birthday, nation!
Wednesday July 1, join Philly locals from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Franklin Square to “Paint the Square,” which invites inhabitants to help create an addition to Philly’s ubiquitous mural arts.
Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing hosts an All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival — nothing is more American than unlimited portion sizes and sugar crashes.
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will perform at the seat of the nation’s history, Independence Hall, on July 3 at 8 p.m.
On the big day itself, check out the Independence Day Parade in Historic Philly from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the traditional ringing of the Liberty Bell at 1:30 p.m., then head to the Art Museum Area for the annual “Party on the Parkway” loaded with games, food and entertainment from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The evening concludes with the nation’s largest free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring Sheryl Crow, followed by, of course, a massive firework display shot off from behind the PMA.
