10 Days to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Philly

If there is any American town that would know something about Independence Day, it would have to be Philadelphia. So it isn't surprising that this city has scheduled 10 days worth of attractions to celebrate July Fourth. 

Elizabeth Evans, spokesperson for Philadelphia's Wawa Welcome America event, said the activities represent the largest, free July Fourth festival in the country, running June 25 through July 4.

Attractions include:

• The Largest Free Concert in America"
• two fireworks displays
• "Go 4th and Learn" interactive educational programs for young children
• a day-long “Party on the [Ben Franklin] Parkway”
• Philly at the Movies outdoor film festival

Evans described the festivities as "the most diverse Independence Day Parade in the United States, winding through the nation’s most historic square mile."

You’ll Probably Get Hungry
From noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, Wawa’s Hoagie Day (Independence Visitor Center Lawn at Independence National Historical Park) promises sandwiches galore.

Taste of Philadelphia Kickoff (Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.) pairs some of Philadelphia’s most notable restaurants (and famous food trucks) with world-class blues and jazz artists on two stages.

Go 4th and Learn
As part of the celebration, a series of events has been planned that offers educational experiences for young children. (NOTE: The Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum events are closed to further registrants, according to Welcome America).

The remaining events include "Go 4th and Learn about Fitness," and "Go 4th and Learn About the Mummers." The former runs from 10 a.m. to noon, June 27 at the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. The 6.5-acre playground features a giant wooden slide and 50 pieces of "unique, age-appropriate and accessible pieces of play equipment."

"Go 4th and Learn about the Mummers" (The Mummers Museum, 1100 South 2nd Street) will introduce children to the history of the Philadelphia Mummers in a storytelling and interactive music presentation with Mummer, Ed Kurlin.

Philly at the Movies - all shows 9 p.m.

• Monday June 25, Rittenhouse Square hosts The Great Gatsby, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, and preceded by a fashion show.
• Tuesday June 26, it's Ferris Beuller's Day Off at the Piazza at Schmidts (1050 North Hancock St., 9 p.m).
• Wednesday, June 27, Rocky will be shown on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway).
• Monday, July 2, Why Did I Get Married? is showing at The Dell Music Center (North 33rd St.).

Fireworks, et al.
Saturday, June 30, the Taste of Philadelphia Concert and Fireworks Spectacular, (Penn’s Landing 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) brings local Philadelphia culinary favorites together for another day. Later that evening, a fireworks display, sponsored by the Camden Adventure Aquarium, will illuminate the sky over the Delaware River.

Also on June 30, for $7, the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival (Walnut West Parking Lot, at Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, noon to 5 p.m., 6 to 9 p.m.) invites guests to enjoy an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet benefiting the Joshua Kahan Fund for pediatric cancer.

On Tuesday, July 3, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops! return to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with “POPS! on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. As one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions, seating is first come, first served (at Independence Hall, 8 p.m.). Note: Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Philadelphia Independence Day Parade (Throughout Historic Philadelphia, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) starts the day’s presentations off. Party on the Parkway (Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval, noon to 7 p.m.) is the highly-anticipated day-long celebration featuring blocks and blocks of exciting and educational activities, games, entertainment and food for the whole family until 7 p.m.

Finally, the Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks (Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th and Eakins Oval, 7 to 10 p.m.) hosts hip-hop/soul combo (and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon house band) The Roots. The festival’s Musical Director Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson will perform alongside Queen Latifah, Daryl Hall, Common, Joe Jonas and more special guests, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Following this spectacular performance will be a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.