14 ways to celebrate July 4th in Philly

From an epic fireworks display to block parties and festivals, no one does the Fourth quite like Philly.

Whether you’re celebrating solo or bringing the family, there are plenty of events. Most of your favorite ways to celebrate are back, including a spectacular fireworks show, music performances, block parties, and more. Not to mention free admission to many cultural institutions.

This year, see the fireworks and take in the shows, but don’t let your celebrations end there. Keep the party going by checking your voter registration status and connecting with your local councilmember to make your voice heard. That is truly a celebration of independence.

(Art / history / kid-friendly) Now’s your chance to see the city’s best cultural and art institutions for free or cheap. Through the Fourth, some of the city’s best attractions will participate in free or pay-what-you-wish days. Some require preregistration or timed tickets. Participant places this weekend include:

(Through July 4, Various locations, welcomeamerica.com/events)

(History / kid-friendly) It wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without traveling back in time to revisit the journey to independence. The Museum of the American Revolution hosts events, workshops, and activities all weekend long from quizzo to flag-making. If you want to take the celebration home, stop by the museum gift shop for all of your flag-themed needs. (June 28-July 5, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)

(Food / kid-friendly) The Wawa hoagie is classic summer. Head to Independence Mall where Wawa will serve up more than seven tons (!) of free hoagies. While you feast, enjoy a performance by the U.S Army’s Six-String Soldiers band. (Free, June 29, noon-2 p.m., Independence Mall Block 2, welcomeamerica.com)

(Kid-friendly) You won’t want to miss this Chester County tradition. Bring the entire family for a weekend full of live music, food trucks, fireworks, and, of course, hot-air balloons. Book a ride in advance to head into the sky, or stay on the ground and watch the balloons glow above you. ($10-$20, July 1-4, 1326 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, phillyballoonfest.com)

(Festival / kid-friendly) Kick off your weekend at the Delaware River waterfront for a night of great food, music, and fireworks. Performances include everything from spoken word to song and dance. Fill up on your favorite local food trucks and try your luck at games and activities. Then, end your night with a grand fireworks display over the river. (Free, July 1, 6-10 p.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., welcomeamerica.com)

(Festival / free) Esperanza hosts a block party to celebrate Latinx cultures in the city. The fest has food, music, and local vendors as well as indoor performances from pianist Emiliano Messiez and his quartet, dance lessons with members of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, and more. (Free, July 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4261 N. Fifth St., welcomeamerica.com)

(Party / kid-friendly) Stop by this beer garden and pre-party before you make your way to the POPS concert on Independence Mall. Fifth Street between Market and Chestnut will turn into a festive block party with delicious food and performances including Rev. R2 and Da’Crew. (Free July 3, 4-9 p.m.)

(Music / kid-friendly) The Philly POPS are back to continue a 44-year Independence Day tradition. This year’s show features guest artists Terell Stafford; Cam Anthony, winner of season 20 of The Voice; and Paula Holloway. The Mother Bethel AME Choir will also perform, all alongside the POPS Big Band. (Free, July 3, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall Block 2, phillypops.org)

(Parade / kid-friendly) Red, white, and blue take over the city streets on Monday, complete with lavish floats, marching bands, dance, pomp, and a lot of American flags. Miss America is the grand marshal. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Market and Second Streets and makes its way along Market to City Hall. (Free, July 4, 11 a.m.-noon, Market Street from Second Street to City Hall, welcomeamerica.com)

(Community) Celebrate the Fourth at the spot where it all began. With Independence Hall as the backdrop, you’ll hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence as well as remarks from a lineup of special guests. There will be limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Free, July 4, 10-11 a.m., Sixth and Chestnut Streets, welcomeamerica.com)

(Music) This dinner cruise along the Delaware is a fancy way to celebrate the Fourth. Start the night with a chef-prepared dinner, live DJ entertainment, and drinks on the open-air deck. Then, take in the spectacular fireworks, right from the water. (July 4, 6:30-10:30 p.m., 401 S. Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com)

(Party / kid-friendly) It’s a block party under the El, hosted by Middle Child Clubhouse and Snacktime. Enjoy tasty bites from Liberty Kitchen, Pitruco Pizza, and 1-900-ICE-CREAM. Drinks will be served by Middle Child, Le Bouchon, and JamBrü Ferments. Middle Child Clubhouse and Snacktime have you covered with five hours of great local music. Kids under 12 can enter for free. ($30, July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 1232 N. Front St., tickettailor.com)

(Community) Grab your walking shoes and check out all of the Fourth celebrations on foot. Covering a distance of about eight miles, you’ll start at Jefferson Station and make your way along the Ben Franklin Parkway, stopping at various July 4th celebrations along the way. Stay all day or hop on and off the route at your own pace. (Free, July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 10th and Filbert Streets, eventbrite.com)

End the weekend with an epic concert by Jason Derulo, Ava Max, and Tori Kelly followed by fireworks synced to a DJ set. (The show will also be broadcast live on NBC10 & TeleXitos). Some tips if you go: You can bring food, a small cooler, pets, and chairs/blankets (as long as you’re not in the ticketed section). You can’t bring fireworks, weapons, large signs or banners, skateboards, glass containers, selfie sticks, laser pointers, and a few other items. (Free, July 4, 7-10 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com)