Philadelphia really pulls out all the stops for the 4th of July. There is no better place to celebrate Independence Day than Philadelphia, the city where it all began. Visitors come from far and wide to take part in a full week of events, beginning June 29th with Taste of Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing and culminating July 4th with a huge festival on the Parkway. From street festivals, to outdoor movie screenings, and of course, plenty of fireworks, read on for highlights of the 2012 Wawa Welcome America Festival.
Philly at the Movies: A series of outdoor movie screenings at locations throughout Philadelphia
When & Where:
Tuesday, June 26th, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Piazza at Schmidt’s
Wednesday, June 27th, Rocky, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Thursday, June 28th, Why Did I Get Married? Dell Music Center
Tuesday, July 3rd, Special Sneak Preview of The Amazing Spider-Man, Rave Motion Pictures
Go 4th and Learn: This series of kid friendly events tackle topics such as fitness, animals, imagination and history at various locations around the city. Check the website for details.
When: Tuesday June 26 – Friday June 29th
Where: Various locations from the Zoo, to the Please Touch Museum and Smith Playground.
When: June 27th, 12-2
Where: Independence Mall
What: There just may be such a thing as a free lunch at Wawa Hoagie Day when Mayor Nutter, local officials and Wawa celebrate our soldiers with a massive 4.5-ton hoagie.
Taste of Philadelphia: Penn’s Landing turns into a smorgasbord pig out fest with dishes from Philadelphia’s best restaurants and most famous food trucks. Simmer down to soulful sounds from the Riverstage.
When: Friday June 29th
Where: Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.
Concert and Fireworks: The Welcome America Singer/Songwriter Competition finalists croon their hearts out, then a massive fireworks display over the Delaware River.
When: Saturday June 30
Where: Penn’s Landing
Gospel Sunday: Closing out Taste of Philadelphia, gospel choirs from around the region will perform rousing and uplifting gospel music along the waterfront.
When: Sunday July 1
Where: Penn’s Landing
Independence Day Parade: The ceremony begins, fittingly, on the steps of Independence Hall at 11 a.m. and features music, speeches, and readings from the Declaration of Independence, then the parade winds through the historic streets of old city.
When: July 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. W
Where: Historic Philadelphia (Old City)
Party on the Parkway, Jam, and Grand Finale Fireworks: The grand finale of the festival is an event not to be missed. The Parkway is lined with 7 full blocks of games, entertainment, food, and more, all day long. From 7-10 p.m., Philly's own hometown favorites, the Roots will perform with special guests: Queen Latifah, Daryl hall, Common, Joe Jonas and more. And of course, the night would not be complete without the impressive fireworks display over the Art Museum.
When: July 4
Where: Ben Franklin Parkway