Independence Day Ceremony
Philadelphia's annual commemoration of American independence is bigger and better this year on Independence Mall. Among other program items, Mayor Michael A. Nutter will be on hand to acknowledge the achievements of the Best of the Class, graduating high school seniors who have earned recognition for their academic achievements and leadership.10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
5th & Chestnut Streets
Happy Birthday America!
Around here, it isn't a party until someone breaks out the Tastykakes. Visitors can feast on a cake made of 10,000 Tastykakes while they enjoy live entertainment, face-painting and other activities at the Independence Visitor Center.12:00 noon
6th & Market Streets
(215) 925-6101
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Ice cream lovers can feast on as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they'd like at Penn's Landing. All it takes is a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund to indulge in ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy's, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett's, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others.12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street
(215) 629-3200
Let Freedom Ring
At the Liberty Bell Center, descendents of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the Liberty Bell, signaling the start of a nationwide bell-ringing.2:00 p.m.
Between 5th & 6th Streets and between Market & Chestnut Streets
Party on the Parkway
The action moves to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for an afternoon of music, entertainment and food. Kids can play free computer games or pop a few quarters into the arcade games.Radio stations will provide a soundtrack, and celebrants should arrive early to claim their spots for the Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade and Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks.
2:00-7:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade
Marching bands, dancers, patriotic figures and floats fill the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in grand Independence Day style, culminating with Broadway-style routines at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Everyone can enjoy the show thanks to giant video screens located at various points along the Parkway.
The parade is divided into five segments: We Love Philadelphia A City of Firsts; Love Where You Live; Love Where You Work; Love Where You Play; and Love How We Celebrate.
6:00-8:30 p.m.
26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks
Five-time Grammy winner John Legend returns to Philly for an evening of smooth R&B followed by a colorful fireworks display above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Philly's own Stylistics open the show with their sleek, smooth sounds and razor-sharp harmonies that made the world fall in love with Philly soul.
Brilliant pyrotechnics by internationally acclaimed Zambelli Fireworks Internationale light the sky following the concert. Set to the theme The Melting Pot, USA, the show includes music from nations around the world and reflects the colors in each country's national flag.
8:30-11:00 p.m.
26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway