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What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the city where the United States was born?
As it should, Philadelphia plays host to one of the largest birthday bashes in all of America. The City of Brotherly Love boasts a week-long celebration called Wawa Welcome America, featuring a wide range of events such as movies in iconic Philly locations, free hoagies on Wawa Hoagie Day, concerts, free museum days, parades, and spectacular fireworks shows.
Concluding the week’s events, the Fourth ramps up the party with a jam packed day of festivities. The day kicks off with the Independence Day Parade that winds through Historic Philadelphia and past some of our country’s most iconic landmarks, including the building where our freedom was declared — Independence Hall. With over 5,000 participants from several different states, the parade begins at 11am and features floats, marching bands, military branches, and other special guests.
Also in the early afternoon, at the Independence Visitor Center, you’re invited to America’s Annual Birthday Party with Betsy Ross and Termini Bros. Bakery. During the celebration you’ll find 2,500 red, white, and blue cupcakes, arranged into a giant American flag, as well as a five-tier birthday cake. Betsy Ross herself will conduct a brief ceremony to celebrate the nation’s 241st birthday and cut the cake. Make sure you stick around – all 2,500 cupcakes and the entire cake are distributed to attendees for free!
After the morning ceremonies, the fun continues over on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the aptly named Party on the Parkway. The main street leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is completely closed down, making for a fun-filled afternoon of music, dancing, games, cultural activities, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors.
The Philly 4th of July Concert kicks off around 7pm and is hailed as the “Largest Free Concert in America”. This year’s show is headlined by the legendary Mary J. Blige, with performances by Philly’s own Boyz II Men, the Philly POPS, Mandy Gonzalez, and Tony DeSare. No worries if you can’t get a seat up front and center, as there are giant screens lining the Parkway so everyone can enjoy the musical performances.
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Not long after the concert is over, it’s time for the grand finale. Two amazing fireworks displays will take place at approximately 9:30pm — one over the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing and the second will light up the sky over the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. The perfect ending to a great day of celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!
Philadelphia certainly knows how to throw a party!
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