Our town is known as the birthplace of America, so Philadelphia is an obvious choice as a July 4th destination. Fireworks, festivals, and drinking await this Independence Day, so skip the shore traffic and bask in all the glory of America’s birthday in its original birthplace!

Drink Philly Independence Boat Party
Thursday, July 30, 7-10 PM
The Spirit of Philadelphia
Undoubtedly the best way to kick off the weekend’s festivities — join Drink Philly for a booze cruise on the Delaware! $52 will get you a three-hour open bar, a dinner buffet, live music, and tons of fun.

Star Spangled Weekend on the Waterfront
Friday-Saturday, July 1-2, 8PM
Penn’s Landing
Visit the Philly waterfront all weekend for fireworks brought to you by Wawa! Friday’s event will feature a free performance from the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Saturday, the United States Army Band Pershing's Own will perform.

Pork of July
Friday-Monday, July 1-4, All Day
Standard Tap (901 N 2nd St.)
Head to No Libs for pork-tastic fun all weekend. The gastropub will be featuring tons of different BBQ dishes along with brews to match. If you order a pitcher of beer, they’ll even throw some free hot dogs your way.

Red, White, & BBQ
Saturday-Monday, July 2-4, 11 AM-6 PM
Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford)
Find BBQ from local food trucks, live music, and delicious PA-made vino at this wine fueled festival. Admission is $10, which also gets you your first glass for free!

Local 44 Beer Bar July 4th Sale
Saturday-Monday, July 2-4, All Day
Local 44 (4333 Spruce St.)
Stop by this West Philly pub and bottle shop for a special weekend sale. Their entire can selection is 10% off!

Historic Philadelphia Block Party
Sunday, July 3, 1PM-8PM
5th & 6th Streets Between Market & Chestnut
Enjoy this giant birthday celebration in the neighborhood where the Founding Fathers used to hang. Local food trucks, two live music stages, and activities for kids will keep you entertained all day. Head to Independence Hall at 8pm to cap off the day with a free performance by the Philly POPS.

Party on the Parkway
Monday, July 4, 12-5PM
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The parkway will shut down on the 4th and open up to heaps of food trucks, drink vendors, and family friendly entertainment. Word on the street is there’s even going to be a free performance by Kidz Bop.

Wawa Welcome to America Concert and Fireworks
Monday, July 4, 5PM
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Experience musical performances by Leon Bridges, Leslie Odom, Jr., Yazz The Greatest, The O’Jays, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, just to name a few! Fireworks kick off over the Art Museum as soon as the closing act sings the last tune.

Celestial Salute
Monday July 4, 7:30-11PM
Skygarten, Top of the Tower (1717 Arch St.)
Catch an amazing view of the Independence Day Fireworks from 51 stories high. For $76, you’ll get a three and a half hour open bar featuring craft beers, house wine, and premium liquors, a two hour BBQ buffet, and a priceless views of the festivities. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Independence Day Screening
Monday, July 4, All Day
City Tap House Logan (2 Logan Sq.)
Sip on $5 Yards drafts and $7 special patriotic cocktails all day long on Monday. They’ll also be hosting a special screening of the movie Independence Day featuring Philly’s own Will Smith.

BBQ & Beer Garden
Monday, July 4, All Day
Urban Farmer (1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.)
This Logan Circle spot will be hosting a cook-out and beer garden open to anyone enjoying the festivities on the Parkway. Starting at 8pm, they’ll be offering a prix-fixe dinner indoors for those who want to end the long weekend in style. The folks at the Logan Hotel are also offering special packages for those who may not want to travel back home after all the fun on the parkway. 

Photo via Skygarten