If you live in or near the Philadelphia area this blog is just for you! Philly has a lot going on but often times people just don’t know where to find out what’s happening. On the fourth of July there are celebrations all over the city. There are several outdoor adventures, museums, restaurants and other events all over the city waiting for you to explore.
If you are seeking something fun and different to do, to get out of the house this July 4th keep reading this blog. If you are not from the Philadelphia area, I encourage you to tap into some of the unique events the city has to offer for your next visit.
Wawa Welcome America Festival
The Wawa Welcome America Festival happens during June 19th-July 4th, 2022. This celebration kicks off on Juneteenth, if you are looking for something to do in June as well. There will be a variety of different things going on throughout the city. Some events will be free while others will require purchased tickets. It is a sixteen day long celebration, but the big event is on July 4th. That day there will be a huge party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to start off the day, and a Concert featuring Jason Derulo, Ava Max, and Tory Kelly to end the night off right.
Visit A Free Museum
There are several of museums that offer free admission throughout the summer. Especially during the week of the Wawa Welcome America Festival. Depending on the day and time, certain museums will offer free admission. Read this guide below for a list of museums with free admission during what day and time.
Sunday, June 19th, 2022
The African American Museum in Philadelphia: Founded in 1976, this museum was the first institution to be built by a major U.S city to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the culture and heritage of African Americans. There will be a lot of fun unique things to do for individuals and families including food trucks, and vendors supporting black owned businesses. Read More..
Monday June 20th, 2022
The Historic Rittenhouse Town: Home to America’s first paper mill. Take a trip back in time and learn more about this historic monument. Read More..
Tuesday June 21st, 2022
Museum of Illusions: This museum’s mind blowing illusions are great for all ages. There are over 60 exhibits to be explored. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time to guarantee entry. Read More..
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022
Eastern State Penitentiary: Operating from 1829 to 1970, the Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the most famous prisons in the world. Once housing criminal like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, this prison opened American’s minds to the concept of solitary confinement. Explore this museum during their Night Tours: Summer Twilight , Read More..
Thursday June 23rd, 2022
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: The first fine art school and museum in the nation. This museum offers free admission to explore famous architecture and paintings from artist such as Frank Furness and Gilbert Stuart. Read More..
Friday, June 24th, 2022
Rodin Museum: Located on the Benjamin Parkway visitors can pay what they wish. spend that day exploring one of the largest collections outside of France of the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Every Friday this summer guest can enjoy a pop up bar located outside of the museum, The Rodin Garden Bar, to enjoy drinks and small plates after visiting the museum. Read More..
Saturday June 25th, 2022
Arch Street Meeting House: This meeting house was built in 1804 on a property that was originally a burial ground for over 20,000 people. This national historic landmark gives you the opportunity to explore an active Quaker Meeting meeting house, a place of worship, and a museum. Read More..
Sunday June 26th, 2022
Neon Museum of Philadelphia: This museum is fairly new, opening in April 2021, to pay tribute to the art of neon with over 120 pieces. Read More..
Monday June 27th
Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion: Pay what you wish to explore through 7,000 square foot ecosphere filled with fish, butterflies, waterfalls, and more Read More..
Tuesday June 28th, 2022
Mütter Museum: One of America’s first medical museums, known to be “disturbingly informative” gives visitors an understanding of the mysteries of the human body and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Read More..
Wednesday June 29th, 2022
National Constitution Center: This museum features an original Bill of Rights, 42 life size statues of Constitutional Convention Delegates, and several amendments about the amendments. NCC’s Free admission day coincides with Wawa’s Hoagie Day of 30,000 free hoagies. Read More..
Thursday June 30th, 2022
American Swedish Historical Museum: Guest have the opportunity to explore the attraction’s 12 galleries for free. Read More..
Friday July 1st, 2022
Penn Museum: This museum is known for their collections of art from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Greco-Roman World, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including a Native-American exhibit. Guest who pre-register for a ticket can get in for free. Read More..
Saturday July 2nd, 2022
National Liberty Museum: This old city museum educates visitors on the diversity of all Americans and respect for all people through their interactive exhibits. Guest who pre-register for a ticket can receive free admission into the museum. Read More..
Sunday July 3rd, 2022
Barnes Foundation: 2022 marks the Barnes Foundation’s centennial, which makes it as good a time as any to visit this impressive collection of artistic masterworks from Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Van Gogh and more. Read More..
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Being one of the nations largest art museums, the Philadelphia Art Museum houses large collections of Renaissance American and impressionist art. Register ahead of time to pay what you wish for your trip to the museum. Read More..
Monday July 4th, 2022
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: Located in Old City, the Weitzman National Museum displays over 30,000 Jewish Americana items. It is the only museum in America exclusively devoted to preserving the culture and history of the American Jewish experience. Read More..
Peco go 4th & Learn
This series is represented by PECO, Wawa’s Welcome America’s Go 4th & Learn events offer educational activities that are great for youth.
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 – Sports, STEM, Music and More at 31st and Lower Walnut Streets
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 – A Cultural Journey at Franklin Square
Wednesday June 30th, 2022 – A Great Debate at Independence National Historical Park
Wawa Hogie Day on Independence Mall
Free Hoagie anyone? Join Philly by celebrating with the gift of free hoagies. Wawa will be giving away over 7-tons of FREE sandwiches to residents and visitors at noon at the Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
Summer Solstice White Party at AAMP
This event will welcome international recording artist, Barbara Sheree, as hostess of live performances, improv., a live band and a DJ. Food and drinks will be served. Fro more information about this event click the below link.
Firework Show at Citizens Bank Park
If you get tickets to the Phillies game versus the Cardinals on July 1st or 3rd, 2022 you can stay afterwards to enjoy the Xfinity Firework show. Purchase your tickets using the below link.
Waterfront Fireworks at Penn’s Landing
Enjoy a Saturday night patriotic concert by the US Army’s Pershing’s Own followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront. This event occurs on Saturday July 2nd, 2022 at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. For more information use the below link
Party on the Parkway on Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Immediately following the independence day parade, is a one of the largest free celebrations in the country. The day long party is filled with live performances, game, food trucks, and giveaways.
Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular
Right after the concert, this firework show will light up the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Find a spot on the Benjamin Parkway and enjoy the display.
Illuminated Fountain Show at Longwood Gardens
If you are seeking to celebrate the holiday outside of the city, you may like this option to explore Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Longwood Gardens kicks off their celebration by having special shows for Juneteenth on June 17th and 18th, 2022. To celebrate Independence Day, Longwood Gardens is hosting their show titled Spirit of America. Click the below link for more information on the fountain show at Longwood Gardens:
I hope you found these ideas to be helpful as you decide to make your plans for the Fourth of July. See the below links for more event Ideas.
- 23 Summer Date Ideas for 2023 - July 17, 2023
- How to Plan a Puppy Party - June 1, 2023
- How to Plan an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - December 25, 2022
