Top Fourth Of July Events In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. Ergo, when it comes time to celebrate the country's independence, it is the preeminent city to throw a national shindig. The festivities are so all-encompassing that just being in town on the 4th of July will ensure that you're swept up in and become a part of the party. However, if you'd like some specific destinations to partake of the emancipation celebration, following are some essentials, along with a couple outliers.

Independence Day Parade
Historic Old City Philadelphia
Parade begins at 6th St. and Chestnut St.
Parade ends at Front St. and Market St.
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 599-0776
www.visitphilly.com

Date: July 4, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Philadelphia's Independence Day Parade travels along a 1.2 mile route that begins just outside of Independence Hall at 6th and Chestnut Streets. From there, over 6,000 participants will travel up three blocks to 9th Street and turn right to march and ride to Market Street. The parade will turn right again, allowing the floats, antique cars, marching bands, members of the military and even Miss America 2015, herself, to strut down the home stretch to wrap the procession up at Front Street.

Southampton Days
Between Tamanend Park and Klinger Middle School
1255 Second St. Pike
Southampton, PA 18966
(215) 768-3883
www.southamptondays.com

Dates: June 29 through July 4, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The week-long celebration called Southampton Days is a spectacular old fashion family carnival event featuring a midway with rides and games and scrumptious festive fare. Different performances and activities such as pony rides, musical concerts, a talent show, a puppet show, and much, much more will be spotlighted throughout the week. The culmination of the 6-day fun-a-thon is the "ooh" and "ahh" evoking magic of multicolored explosions in the sky, the annual firework display. This event is one of the most popular in the area, so if you plan on attending, it is essential to check the website to find parking and shuttle bus locations because at 7 p.m. on July 4, area roads will be shut down.

Let Freedom Ring
Independence National Historical Park
520 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 965-2305
www.visitphilly.com

Date: July 4, 2015, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution are an esteemed group of descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence who formed in 1888 to "honor and perpetuate the ideals, courage and sacrifice of our ancestors who served in the cause for freedom through the American Revolution." Starting at 12:30 p.m. on July 4th, 2015, the PSSR and accompanying Color Guard will march to Independence Square to offer a dramatic presentation of  the colors at the Let Freedom Ring ceremony.

Related: Top Family-Style Dining In Philadelphia

"C… Is For Celebrate!" Fireworks
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
(215) 752-7070
www.sesameplace.com

Date: July 3 and July 4, 2015. Park opens at 10 a.m. with fireworks at 9:25 p.m.

If you want to celebrate in a kid-friendly fashion, Sesame Place has just what you need. Located just outside the city limits in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, this one-of-a-kind theme park features all of your favorite characters from the popular, long-running children's television show, "Sesame Street." Come early, enjoy the rides, water park, games, treats, shows, parades, and activities. The characters aren't shy, Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and more will all be roaming the park looking to meet their biggest fans! Then, before calling it a night, look, up in the sky for a delightful firework performance set to music.

Philly 4th Of July Jam And Grand Fireworks Finale
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 683-2200
www.welcomeamerica.com

Date: July 4, 2015, from noon to 11 p.m. with fireworks to begin at approximately 10:30 p.m.

This is where you go for some serious celebrating, freedom style! The party begins at noon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Attendees can expect food trucks, fun, and more as they rev up for the only celebration that counts this holiday, the July Jam Concert and Grand Finale Fireworks (part of Wawa Welcome America)! Featuring performances by The Roots, Miguel, and Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland), which start at 8 p.m., the music runs straight up to the explosive finale at 10:30 p.m. where a grand display of fireworks will light up the night over the Philadelphia Museum of National Art.

Related: Top Luxury Hotels In Philadelphia

Allen Foster, a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident, has been writing about all those wonderful things that make us feel so alive for over 20 years. He approaches each day as an adventure, eager to discover what new and vibrant surprises await just around life's corner. You can see his work on Examiner.com.