Independence Day Weekend on the Philadelphia Waterfront is bigger and better than ever! In grandiose fashion, your favorite parks along the Waterfront (Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, and the new Cherry Street Pier) unite for an extended Independence Day extravaganza filled with plentiful, heavenly eats, unmatched views, and thrilling entertainment that will leave you breathless.
Don’t miss A Star Spangled Weekend on the Waterfront June 28 through July 1: from the FREE U.S. Army Band concerts to TWO glorious firework shows this Saturday, June 29 and Monday, July 1st at 9:30 pm, markets, children’s activities, free movies and more, the Delaware River Waterfront will be filled with red, white, and blue vibes all weekend long.
You can catch magnificent views of the fireworks from any of our public spaces, too. Head over to Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest, Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, Pier 68, and Washington Avenue Pier to witness the magic in the sky with a friend or two...or three.
And, knowing you wouldn’t want to spend your weekend anywhere else, we’ve compiled a list (just for you) of all the reasons why you can’t miss Independence Day weekend on the Philly Waterfront.
The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
There is no better way to celebrate Independence Day weekend than to devour the sounds of the Philadelphia Orchestra under a blanket of stars. The Orchestra will host an enchanting performance as they continue their tradition of Free Neighborhood Concerts presented by Wells Fargo on June 28 from 8pm to 10pm.
Double down on a night of patriotic anthems and popular tunes, at not one, but TWO, U.S. Army Band Concerts. First, join us this Saturday, June 29 as The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” delivers an all-star concert followed by the first round of breathtaking fireworks. Then, on Monday, July 1, join us and Wawa Welcome America and feel the power of American music as The United States Army Field Band presents a visual and musical celebration of liberty and independence.
Come early for an incredible set by DJ Cutmaster, scale the U.S. Army rock climbing wall and enjoy tons of interactive activities. At 9:30pm, the day will culminate with a wonderful fireworks show presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and Pyrotecnico.
Spruce Street Harbor Park Sustained by Univest
Luxuriate with family and friends at #SSHP in our famous colorful hammocks, floating barges, and mouthwatering morsels from Garces, Chickie’s and Pete’s, Hip City Veg, and Franklin Fountain. Plus, cheers to independence with a tempting bar menu starring local craft brews, hard-to-find favorites, and frozen strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas.
And in case that just isn’t enough, shop at the weekly Art Star Pop Up Market under the tree-lined walkway, featuring more than 20 curated art and craft vendors each Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. Or, gather the family for creative fun with Sunday’s with Popup Play every Sunday all summer from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
All weekend long, roller skate from morning ‘til night at the largest outdoor rink in the region, ride the Ferris wheel -- perfect for sky-high views of Saturday and Monday night fireworks, enjoy the carousel, play fun arcade games, and stroll along Philly’s favorite urban boardwalk. Beat the heat with a treat from Franklin Fountain, Skelly’s Amusement, or go all in with a savory bucket of the world-famous Crabfries from Chickie’s and Pete’s.
Spend your Star Spangled Weekend on the Waterfront exploring the new Cherry Street Pier! Explore interactive art installations, artist studios, and stupendous vistas from the open-air garden -- perfect for reveling in two nights of fireworks shows. Don’t forget to satiate your hunger with tons of options from Birdies Biscuits, Cooperage, Hardena, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, and our Cherry Street Pier bar, stocked with local draft wines and brews to quench your thirst and satisfy every craving.
Now, let's talk events: for soccer enthusiasts, join us this Friday, June 28 for Allstate’s “Day For Play” with soccer legend Tony Meola. Live it up with a day of pop-up soccer challenges, goalkeeper battles; and a FREE old-to-new soccer ball exchange.
Excitement mounting? We knew it would. Shop ‘til you drop this Saturday, June 29 at the new 8 Fields Market, which showcases a rich assortment of artists books, zines, jewelry, vintage clothes and other goods from independent artists. Plus, attend an onsite screen printing workshop, taste test Crust Bakery vegan baked goods alongside local roaster, Ox Coffee, and jam to a special DJ Spicey Boy + DJ Nicho curated playlist. If you’re about to implode from excitement, mark your calendars for these other awesome Star Spangled events at Cherry Street Pier: the Artist and Artisan Market and Movie Monday featuring a free screening of “Faces Places” selected by resident artist Felise Luchansky.
Are you ready for a weekend of pure elation? Good! Because missing these must-see events aren’t options. Tell your friends, family, and bring your favorite, four-legged furry companions because a Star Spangled Weekend on the Waterfront is where it’s at. See you then! #MyPhillyWaterfront
