July 4th 2024 Fireworks, Events Around Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Independence Day is fast approaching, so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Philadelphia. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in and around Philadelphia.

July 4 Festivities For 2024:

What: July 4th Concert and Fireworks
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4 (fireworks after concert)

What: Northeast Philadelphia Fireworks
Where: Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia
When: Dusk on Saturday, July 6.

What: Narberth July 4th Family Fun & Fireworks 2024
Where: Narberth Park, 80 Windsor Ave, Narberth
When: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, July 4

What: Ridley Park Borough Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
Where: 333 Constitution Terrace, Ridley Park, PA
When: 10 a.m., Saturday, July 6 (fireworks at dusk)

What: Upper Darby Township Independence Day Fireworks Show
Where: 69th Street Recreation Area, 521-579 S 69th St., Upper Darby
When: 9 p.m., Thursday, July 4

On July 4, Americans celebrate the birth of a new nation with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings and barbecues. Celebrations, though, predate by centuries the designation of Independence Day as a federal holiday, which didn’t happen until 1941.

During the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-Revolutionary celebrations honoring King George III’s birthday were replaced with mock funerals as a symbolic break from the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia — the Continental Congress voted to break from the crown and, two days later on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the original 13 colonies —New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was ongoing. Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.