Looking for some fun and unique things to do over the Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered.
Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival
On July 5, locals can head to Harrah’s Philadelphia for this belated holiday celebration. The occasion will feature over 25 food trucks, a maker’s market, pop-up beer garden, a Family Fun Zone with carnival games and a money machine with real prizes. Live entertainment will also be on-site throughout the day, and the event will cap off with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m.
Tickets ($14.99) are available online and include festival entry, the live concerts, fireworks and parking.
777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Chester, caesars.com
W Philadelphia’s Dance Party
Why not celebrate the Fourth of July with some music? The hotel’s WET Deck is hosting an open-to-the-public dance party this Friday, from noon to 6 p.m. While there, visitors can catch a DJ set from Porkroll’s DJ Duo, DJ Redevil, and The Night Owl, plus, peruse through a pop-up market from SOUVENIR. The WET Bar (adjacent to the pool area) will be open to walk-ins. Note that access to the WET Deck’s cabanas and pool is by reservation only.
1439 Chestnut St., marriott.com
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival has returned to Franklin Square. What Philadelphians can expect is the popular 200-foot-long dragon along with completely new lantern displays and immersive experiences, live cultural stage performances, Asian-themed bites, American comfort food, a cocktail garden, and a front-row seat to the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate.
For the first time ever, locals can opt to purchase the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass for unlimited entry throughout the duration of the occasion. Adult passes (with ID) run for $80 and children (ages 3-13) for $45. Typical Monday through Thursday tickets will be priced at $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free), $24 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.). Friday through Sunday tickets, on the other hand, (timed tickets required) run for $29 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, kids 2 and under are free) and $27 for seniors and active military.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
The world of pollinators will be explored daily at Morris Arboretum & Gardens with their newest exhibition, ‘Bees, Butterflies, & Blooms: A Pollinator Paradise.’ Running now through Sept. 30, the showcase will feature different events, with one focal point being the addition of ‘Garden Railway: World Pollinators.’ Through this specific activation, guests will see a display of pollinators from around the world made from natural materials such as bark, leaves, twigs, mosses and acorns, set amongst Morris’ charming, natural train set.
July will additionally kick off the venue’s annual display, ‘Exuberant Blooms’, featuring a variety of tropical plants, with heights ranging from a foot tall to over 10 feet. A full schedule of events this summer at Morris can be found online.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Kaleidoscope Cove at the CAA
The Camden Adventure Aquarium’s new exhibit features more than 100 aquatic species, a portion of which have never been seen at the New Jersey venue before. What sets this particular addition apart is the fact that these species are united by vibrant colorful traits in both movement and bioluminescence.
As the lights shift, the exhibit changes, making each visit different. Featured species include flashlight fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, poison dart frogs, purple-striped jellyfish, clownfish and hippo tangs. There are a few other reasons to head to Kaleidoscope Hall outside of the showcase as well—like a glowing jellyfish exhibit for one, a hands-on touch experience at Sea Star Shores and the “Draw Alive” mural. With the latter, guests can sketch their own sea creatures, which will then animate and swim across a digital “ocean” in real-time. The experience is included with regular admission.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
