Check out these Independence Day celebrations leading up to the big 4th of July Jam and fireworks spectacular.THURSDAYIndependence Day BBQ CelebrationThursday, 6 p.m.International House3701 Chestnut St.$5-1$2, 215-387-5125www.ihousephilly.orgI-House residents and members of the community unite for a good old-fashioned barbecue celebration, with hot dogs, hamburgers, rock ’n ‘ roll and games for the whole family.The Philadelphia Orchestra's Free Neighborhood ConcertThursday, 8 p.m.Great Plaza at Penn's Landing211 S. Columbus Blvd.Free, 215-893-1999www.philorch.orgThe orchestra kicks off its holiday weekend concert with the “Star Spangled Banner” and closed with the “1812 Overture.” Fireworks will burst in the sky at the end of this patriotic performance.Philly@The Movies: ‘The Sixth Sense’Thursday, 9 p.m.Rittenhouse Square210 W. Rittenhouse SquareFreewww.welcomeamerica.comIt may not be patriotic per se, but it has a Philly connection. “The Sixth Sense” was written and directed by Philly’s own M. Night Shyamalan, and is set here. The outdoor screening is part of the Wawa Welcome America July 4 festivities.All American CelebrationThursday-SundayNational Constitution Center525 Arch St.Free July 2 and 4, $8-$13 July 3 and 5215-409-6700www.constitutioncenter.orgAll kinds of fun, family-friendly July 4 themed events are happening at the National Constitution Center over the weekend, including theatrical performances and flag-making workshops.FRIDAYLiberty Block PartyFriday, 1 to 8:30 p.m. Fifth to Sixth streets between Market and ChestnutFreewww.welcomeamerica.comThe biggest block party of the summer is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of Philly’s food scene and feast your ears on live music. There’s no better place to celebrate the birth of our nation than in historic Old City, surrounding by Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.Pops on Independence Friday, 8 p.m.Independence Hall520 Chestnut St.Free, 215-893-1999www.phillypops.orgThe Philly POPS will perform an open-air concert conducted by director Michael Krajewski, featuring Broadway’s Capathia Jenkins and Darius De Haas. “God Bless America,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” will be among the patriotic songs played.SATURDAYCelebration of Freedom CeremonySaturday, 10 a.m.Sixth and Chestnut streets, on the steps of Independence HallFreewww.welcomeamerica.comPhilly is celebrating freedom with music and readings of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and some inspirational commentary. And we’ve got some big anniversaries to commemorate, including the 50th of the first organized gay rights protests in the U.S., the 50th of the Voting Rights Act, the 50th of the Immigration and Nationality Act , and the 150th of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.Independence Day ParadeSaturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Starting at Fifth and Chestnut streetswww.welcomeamerica.comJoin more than 6,000 people in the nation’s most historic square mile. There will be marching bands, floats, members of the military and a cameo from Miss America.Party on the ParkwaySaturday, noon to 7 p.m.Ben Franklin Pkwy., from 20th St. to Eakins OvalFreewww.welcomeamerica.comThis day-long fest spans the Parkway with music, games, entertainment and food. It’s a family-friendly July 4 blowout, leading up to the big concert in front of the Art Museum.Philly 4th of July Jam Concert and Grand Finale FireworksSaturday, 7:30 to 11 p.m.Ben Franklin Pkwy., in front of the Philadelphia Museum of ArtFreewww.welcomeamerica.comTouted as the biggest free concert in the country, the evening jam features The Roots with Miguel, Jennifer Nettles, and yet-to-be-revealed special guests. It all ends with a bang as fireworks soar over the Art Museum.
