There’s more than fireworks in Philly this Fourth of July

Come get a Taste of Philadelphia this weekend.

Philadelphia, what with it being the birthplace of freedom and all, is ripe with July 4 celebration options. There are family-friendly daytime activities, patriotic ceremonies and several events based on celebrating your tastebuds’ independence.

Party on the Parkway
Yes, we all know about the star-filled concert, headlined by hometown favorite The Roots, and the eye-dazzling fireworks that’ll take place here later on the Fourth, but there’s plenty to do during the day, too. Bring the kids and stroll the parkway. There will be games and entertainment, plus a fleet of food trucks.

July 4
12-7 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from 20^th St. to Eakins Oval.

Celebration of Freedom ceremony and Independence Day parade
Get out and celebrate your freedom as well as your city. The ceremony, which begins at Independence Hall will include honorary activities and brief readings from the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony will raise your American spirits and lead right into the Independence Day parade. Though it won’t cover much ground (it runs from 6^th and Chestnut to Front and Market), there will still be floats, a marching band, and of course, a swelling feeling of pride.

July 4
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Independence Hall, 6^th and Market streets.

Summer Movies Series
Each Thursday this summer City Tap House will turn its spacious patio into a movie lounge. Of course there will be popcorn, but most importantly each week a new brewer will be highlighted. For the Fourth go watch Will Smith fight some space baddies in Independence Day and wash it all down with beer from Yards.

July 4
City Tap House
8 p.m.
3925 Walnut St.
215-662-0105
www.citytaphouse.com

Taste of Philadelphia
We just can’t get enough food trucks around these parts. All weekend long, as part of Wawa Welcome America, Penn’s Landing will be a hub of culinary samplings. Come hungry and with cash in hand, because there will be a bevy of vendors to choose from. In order to get a true taste of all — or at least, most — of what the city has to offer, small bites for a small price will be served.

July 5–7
Pay as you go
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Blvd. & Chestnut St.
www.visitphilly.com

Pizza Brain and Federal Donuts join forces
The marriage of pizza and donuts is about as American as it gets. For one day only, famed pizza museum and slice-slingers Pizza Brain will join forces with Philly’s beloved Federal Donuts to create a collaboration pie. According to the Federal Donuts Twitter, it’ll be a “chili-garlic fried chicken pizza with honey donut topping” and it’s only available for First Friday. Talk about patriotism.

July 5
Pizza Brain
2313 Frankford Ave.
215-291-2965
www.pizzabrain.org