4th of July Events

Independence Moonlight Cruise Evening cruise w/a buffet, cash bar & entertainment. All-white attire requested. Ben Franklin Yacht - Pier 24 North, 401 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-629-8687. benfranklinyacht.com. $50-$180. 7/6 11 pm.

America's Second War of Independence: Laurel Hill's 1812 Veterans Learn about the men who served in the War of 1812. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.; 215-228-8200. www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org. $12; $10 students & seniors. 6/30 1 pm.

*FREE* Fireworks Viewing from the casino's walkway. SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.; 877-477-3715. www.sugarhousecasino.com. 7/5 9 pm.

Fireworks Dinner Cruise Dinner, live music & fireworks viewing. Spirit of Philadelphia Cruises, Columbus Blvd.; RSVP: 866-455-3866. www.spiritcitycruises.com. $67.90-$79.90. 7/2 6:30-10 pm. 7/6 7-10:30 pm.

Fireworks Spectacular Children's activities & food available for purchase. VIP tickets: hors d'oeuvres, music, refreshments & full dinner menu. Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-413-8621. www.phillyseaport.org. $13.50-$100; $10-$100 seniors; $10-$25 children. 7/6 6:30-10 pm.

From Ben to Rocky: Part I - Classic Philly Food Pairings Sample Philadelphia foods paired w/wines similar to what the Founding Fathers drank. Carpenter's Hall, 320 Chestnut St.; www.pinotboutique.com. $59. 7/6 6-7:30 pm.

From Ben to Rocky: Part II - Wines of the Continental Congress Learn about the Continental & Constitutional Congresses while tasting wines similar to those consumed by the Founding Fathers. Carpenter's Hall, 320 Chestnut St.; www.pinotboutique.com. $49. 7/6 8-9:30 pm.

*FREE* Go 4th & Learn: Fitness Break a sweat in this installment of the educational series. Smith The Kids' Play Place in the Park, 33d St.; 215-765-4325. smithkidsplayplace.org. 7/3 10 am-noon.

*FREE* How We Celebrate Slide program on the history of Independence Day celebrations. Second Bank of the United States/Portrait Gallery, 420 Chestnut St. (Between S. 4th & S. 5th); 1-800-537-7676. www.nps.gov/inde. 6/30 3 pm.

*FREE* Independence Day Family Fun Free activities. Franklin Square, 6th & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026; www.historicphiladelphia.org. 7/4 noon-3 pm.

*FREE* Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration Craft activity, music, colonial games & more. Stenton, 4601 N. 18th St.; 215-329-7312. www.freedomsbackyard.com. 7/4 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

*FREE* Philly Phyzz Fest 18th-century games, science experiments, Declaration of Independence reading, commemorative bell ringing & more. Emlen Physick House, 321 S. 4th St.; 215-925-2251. www.philalandmarks.org. 7/6 1-5 pm.

*FREE* Reenactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence Theatrical reading on the 237th anniversary of the first public reading of the document by Col. John Nixon. Independence Square, 6th & Market Sts.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. 7/8 11:45 am-12:30 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America!: Party on the Parkway Live music & family entertainment, sporting events, games, crafts & more. Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-636-3300. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/4 noon-7 pm.

Wawa Welcome America!: Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival Indulge in delights from ice cream & cold treats companies. Penn's Landing, Spring Garden St. & N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-922-2386. www.welcomeamerica.com. Donation suggested: $7. 6/29-6/30 noon-6 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America!: Taste of Philadelphia Chefs from top local restaurants convene to prepare their favorite dishes. 4th of July concert & fireworks on Sat. Penn's Landing, Spring Garden St. & N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-922-2386. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/5-7/6 noon-10 pm. 7/7 noon-3 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: 4th of July Jam & Fireworks/Kevin Hart/Jill Scott/Demi Lovato/John Mayer/The Roots Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-636-3300. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/4 7-11 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Go 4th & Learn - Wawa Dairy Hands-on exhibit on the dairy's history. Franklin Square, 6th & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/1 10 am-1 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Go 4th & Learn - History Free museum admission, special programs, music & exhibits. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/2 10 am-noon.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Hoagie Day Hoagies, sandwich-building competition & performance by the USO Show Troupe. Independence Visitor Center, N. 6th St. & Market St.; 1-800-537-7676. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/2 noon-2 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Let Freedom Ring 4th of July ceremony & symbolic bell tapping. Independence National Historical Park, 6th & Market Sts.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. 7/4 1 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Philadelphia Independence Day Parade Marching bands, floats, military groups & performance teams. Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Sts.; 877-462-1776. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/4 11 am.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert Penn's Landing, Spring Garden St. & N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-922-2386. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/2 8 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Rocky (1976) Boxing flick starring Sylvester Stallone. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/2 9 pm.

*FREE* Wawa Welcome America: Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Oscar-winning romantic comedy/drama starring Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence. Rittenhouse Square, 1800 Walnut St.; 215-625-9255. www.welcomeamerica.com. 7/1 9 pm.

*FREE* What Does It Mean? The Declaration of Independence as Political Rhetoric Slide presentation on the declaration's historical background. Second Bank of the United States/Portrait Gallery, 420 Chestnut St. (Between S. 4th & S. 5th); 1-800-537-7676. www.nps.gov/inde. 6/29 3 pm.

4th of July BBQ Open-air BBQ followed by fireworks. Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne; 215-752-7070. www.sesameplace.com. Regular admission plus $26.99; $16.99 children 2-9; free under 2. 7/4 5 & 7:30 pm. Fireworks, set to "Sesame Street" music, 9:25 pm.

*FREE* 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Show 5K run, parade, live music, crafts, evening fireworks show & more. Main St., Norristown; 610-270-0467. norristown.org. 7/4 8:30 am.

*FREE* 4th of July Celebration Daytime family activities & fireworks. Narberth Park, 80 Windsor Ave., Narberth. 7/4 10 am-2 pm. Fireworks at 7:30 pm.

*FREE* 4th of July Celebration Parade, afternoon BBQ & fireworks. Skippack Village, Evansburg Rd., Skippack; 484-961-7130. www.bestofskippack.com. 7/4 11 am.

*FREE* 4th of July Fireworks Evening show. 21 & over. Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, 777 Harrah's Blvd., Chester; 484-490-1800. www.harrahschester.com. 7/4 10 pm.

*FREE* 4th of July Parade Featuring floats, bands & local organizations. Veterans Memorial Park, 700 Veterans Hwy., Levittown; www.middletowntwpbucks.org. 7/4 9 am.

4th of July Picnic Hot dogs, burgers (including vegetarian) & refreshments, followed by a screening of 'Freedom Riders.' Peace Center of Delaware County, 1001 Old Sproul Rd., Springfield; 610-544-1818. delcopeacecenter.org. 7/5 5 pm.

Ambler Kiwanis Carnival Rides, games, food, fireworks & more. Wissahickon High School, 521 Houston Rd., Ambler; 215-619-8112. www.jtmonline.com/goodtime. $5 parking (Friday evening only). 7/2-7/5 6-10:30 pm. 7/6 3-10 pm.

*FREE* America the Beautiful Aerial Fireworks Spectacular Nearly 1,000 fireworks light up the sky in a display presented by Pyrotechnico Fireworks Co. Abington Senior High School, 900 Highland Ave., Abington; 215-884-4700. www.glensidejuly4thevent.com. 7/4 9:15 pm.

Brandywine "Big Bang" BBQ Live music, wine, food & picnicking at Wine Trail wineries. Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, Chester County; 610-444-3842. bvwinetrail.com. 7/6-7/7 noon.

*FREE* Declaration of Independence Reading Accompanied by music & patriotic songs. Hopewell Furnace, 2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson; 610-582-8773. www.nps.gov/hofu. 7/4 2 pm.

Firecracker 5K Run Along the 4th of July parade route, from Broomall to Newtown Square & back again. Broomall Rotary. Starts at W. Chester Pike at Malin Rd., Broomall. www.firecracker5Krun.com. $25; $20 children 17 & under. 7/4 9:25 am.

Free Admission for Military & Veterans In honor of Independence Day. Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media; 610-566-9134. www.tylerarboretum.org. $9; $8 seniors; $5 children 3-15; free for military, veterans, children under 3. 7/4 9 am-5 pm.

*FREE* Freedom Fest Annual event featuring family activities, juggling, live country music & fireworks show. Rain date: 7/7. All ages. Nottingham County Park, 150 Park Rd., Nottingham; 610-932-2589. www.chesco.org/ccparks. 7/6 6-11 pm.

*FREE* Grand, Glorious, Patriotic Parade One of the country's oldest consecutively running Independence Day parades. Downtown Glenside, Easton Rd., 215-887-3110. www.glensidejuly4thevent.com. 7/4 4 pm.

*FREE* Independence Day Celebration Live music & fireworks. Eagleville Park, 100 Parklane Dr., Eagleville; 610-539-8020. www.lowerprovidence.org. 7/4 6:30 pm.

Independence Day Celebration Music, children's activities, food & fireworks. Sutcliffe Park, Colwell Ln., Conshohocken. 7/3 5:30 pm.

Independence Day Chili Cook-Off & Hot Dog Eating Contest Cooking competition & tasting, eating competition & horseshoes tournament. Rising Sun Inn, 898 Allentown Rd., Telford; 215-721-6350. www.risingsuninn.net. 7/4 noon.

Independence Day Concert The Blawenburg Band performs 4th of July favorites. Bucks County Performing Arts Center at Yardley Community Centre, 64 S. Main St., Yardley; 215-493-5014. 7/4 4-6 pm.

*FREE* Independence Day Parade & Celebration Bands, community groups & floats make their way along Route 213. Lower Southampton, Feasterville; 215-357-7300 Ext 301. 7/4 1 pm.

*FREE* National Bell Ringing Ceremony Declaration of Independence reading & ringing of the museum's historic school bell. Sellersville Museum, 120 E. Church St., Sellersville; 215-257-5253. www.sellersvillemuseum.org. 7/4 10:30 am-noon.

*FREE* Marple-Newtown 4th of July Parade Running from St. Albans Circle to the Broomall Fire House. St. Albans Circle, Newtown Square; www.newtowntownship.org. 7/4 10 am.

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration Featuring early 20th-century activities like a decorated-bike parade, old-time baseball game, watermelon- eating contest & more. Fonthill Museum, E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-348-9461. www.fonthillmuseum.org. $4; $1 children 5-17; free 4 & under. 7/4 noon-4 pm.

Perkasie Carnival Annual 4th of July carnival, fireworks on Friday night. Lenape Park, Rte. 152, Perkasie; www.perkasiefd.org. 6/28-6/29 6 pm.

*FREE* Reading of the Declaration of Independence Featuring readings of the declaration & other historic documents. Hopewell Furnace, 2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson; 610-582-8773. www.nps.gov/hofu. 7/4 2 pm.

*FREE* Southampton Days Annual country fair at Tamanend Park featuring live music, entertainment, rides & more. Includes 4th of July Parade & festivities, as well as fireworks at Eugene Klinger Middle School, 1415 2d St. Pike, Southampton; 215-364-5950. southamptondays.com. 7/1-7/6. $3 fee on 7/4 only starting at 6 pm.

Stars n' Stripes Patriotic musical revue. Washington Crossing State Park - Open Air Theatre, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville; 267-885-9857; www.dpacatoat.com. $15; $10 under 12. 6/28-6/30 7:30 pm.

*FREE* Upper Darby Sousa Band Old fashioned band music a la John Philip Sousa. Rose Tree Park, Rte. 252, Media; 610-891-4663. www.upperdarbysousaband.com. 7/4 7 pm.

*FREE* The Verdi Band: A Patriotic Concert Patriotic tunes & salute to the armed forces. St. Bede the Venerable Parish, 1071 Holland Dr., Southampton; 215-357-5720. www.st-bede.org. 7/3 7-9 pm.

*FREE* We Love America Children's Program Decorated bike & stroller contests, field sport events & refreshments. Rain date: 7/6. Harry Renninger Memorial Park, Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-887-1000. 7/4 10 am.

When in the Course of Human Events Reading of the Declaration of Independence, house tours, talks & other activities. Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Ridley Creek State Park, Media; 610-566-1725. www.colonialplantation.org. $10; $8 children 4-12. 7/4 11 am-5 pm.

102.9 WMGK Let Freedom Rock Fest - Heart/Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden; 877-598-8696. www.livenation.com. $20.13-$100.50. 7/3 7 pm.

4th of July Beach 'n' Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk 5K run/1-mile walk to benefit Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall maintenance. Wildwood Beach & Boardwalk, Lincoln Ave., Wildwood; 609-849-8887. www.WildwoodsWall.com/5k. $25; $10 students 18 & under; free for spectators. 7/4 9-11 am.

*FREE* 4th of July Fireworks Display Wildwoods Boardwalk at Pine Avenue, but viewable from most places in town. Wildwood Beach & Boardwalk, Wildwood; 1-800-992-9732. www.wildwoodsnj.com. 7/4 10 pm.

Battleship Blast Fireworks Show Good view of the fireworks over the Delaware, BBQ, live music, face painting & more. Battleship New Jersey Museum, 62 Battleship Pl., Camden; 866-877-6262 Ext 108. www.battleshipnewjersey.org. $10-$62. 7/6 6-10 pm.

*FREE* Bay-Atlantic Symphony: Lincoln & Liberty Concert of patriotic tunes, followed by fireworks. Avalon Community Hall, Avalon Ave., Avalon; 609-967-3066. www.bayatlanticsymphony.org. 7/4 7 pm.

*FREE* Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival Activities & programming at various venues. Meet Uncle Sam at the Visitors Kiosk. Camden Waterfront, Cooper St. & Delaware Ave., Camden. www.camdenwaterfront.com. 7/1-7/7 10 am.

*FREE* Independence Day Celebration Music & fireworks. All ages. Cherry Hill High School West, 2101 Chapel Ave. W., Cherry Hill; 856-663-8006. www.cherryhill-nj.com. 7/3 8 pm.

Independence Day Celebration Live music, family activities, patriotic programs & more. Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rte. 9, Cape May; 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.org. Included in admission. 7/6-7/7 10 am-4:30 pm.

Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Music, children's activities, food, beer garden & fireworks show. Freedom Park, Union St., Medford; 609-654-2512. www.medfordcelebrates.org. Donations accepted. 6/29 2-10 pm.

*FREE* Independence Day Parade 2d Ave., North Wildwood; 1-800-882-7787. www.northwildwood.com. 7/4 9 am.

*FREE* Independence Day Parade Featuring string bands, floats, antique cars, decorated pets, costumes & more. Starts on 3d & Station Aves., Haddon Heights; 856-547-7164. www.haddonhts.com. 7/4 9 am.

*FREE* July Jubilee Fun-filled week of contests leading up to July 4th with taffy sculpting, treasure hunts & more. 609-525-9300. Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9291. www.njoceancity.com. 6/28 11 am.

Ocean City Pops: Celebrate America Patriotic tunes & works by John Philip Sousa. Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9291. www.oceancitypops.org. $10-$15. 7/3 8 pm.

*FREE* Red, White & Blueberry Festival Family-friendly. Hammonton High School, 566 Old Forks Rd., Hammonton. 6/30 10 am-4 pm.