Barbecues, festivals & more local 4th of July events

Other than the Wawa Welcome America events marking the big day (read: Independence Day Parade, Party on the Parkway, 4th of July Jam and fireworks), there are so many other ways to celebrate our country's birthday.

Nothing like a few carnival rides to make you feel free. A community fair taking place in Southampton with rides, music, bingo and music runs the entire week leading up to the 4th. The fair opens at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3 at 1255 2nd St. Pike, Southampton.

The National Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) tips their hat to Independence Day by hosting a number of patriotic activities from Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. Not only are there extended hours on Thursday and Friday (9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) but admission is free on Thursday and Saturday. Throughout the day on Thursday, July 2, hoagies are the delicious star for Wawa Hoagie Day. Between the history of the hoagie exhibit and show, there'll be enough deli meat-goodness for a lifetime. Besides that, flag folding, make-and-take crafts, Revolutionary War re-enactments and more take place all weekend long.

Standard barbecue favorites like hot dogs, burgers, corn, music and lawn games are expected for International House Philadelphia's (3701 Chestnut St.) Independence Day Barbecue on Thursday, July 2. Stop by after work — things get going at 6 p.m.

Zoom through the zoo during the Red, White and Zoo 5k Fun Run on Friday, July 3. The rain-or-shine event takes participants through the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard Ave.) starting at 8:15 a.m. for the run and 8:30 a.m. for the 2k walk. Hang around afterwards for a full day at the zoo. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m.

Over 1,000 boats will take to the Schuylkill for the Independence Day Regatta. Spread over three days, Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, races vary in length and by competitor age. Contests begin at 9 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Grab a seat at the grandstands, on Kelly Dr. about a mile and a half down from Boathouse Row.

There's no shortage of barbecue this season. This one at Sesame Place (100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne) will feature appearances from "Sesame Street" favorites and a fireworks show after. Make your reservations for either 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4.

Crawl your way into the 4th with the AmeriBARcrawl on Friday, July 3. Starting at 5 p.m. at Plough and the Stars (123 Chestnut St.), patriotic patrons will frequent a handful of Old City watering holes at their own pace. Just as our Founding Fathers would've wanted it.

Step back in time at Washington Crossing Historic Park (1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing) when the site's historic buildings will be open for tours, a military encampment will be recreated and the Declaration of Independence will be read. The daylong event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Or spend your time at another local park. Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia) is hosting a cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. So while you're chowing down a hot dog, check out a musket demonstration, "enlist" in the Continental Army and more.

Betsy Ross knows how to party on the Fourth of July. Her house — that'd be the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch St.) — will be a happening spot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 for kids' activities, including a naturalization ceremony and more.

Children can show off their patriotic rides at the Fonthill Castle (East Court St. and Route 313, Doylestown) on Saturday, July 4 during their decorated bike parade at 12:30 p.m. Other activities include a watermelon eating contest, tug-of-war and food vendors — or BYOPicnic.

On the Jersey side of the Delaware, the Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival features performances from Kathy Sledge, Blood, Sweat & Tears and culminates with a fireworks show. It all starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Wiggins Park (2 Riverside Dr., Camden).

Watch the views of the Camden fireworks from the deck of the Battleship New Jersey (62 Battleship Pl., Camden) when they host a 6 p.m. dinner and open bar on Saturday, July 4.

Yachting is a lifestyle. The second #YACHTJAUNT will feature a barbecue buffet, drinks and music from DJ Sylo ad Tierra Whack. Boarding is at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Ben Franklin Yacht (401 N. Columbus Blvd.).

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.