There are a few traditions which are a staple to the 4th of July: barbeques, beach/pool days, fireworks, and, in my case, a screening of 1776. Traditions in mind, Philadelphia has a few Independence Day Celebrations prepared for July 3rd and 4th.

July 3rd:

• Free Museum Day at the National Liberty Museum: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/free-museum-day-at-the-national-liberty-museum/
• Free Museum Day at the Rodin Museum: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/free-museum-day-at-the-rodin-museum/
• Philadelphia Block Part at the Independence Mall: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/philadelphias-historic-philadelphia-block-party-celebrating-the-bourse/
• POPs on Independence at the Independence Hall: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/pops-on-independence-2/

July 4th: 

• Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks with Pitbull, Heather Headley, and Philly POPs Big Band: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/july-4th-concert-fireworks/ FREE EVENT!
• Celebration of Freedom Ceremony: A series of speeches and music to start the day. https://welcomeamerica.com/event/july-4th-concert-fireworks/
• Independence Day Parade: https://welcomeamerica.com/event/the-united-states-of-americas-independence-day-parade/

For the several days leading up to July 4th there are daily events which you may peruse through here: https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/fourth-of-july-in-philadelphia-wawa-welcome-america/#vp-article-section–item-47

Fireworks! Not 4th of July night is complete without these. For a full list of Philadelphia, Philadelphia suburbs, and New Jersey check this guide by CBS: https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2018/06/29/guide-to-july-4th-fireworks-2018-philly-jersey-shore-south-jersey-delaware/

Stay safe and enjoy the cities celebrations! Happy 4th of July!

Philly Public Pools Map: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2018/06/19/public-pools-philadelphia/

With the excessive heat warning the only safe places to have any summer fun are in AC or in the pool. When your AC isn’t working, anywhere else starts to look like paradise. Thankfully a friend, Zoe, has a pool in her apartment building which she kindly invited me and some other friends to sit and escape the heat in. Though small this little gem of cool water and an amazing view were the perfect place to enjoy summer.

Top Photos by Carolina Schultz. | Bottom Photo by Perry Ashenfelter.

However, not all of us have these amenities, and for those who don’t public pools are the solution. Public pools are quite widely available in Philadelphia. Be Well Philly, a Philadelphia magazine which is also online, has beautifully mapped all the pools in the city with opening dates and times. So if you are looking for a fun way to cool off, especially for the upcoming July 4th festivities, be sure to check out the link above and make it out to the pool. I know I will!