Community Corner

Celebrate July 4 With Parades, Music & More

From the great local parades to the big festivities in Philadelphia, find out where and how you can celebrate Independence Day.

People will be spilling into the streets to celebrate the Fourth of July in the suburbs and the city.

The Wawa Welcome America! bash will provide a stellar lineup of celebrations from July 1 to July 7 to commemorate Independence Day. On July 4, the festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. on the steps of Independence Hall. The day will be filled with activities ranging from a parade to a free concert featuring performers including The Roots, John Mayer and Demi Lovato. A vibrant fireworks show will wrap up the evening at 10:30 p.m. outside the Philadelphia Art Museum.

But if the venture into the heart of the city isn’t ideal, there are plenty of parades and other celebrations in the suburbs.

Find out what's happening in Marple Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Thursday, July 4

Garrett Hill's Fourth of July Parade organized a diverse lineup, which includes appearances by bands, police officers and fire officials along with Uncle Sam.

Where: Clem Macrone Park, 810 Conestoga Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA

Find out what's happening in Marple Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When: 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cost: Free


South Ardmore Betterment Alliance Parade rolls out the bikes, strollers and wagons.

Where: Chestnutwold Elementary School

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost: Free


The Fourth Annual Firecracker 5K Run takes over West Chester Pike, spanning across Broomall and Newtown Square.

Where: Broomall Fire Co., 10 N Malin Rd, Broomall, PA

When: Race begins at 9:25 a.m., awards ceremony and raffle follows

Cost: Adults- $20 in advance, $25 after June 21; Below 17- $15 in advance, $20 after June 21; Family (3 shirt max)- $50 in advance, $65 after June 21


Decorated Bicycle Parade fosters creativity and patriotic spirit, and prizes will be offered for worthy wheels.

Where: West Goshen Twp. Community Park, North 5 Points Rd., West Chester, PA

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free


When In the Course of Human Events - An Independence Day Celebration evokes the historical pride behind our nation’s birthday.

Where: Ridley Creek State Park, E Bishop Hollow Rd & Chapel Hill Rd, Media, PA

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for children (4-12)


The Upper Darby Sousa Band, led by Director Tom Hoey, will perform an outdoor concert at Rose Tree Park that replicates the Philip Sousa Concert.

Where: Rose Tree Park, W Rose Tree Rd & N Providence Rd, Upper Providence, PA

When: 7:30-9 p.m.

Cost: Free


Community Picnic in the Park is accompanied by Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence reading.

Where: Valley Forge National Park 1400 N Outer Line Dr King of Prussia, PA 19406

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free


Marple Newtown’s Fourth of July Parade

Where:  Starts at St. Alban's Circle and ends at Broomall Fire Company 10 N Malin Rd, Broomall, PA

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free


Annual July 4th Parade and Picnic at Westgate Hills Civic kicks off with wheels and concludes with meals and a moonbounce.

Where: Westgate Park, Oxford Hill Ln & Rose Tree Ln, Havertown, PA

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free


July 4th Celebration hosted by Paddock Farms Civic Association will include face painting, balloon tying and a DJ.

Where: Merrybrook Circle, Havertown

When: 10:45 a.m.

Cost: Free


Independence Day Event hosted by Hilltop Civic Association trails the streets with banners and confetti.

Where: Bon Air Fire Co. 541 Royal Ave, Havertown, PA 19083

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free


Looking for fireworks? Click here for our list of fireworks around the region.



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