Philadelphia celebrates America’s birthday with parades, family activities, patriotic ceremonies, several spectacular fireworks displays and the nation’s largest free outdoor concert featuring top-name talent. Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
As one of the nations most historic cities, all eyes will be on Philadelphia as America celebrates her birthday. The events that go down here during the week of the 4th are no joke and would rival celebrations of independence from other major cities from around the world.
Specifically, the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) and Independence National Historical Park (INHP) will be hosting a diverse selection of events as well as extended hours of operation for Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Visitor Center during INHP’s Freedom Week (July 1-July 
leading up to and on the Fourth of July.
In celebration of the country’s independence, the National Park Service is extending hours for visitors to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. Both sites will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. from July 1-4.
The Independence Visitor Center will also have extended hours. Enjoy America’s Most Historic Square Mile from 8:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. during June 29-July 4.
What’s a birthday party without the cake?? The Termini Brothers Bakery, a third generation family run business was founded by Giuseppe Termini who came to Philadelphia from Enna, Sicily in 1921, is excited to share their story of American freedom and celebrate Independence Day at the Visitor Center with a five-tier cake and cupcakes for all to enjoy.
The spectacular five-tier cake will be decorated at the Visitor Center throughout Independence Day prior to the celebration at 1 p.m. This will be the first time Termini Bros. will be off-site decorating one of their cakes in plain sight for passers-by to observe and get a sneak peak at the inner workings of what makes Termini Bros. a local icon and one of a kind. In addition to a custom designed cake, Termini Bros. will also give-away 2,500 cupcakes!
A dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on Independence Mall next to the Visitor Center on June 30, July 1 and July 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The reading will be performed by costumed performers and re-enactors with a fife and drum accompaniment.
A park ranger-led walking tour, Stories from the Past, will take place every day during Freedom Week from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join a park ranger for a walking tour and hear about the people, both famous and forgotten, who played a role in establishing Philadelphia as the preeminent city of 18th century America. This walking tour starts at the Signers’ Garden on the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets.
Let Freedom Ring, a ceremony of inspiring music and patriotic presentations on Independence Square is July 4 and begins at 1 p.m. The ceremony will conclude with a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell at 2 p.m. The ceremony begins on Independence Square (outside secure area between Walnut and Chestnut Streets and 5th and 6th Streets) at 1 p.m. and continues inside the Liberty Bell Center at 1:45 p.m. for the Liberty Bell tapping. This programming is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Crosswalk Café, located on Independence Mall across from the Visitor Center, is excited to host country singer Payton Taylor for a free concert on July 7 at 1:00 p.m. Taylor is a Southern New Jersey native who has been gaining national attention through multiple TV appearances, newspaper and magazine interviews, and online music retailers. This summer, she is touring and has appeared at “CMA Fest” in Nashville, TN. She will be appearing at other festivals such as “Summerfest” in Milwaukee, WI, and “Country on the Beach” in Key West, FL.
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