Celebrate Independence Day on the Philly Waterfront

June 25–July 4
2021
Location: Delaware River Waterfront
Time: Times Vary

Get excited because Independence Day fun is back on the Philly Waterfront featuring music, markets, art exhibitions, roller skating, hammocks, and scrumptious local eats and sips. Pack light and plan big for safe and enjoyable Independence Day festivities at your favorite Waterfront destinations.

PLEASE NOTE: The Delaware River Waterfront is not producing fireworks on Independence Day. Fireworks can be seen on the Ben Franklin Parkway part of Wawa Welcome America. Learn more!

CHERRY STREET PIER
We are the Seeds Philadelphia 2021 on June 26
Join us for We Are the Seeds Philadelphia 2021, a day-long celebration of Indigenous arts and cultures, presented by We Are the Seeds of CultureTrust on Saturday, June 26 from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Liberty Flea Market on June 27 
Shop vintage and artisan vendors at Liberty Flea Market at Cherry Street Pier. Enjoy a collection of unique vendors from the Philadelphia area.

Acori Honzo, Athena Scott, Keni Thomas (Thomcat23)’s Turning Heroes into Heroes
Resident artists Athena Scott , Acori Honzo , and Thomcat23 are celebrating Black American heroes by transforming them into comic book superheroes in an exciting new group exhibition Turning Heroes into Heroes . Now through June 27.

Prints for Protests
Prints for Protest consists of a diverse group of artists and activists who share the belief that art can be used as a tool for political activism and resistance. Now through June 27.

Ted Lieverman’s More Nightwork
This photo exhibition by photographer Ted Lieverman celebrates the night workers who are at their jobs while the rest of the world sleeps. Now through August 1.

Creative Resilient Youth’s Exhibition Roots Before Branches
A collaboration featuring work made by young artists in Creative Resilient Youth and the Young Artist Program, this exhibition will feature artwork from young artists who celebrate self-expression, vulnerability, and lived experience with navigating mental health challenges, abuse, bullying, racism, and other forms of oppression. Now through June 27.

Center for Architecture and Design presents On the Rise
Explore creative designs from the rising stars of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This annual exhibition features current and past designs from the winners of the Philadelphia Emerging Architect (PEA) Prize and Young Architect (YA) Prize. See now through July 25.

July First Friday at Cherry Street Pier
It’s time to celebrate that red, white and blue and tons of creativity, too. We’re excited to welcome you to an action-packed First Friday at the Pier featuring the opening of the American Institute of Architect’s On the Rise and Fleisher Art Memorial’s annual student and faculty exhibition. Plus, shop local at our Artist and Artisans Market and dine locally at our delicious concessions.

Concessions
Find delectable seasonal fare and local brews at The Philly River Stroll Garden Restaurant . Plus, enjoy Philly favorites French Toast Bites  and Rita’s Italian Ice .

GREAT PLAZA AT  PENN’S LANDING
Philadelphia Orchestra: Let Freedom Ring
Friday, June 25, from 7 pm to 10 pm
Join a musical ensemble from The Philadelphia Orchestra for Let Freedom Ring , a musical celebration featuring patriotic and uplifting works that celebrate the diversity and majesty of America. Food and drinks are available for purchase at Penn’s Landing. No outside alcohol is allowed. Part of Wawa Welcome America.

The Chill Moody Experience
Saturday, June 26, from 3 pm to 9 pm
The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Chill Moody and Rotation Records connect again this year to present an evening spotlighting some of Philly’s brightest rising stars curated by Philadelphia Music Ambassador, HipHop Artist/Entrepreneur Chill Moody. Part of Wawa Welcome America.

The RiverLink Ferry
Columbus Blvd and Walnut (Adjacent to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing)
Open weekends and special events at the BB&T Pavilion
Take a stress-free 15-minute ride across the Delaware River on the RiverLink Ferry Freedom. Hop on the ferry for a seamless journey to the Adventure Aquarium, a show at the BB&T Pavilion, or to the Battleship New Jersey. Reserve your tickets in advance.

RACE STREET PIER
Launching Monday, July 5, join us for the return of Wellness on the Waterfront presented by Independence Blue Cross. Enjoy physically distanced fitness classes at the stunning Race Street Pier all Summer long. Also, check out the first installation in Water Marks, a multi-year program in partnership with Philadelphia Contemporary, A Moment Without You, which is an elegiac public sculpture by acclaimed British artist Tracey Emin.

SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK
Kick-back in a colorful hammock, under a canopy of trees, draped in technicolored lights at Spruce Street Harbor Park. A time-honored tradition, enjoy local brews and Summer cocktails on The Barge Oasis as you soak in the sweeping views of the Penn’s Landing Marina and Philly Waterfront. Plus, enjoy amazing eats from Philly vendors such as French Toast Bites, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Philly Taco, Frozen Delights, and Dre’s Water Ice and Ice Cream.

Enjoy our special Makers Market featuring custom creations from local vendors from Saturday, June 26, from 11 am to 4 pm. Also, don’t miss the  Sunset Drum & Dance! jam June 25 and July 2 from 8 pm to 9:30 pm. Hosted by Acarajè Drums and Positive Movement Entertainment, feel the beat and come enjoy rhythms by the river at sunset. This event is free and open to the public.

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK SUMMERFEST
Groove, and glide across the largest outdoor roller rink in Philly, savor refreshing drinks and mouth-watering eats such as Crabfries from Chickie’s & Pete’s and piping hot Funnel cake from Skelly’s Amusements, hit the Midway for mini golf, carnival games, or soar through the air on the Gravity Storm Bungee Jump and Ferris wheel. Reserve Your Roller Skating Tickets in Advance Today!

Review the Great Plaza event safety policies before your next visit.

Learn about our COVID-19 safety enhancements before your next visit.

Review our parking and directions information before your next visit.

Delaware River Trail Construction: Construction for the exciting Delaware River Trail is happening along Columbus Boulevard. The project is making headway and will result in a stunning multi-use trail that will increase accessibility to the Waterfront. The trial is scheduled for completion in Fall 2021.