10 ways to celebrate July 4th in and around NW Philly

As our nation’s 235th birthday approaches, it’s time to plan for the party. Of course, Wawa’s Welcome America celebration will be an option on the 4th, but for those looking for something to fill their mornings and afternoons, or simply a more quiet evening close to home, the area has plenty to offer. So break out your best red, white and blue ensemble and check out these patriotic events.

Roxborough-Manayunk

Join St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Manayunk for its annual July 4th parade entitled, “Christmas in July & Easter.” The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Monday from Kendrick Recreation Center. Hungry? Run over to St. John’s at 146 Rector St. between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for a continental breakfast. 

At 2 p.m., head to the Roxborough Presbyterian Church on Ridge Avenue to enjoy a concert featuring the Roxborough Presbyterian Band.

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Mt. Airy/Germantown area

Enjoy tours at the Cliveden historic site, 6401 Germantown Avenue, or at Hood Cemetery, 4901 Germantown Avenue. Festivities last from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday.

There will be an old fashioned Fourth of July celebration with flag crafts and ice-cream making at the Stenton Museum, located at 4601 N. 18th Street on Monday.

Plymouth-Whitemarsh

Plymouth-Whitemarsh will celebrate our nation’s independence with a bang on Sunday, July 3. For an Independence Day warm-up, head to a fireworks display at Sutcliffe Park at West 9th and Freedly Streets. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks will begin around dusk

Whitemarsh Township will also have its annual Fourth of July parade on Monday at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the best tricycles, bicycles and floats on the road. Veterans will be honored at the parade and are encouraged to participate with their families. The parade will begin on Germantown Pike and end at Miles Park.

Another option is Plymouth Township’s Fourth of July Parade on Monday at Jolly Rd & Beacon Hill Lane. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at the Greater Plymouth Community Center.

Ardmore

For those looking to spend the morning watching a parade, the South Ardmore Independence Day Celebration will begin with a bike, stroller and wagon parade departing from Chestnutwold Elementary School at 10 a.m. on Monday. The event lasts until 1 p.m.

Those more interested in watching the night sky light up can enjoy fireworks at Narberth Playground on Monday. The festivities will start with music from the Zing Kings at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks are expected to start around 9:30 p.m.

Bryn Mawr-Gladwyne

Another option for parade-goers is the Garrett Hill Fourth of July Parade. The parade begins at 10:45 a.m. on Monday and lasts about an hour, but will be followed by a free picnic with live music and other entertainment in Clem Macrone Park.

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