Top 4th Of July Parties In Philadelphia

With Philadelphia being the birthplace of America, it's only right that the city celebrates big for our country's birthday. From tiny tots to adults, large parties to old-fashioned parades and games, there's something for everyone to enjoy in honor of the holiday. These are just a few of the best parties to check out for the 4th of July.

Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 354-8188
www.vfcasino.com

Valley Forge Casino Resort will host an extended weekend of festivities in honor of Independence Day. Starting that weekend (and ending Labor Day), the Valley Beach Poolside Club will be open seven days a week. To celebrate the new hours and the holiday, there will be a poolside party with drink specials and DJ entertainment on Friday, July 1. The fun continues all weekend with The FM Band performing at 9 p.m. on Saturday and poolside music, games and other special events Sunday and Monday. Admission is $10 per day, and season memberships are also available. In addition to the poolside festivities, actress, writer and comedian Natasha Leggero will perform in The Venue at Valley Forge Casino Resort on Saturday, July 2 at 9 p.m. Her stand-up comedy show is part of the ongoing Valley Forge Music Fair that started on May 13 and runs all summer. Standard tickets are $45 for standing room and VIP tickets are $80.

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City Tap House Logan
2 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 587-9040
www.citytaphouselogan.com

The Wawa Welcome America celebration is just steps away from the Logan Square City Tap House, making it an excellent spot to pop in for air conditioning and a drink. In honor of America's birthday, the gastropub will offer $5 Yards pints and $7 patriotic specialty cocktails on July 4. In addition to drink specials, you can enjoy a showing of Independence Day (with Philly native, Will Smith) on the state-of-the-art audio visual system complete with an impressive 18 x 19 foot Planar video screen. City Tap House is known for its 40 taps, two cask engines and rare bottled beers, plus its menu of elevated American pub food and brick-oven pizza.

Mercer Museum And Fonthill Castle
84 S. Pine St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-0210
www.mercermuseum.org

If city crowds aren't your thing, enjoy a fun old-fashioned 4^th of July celebration at the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle in Bucks County. Entry is $5 for adults, $3 for museum members and free for children 15 and under. The family-friendly event includes food, crafts, games and live music with highlights such as watermelon eating contests, tug-o-war, sack races and more. The children's decorated bike parade kicks off the afternoon at noon with contest categories including "Most Patriotic," "Most Dynamic" and "Most Original." Bike entries are judged by age group with children ranging from 2 to 12 years old. Henry Mercer himself awards the prizes at the end of the parade. There will be a variety of vendors selling summertime treats and snacks, but you can also bring your own picnic lunch and spread a blanket on the lawn of Fonthill Castle. Fonthill Castle will be open for self-guided tours. This year, there will also be a pie baking contest. Visit the website to fill out a registration form to participate.

Spirit Of Philadelphia
401 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
866-455-3866
www.spiritofphiladelphia.com

Celebrate the 4^th of July with dinner, dancing and unbeatable views of the fireworks. The Spirit of Philadelphia will offer a special Independence Day dinner cruise on Monday, July 4. Tickets are priced at $79.90 per person and include a buffet-style dinner, DJ entertainment and panoramic views of the city skyline. Purchase your tickets by June 19 and use code USA20 to save 20 percent. The cruise runs from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. with boarding at 6:30 p.m.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
(866) 464-3566
www.sesameplace.com

"C … is for Celebrate!" And celebrate you will with Sesame Street favorites such as Elmo, Bert, Cookie Monster and Big Bird. Sesame Place will host a special 4^th of July BBQ July 2 through July 4 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Big Bird's Riverside Pavilion. The event will include characters, traditional BBQ fare and an American flag craft station. Paid park admission is required and you must make dining reservations. The BBQ costs $29 for adults and children 10 years of age and up and $9 for children 2 to 9 years old. On Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4, families will want to stick around for the fireworks show (set to Sesame Street music) at 9:25 p.m. The fireworks will follow the 9 p.m. performance of the Neighborhood Party Night Parade. All of this after a day of fun at the popular Bucks County amusement and water park.

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Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area.
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