Top Memorial Day Events In The Philadelphia Area

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor our men and women in military service. It's also a day to spend time with loved ones who are here with us or remember those that never came back from their military job.Since Philadelphia is a city of living history, you don't have to travel too far to find an educational element, and since there are also numerous parades and family-related activities throughout the area, the tough part will be choosing which one you want to go to.

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Fireworks & Fountains
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
www.longwoodgardens.orgDates: May 25, Aug. 17 and Sept. 14, 2013

Fireworks have been a staple at Longwood Gardens since 1907 and have been available to the public as an attraction for over 30 years. However, with the advancement of technology, computerized programs can now sync the fireworks and Longwood's fountains to music. This year, Longwood Gardens will have a show titled "Rocket Man: Music of Elton John," and it will feature hit songs such as "Philadelphia Freedom," "Candle in the Wind" and "Saturday's Alright for Fighting."

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
(866) 464-3566
www.sesameplace.comDates: May 26, 2013

Sesame Place is open for its usual block party fun with the whole S-Street gang. But on Memorial Day weekend, the park will also have a special open-air BBQ in the Big Bird Pavilion and fireworks at 9 p.m. The BBQ is an all-you-can-eat buffet, which is perfect for families with young children. Reservations are suggested and are available at different time slots throughout the evening. Prices for the buffet are $27 for adults and $17 for kids. Children under two are free. Season pass members can enjoy 30-percent off of these prices. And don't forget: Memorial Day is also the opening of the water rides, which are fun for people of any age!

Memorial Day Weekend
National Constitution Center
Independence Mall
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.orgDates: May 25-27, 2013

Along with the usual activities and shows at the Constitution Center, on Memorial Day weekend, the Center will pay tribute to those who have served in the military with additional activities. The day will begin with raising the flag during a special ceremony and an explanation of the proper protocol for raising the flag. There will also be a program about monuments across the country including Little Big Horn and The USS Arizona, and at 3 p.m., enjoy patriotic karaoke (for the truly courageous!)

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Independence Hall
520 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
www.nps.govIndependence Hall is located in a section of Independence Mall that also includes other historical attractions such as the Liberty Bell, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the First Senate building and other museums within its one-mile radius. It is also within easy walking distance to many other city attractions. If you want to enhance your experience for the holiday, consider taking the Independence After Hours Tour. The fun evening tour includes a three-course meal at the City Tavern and is actually part tour, part re-enactment. It is available on Fridays and Saturdays for a ticketed price.

Lights Of Liberty
PECO Theater
6th and Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 629-4026
www.historicphiladelphia.orgThis interactive 3D film is hosted by Ben Franklin. "Lights of Liberty" will answer questions like why the Liberty Bell is important and what makes America special. Enjoy a little educational fun for your Memorial Day celebrations. The building also sells Philadelphia-themed books and gifts and has free children's activities.

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Friday Night Fireworks
New Hope, Pa./Lambertville, NJ
www.newhopelambertvillefireworks.comFriday, May 24; 9:30 p.m.

Quirky New Hope and next door neighbor Lambertville kick off the 2013 season of Friday Night Fireworks this Memorial Day weekend. Hang out anywhere on either side of the river for great views and specials at restaurants and shops in both towns.

Chaddsford Winery's Memorial Day Picnic
Chaddsford Winery
632 Baltimore Pk
Chadds Ford, Pa.
www.chaddsford.comFriday, May 24 – Monday, May 27; 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
$10 tasting fee

Celebrate Memorial Day at Chaddsford Winery, where there will be four days of live music, wine, picnics and fun! Bring your own food, or purchase BBQ classics at the winery. There will also be tastings and special Sangria slushies—yum!

Hang Free
Fairmount Park
Just after the Strawberry Mansion Bridge (ID-able by neon lights underneath) on the left side
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.hangfree.orgMonday, May 27; Noon – 8 p.m. (approximate)
FREE

The first Hang Free party of 2013 kicks off this Memorial Day, featuring multiple DJs and the beauty of Fairmount Park. Grab your friends and fam, a blanket and a picnic, and stop by the all-afternoon celebration.