Editor’s note: This story was originally published on June 21, 2020 and was updated on June 23, 2021.
Adobe Stock
While the coronavirus pandemic forced some cancelations in 2020, these spots are ready to celebrate Fourth of July along the Main Line this year. Whether you’re staying local or heading down to the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of ways to honor Independence Day.
The Bala Cynwyd Annual Fourth of July Parade
July 4, Bala Cynwyd
Bala Cynwyd hosts a parade starting at the fire house at 9 a.m. including a ceremony, music, pony rides, petting zoo, exotic animals, a rock wall and refreshments.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation Celebration
July 4, Newtown Square
A fitting spot to celebrate American independence, the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park hosts a slew of patriotic activities like a reading of the Declaration of Independence, crafts, demonstrations, farm animal tours and more.
Penn Wynne Decorated Car Parade
July 4, Penn Wynne
Now in its 79th year, the Penn Wynne Fourth of July Celebration features a parade of decorated cars taking to the streets from 10-10:30 a.m.
Skippack Village 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
July 4, Skippack
In the Heart of Historic Skippack Village there will be the annual holiday parade and fireworks at dusk.
July 4, Tredyffrin Township
Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic dinner for a celebration including fireworks and patriotic sounds of the holiday from a local DJ. The fireworks begin at dusk.
View this post on Instagram
July 4, Various locations around Philadelphia
This Fourth of July event begins with the Celebration of Freedom outside Independence Hall to observe the evolving history of America’s freedom. The annual July 4th Concert — starring Bebe Rexha, Flo Rida and the Philly POPS in 2021 —takes place at the Mann Center in Fairmount Park. Afterward, the city’s biggest fireworks display illuminates the skies over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
July 4th Celebration in Ocean City
July 4, Ocean City, N.J.
Visitors can look forward to a kite-flying competition at 7 p.m. followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier. A spectacular boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening at 9 p.m.
July 4, Margate, N.J.
Barbecue on the beach then stick around for the annual fireworks show, which starts around 9 p.m.
Toms River’s 4th of July Fireworks
July 4, Toms River, N.J.
The annual Independence Day fireworks along the Toms River will occur at dusk on Sunday, July 4. Spectators can easily view the fireworks from both sides of the river.
Wildwood Fourth of July Spectacular
July 4, Wildwood, N.J.
After a morning at the parade, head to the Wildwood Boardwalk to catch a dazzling fireworks display. The show kicks off at 10 p.m. on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, but will be visible along the boardwalk.
Related: 51 Summer Activities to Enjoy Around the Main Line