A&E: Happy Birthday, America


Sunoco Welcome America! returns to Philly with a weeklong celebration of freedom

For Philadelphians, sparklers and a few burnt hot dogs aren't enough to celebrate our nation’s independence. Instead, we'll attempt to cram two centuries of history and culture into a week of concerts, food and live entertainment


For Philadelphians, sparklers and a few burnt hot dogs aren't enough to celebrate our nation’s independence. Instead, we'll attempt to cram two centuries of history and culture into a week of concerts, food and live entertainment — with something for everyone. For the sophisticated, an opera at Rittenhouse Square; for those who can't deny the funk, Chaka Khan at Penn's Landing; and for those trapped in the '80s, Hall and Oates at the Art Museum. When running low on fuel, choose entrée samples from eateries including Capital Grille, Susanna Foo and Delilah's Southern Cuisine at a discounted price, or ice-cream sodas, empanadas or cheesesteaks. Then, watch others torch calories at the strongman competition or the tribute to Rocky Balboa (not to be confused with each other) on the Art Museum steps. With all this hoopla, it may seem Philly forgot about the tradition of good ol’ fireworks, but guess again – on July 4th, gaze at a “rocket's red glare” above the waterfront or the Parkway.

June 28 to July 4, varying times, Free, all over Philadelphia; http://www.americasbirthday.com