Not surprisingly, the vast majority of live festivities, including fireworks, carnivals, and other patriotic events, have been cancelled this year. However, that doesn't mean you have to forego the celebration altogether! Check out these virtual options to celebrate America's birthday, as well as drive-in fireworks! Happy 4th of July!
Drive-In Fireworks
If you are determined to see live fireworks this 4th of July, you have two options in Allentown, PA.
Dorney Park is hosting a 4th of July Celebration featuring a spectacular firework display accompanied by a patriotic soundtrack at 9:30 PM. For a $10 donation per car, guests may park in the main parking lot for a close-up view of the display. All ticket proceeds will benefit Lehigh Valley Health Network’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund. The parking lot will open at 7:30 PM, and food trucks will be on-site. Guests are permitted to sit outside of their cars if wearing face masks and must be mindful of social distancing. Click here for more information.
Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, will also be hosting a Fourth of July Drive-in Fireworks show both Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Tickets for the 20-22 minute show are available for $10 per vehicle on Friday and $15 per vehicle on Saturday. Click here for more information.
Virtual Festivities and Events
Wawa Welcome America — Philadelphia's annual 4th of July festival — goes entirely virtual this year, bringing more than 50 events (all free!) straight to your home from June 28 to July 4, 2020. This year’s events includes behind-the-scenes access to regional attractions, family learning opportunities, and streaming concerts every night at 7 p.m., culminating in the July 4th Concert with Cynthia Erivo and Jason Derulo. Click here for more information.
If you're looking for virtual fireworks, check out Washington D.C.'s A Capital Fourth. The 40th anniversary presentation will take place on Saturday, July 4th at 8 pm. This event traditionally takes place on the West Lawn of the Capitol, but this year viewers are encouraged to watch from home. Hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, the presentations features recorded performances by stars such as Patti LaBelle and Renee Fleming. Click here for more information.
Houston’s Shell Freedom Over Texas celebration has traded its annual festival on the Buffalo Bayou for a virtual show featuring fireworks and musical acts. Click here for more information.
Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! event will honor workers who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. Click here for more information.
For a more historical perspective, check out Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, through educational videos, photo galleries and more on the National Park Service’s website. Click here for more information.
The National Archives in Washington will host a virtual reading ceremony of the Declaration, emceed by broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien. Click here for more information.
However you choose to celebrate this 4th of July, please be safe!
