Plan the Perfect Fourth of July

Crack open a new box of sparklers because the nation celebrates its 235th birthday on Monday, July 4. As Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, the city tends to have quite a few celebrations to attend each year. And this year is no different. The federal holiday is on Monday, July 4, and as such, some celebrations in outlying suburbs have been moved to Sunday, July 3.

In downtown Philadelphia, residents can attend several different Fourth of July festivities including three different celebrations at Penn's Landing. There will be a waterfront concert featuring the U.S. Army band and fireworks to follow July 2 and on July 3 there will be "Fam Jams," which is a free concert open to families featuring Emily Osment and Tim Urban.

The major Fourth of July celebration will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 5 to 11 p.m. Philadelphia's favorite hometown band, The Roots, will be playing prior to the Grand Finale Fireworks.

To help plan where you can celebrate your Fourth of July festivities, here's a breakdown of events in the surrounding area:

Monday, July 4

• Hilltop Civic Association Independence Day Celebration
  There will be a bike and costume parade that leaves from the on Royal Ave, ending at Hilltop Field. After the parade, there will be family races and games, plus soft pretzels and water ice. The events last from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• 2011 Independence Day Parade at 9:15 a.m. Meet at the corner of Mt. Pleasant Road and Maple Hill Drive. Free ice cream and American flags for everyone. The Manoa Fire Co. will lead the parade.
• The annual WHCA Fourth of July Parade and Picnic is on Monday July 4, the parade starts at 10:30 a.m. with games, moonbounce (slipnslide), and bring your own picnic lunch to follow at 11 a.m.
• Annual Parade and Celebration in Paddock Park
• 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks. It will be at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th & 23rd Streets. So cap off the Independence Day weekend at the nation’s largest free outdoor Fourth of July concert, from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Free.

Check out events in other local areas: