How to Celebrate July 4th in Philadelphia Without Going to Welcome America

If Wawa Welcome America isn’t your thing and you weren’t able to get tickets to see Willie Nelson in Camden, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate the 4th of July in the Philadelphia area.

Not everyone wants to crowd Benjamin Franklin Parkway to see Kesha, Ne-Yo, and the fireworks. If that’s you, consider heading to a country winery, touring a historic landmark, or just grabbing a good old draft beer, like the Founding Fathers may have enjoyed.

MORE: Willie Nelson to Play Camden Fourth of July Concert as Scheduled After Missing Shows Due to Illness

Here are some notable 4th of July events happening in the area.

The fourth at Fort Mifflin

6400 Hog Island Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Philadelphia’s only fort is open for the Fourth of July. Learn about Revolutionary War history, relax in the fort’s shaded area along the Delaware River, or bring a picnic. Tables with patriotic tablecloths and trash bags can be reserved for $10; others are on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Discounts are available for veterans and seniors.

Parks at will

Fairmount Park, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Philadelphia’s traveling pop-up beer bar is at Shofuso House and Garden, Fairmount Park’s traditional Japanese home, for the holiday weekend. Lounge on hammocks with cocktails, beers, and snacks. The garden is free to enter, but admission to Shofuso House is $5 (normally $14). Proceeds benefit the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Red, White and Blueberry Barbecue at Peddler’s Village

Lehaska, Bucks County, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Peddler’s Village has transformed its annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival into a barbecue party (though the berries and live music are still on the menu, don’t worry). The four-day event runs from July 4 to 7. There’s blueberry food and drink, lawn games, pony rides, axe throwing, sand sculptures and, of course, a watermelon eating contest.

4th of July Weekend at Penn Woods Vineyard

Chadds Ford, Delaware County, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stop by this European-style winery for a relaxing day with live music by Rick Caldwell from 1-4 p.m. Bring picnics and well-behaved, leashed pets and sit in the pavilion or around the fire pits. Blankets and lawn chairs are also recommended.

PHS Ephemeral Gardens

1438 South St. and 106 Jamestown Ave., noon to 11 p.m.

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s pop-up gardens on South Street and Manayunk are open Thursday. Enjoy frozen cocktails, mocktails or your favorite canned beverage, and savor burgers and sandwiches.

4th of July Celebration at Styer Orchard

Langhorne, Bucks County, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Styer Orchard Party includes a DJ, cornhole, kids’ games, a parade, hayrides, a performance by the Men of Harmony choir and fireworks. The farm store is open all day and beers are available from Aristaeus Craft Brewing Co. Tickets are available online for $7.60 per person.