Originally Posted by
escog
Hello all,
I was planning my summer vacation and noticed that my returning international flight arrives in PHL on the afternoon of the 4th of July before continuing on to SFO via ORD. I was thinking that I might change my flight to depart the following morning instead so that I could run into Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebrations, but I wasn't sure if it was worth it.
I was thinking I could book an airport hotel and dump my luggage before taking the train to downtown. Worst case, say I get into town around 5:00 -5:30 p.m. Is that too late? Are most of the festivities concluded? It looks like the Party on the Parkway goes until 7 and then there's a concert afterwards. Anything else going on from the early evening onwards?
Also, how crowded is it? If I show up that late, would it be difficult to find a place to hang out and watch the fireworks?
Any advice appreciated.
The festivities on the Parkway continue with the concert until the fireworks show which usually takes place between 10:30 and 11PM. So you should have plenty of time to experience the parkway celebrations.
It gets very, very crowded as the evening progresses, but unless you are crowd phobic, and don't mind being around some people who may have had a few beers and are a bit boisterous, you may actually enjoy the experience. I have found that most people are just there for a good time and are generally good natured.
However, even though they have several jumbo screens along the parkway so you can see the concert, unfortunately the event is really set up for the TV audience and you can't even get close to the stage anymore. That being said. there are plenty of food trucks and you can just hang out, listen to the music and watch the fireworks.
Septa (Philly's public transit) runs extra service after the fireworks, but I'm not sure if that includes the airport line, so you you should be mindful of the schedule.