The United States’ independence from Great Britain is commemorated on July 4. The holiday and the weekend will be filled with festivities and fireworks.
Here are some ideas for fun things to do during the day if fireworks aren’t your thing or if you’d rather celebrate in central Pennsylvania in a different way.
The activities listed below may feature fireworks later in the evening, but many also reflect the nation’s celebration in other ways, such as food trucks, festivals, and more.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that some of these activities take place prior to the Fourth of July.
Adams County
July 4
The Fourth Annual Flutes
Where: Gettysburg’s 1 Lincoln Square
When: 8–11 a.m.
This event invites flutists from all throughout central Pennsylvania to join other musicians at the Gettysburg Hotel. Event check-in starts at 8 a.m., and rehearsal and performance start at 10 a.m.
Patriotic and Civil War songs performed in a six-part flute harmony will be the performance items.
A Fourth of Gettysburg
Where: Gettysburg, 545 Long Lane
When: At 5 p.m., the event begins.
There will be fireworks later in the evening, live music by the Six Whiskey Revival, and food selections from more than 20 food and drink vendors.
Parking is $5 for this event. 9:15 p.m. is when the fireworks will start.
Cumberland County
July 3
Fireworks Float
Where: Wormleysburg, 333 S. Front St.
When: 7–10 p.m.
Cost: If you bring your own boat, the lowest priced boat costs $60 per person.
Those who are interested can make a reservation here. A guided tour, a paddle, food, glow sticks, a headlamp, and other items are all included in your reservation.
For a modest price, dogs can also go on canoe or kayak excursions.
July 4
Celebration of the Fourth of July in New Cumberland
Where: New Cumberland, 1 Benjamin Plaza
When: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
On the lawn of the New Cumberland Public Library, guests can take in the music from the New Cumberland Town Band event. Concessions will also be offered.
Dauphin County
June 27
Salute to America Concert, 22nd Annual
Where: Hershey, 500 University Drive
When: The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
On the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center lawn, the Hershey Symphony Orchestra will play for two hours. Pets are welcome at this event, but they must be kept on a leash, and guests are urged to bring blankets or a lawn chair.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, although food will also be available for purchase. Water will be provided free of charge.
July 3
Food trucks and fireworks
Where: Lingelstown, 6030 Larue St.
Between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Several food trucks, such as Mad Dash, The Messy Pig BBQ, and The Potato Coop, will be available for visitors to enjoy in Koons Park.
Later that night, fireworks will begin.
July 4
The Mansion’s 15th Annual Independence Day
Where: Harrisburg, 219 S. Front St.
The hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The annual reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Historical Society of Dauphin County will take place on the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. Reenactment actor David Biser, who plays John Harris, Jr., will read it.
For $4 per person, visitors can also take advantage of a discounted tour of the mansion. Admission fees will be waived for first responders, police officers, HSDC members, military personnel, and their families.
Food Truck Festival
Where: Harrisburg, 200 S. Front St.
When: From noon until seven o’clock.
In addition to live music, a wine and beer garden, rolling skating, live animals, and more, the festival will include over 40 food trucks. At 7 p.m., the Harrisburg Senators baseball team will play, and the baseball stadium will be the scene of fireworks.
Parking is free within the city, $5 on City Island, and $10 at the Market Square Garage between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
On the Veranda, jazz
Where: Hershey, 100 Hotel Road
When: 7–10 p.m.
Jazz evenings will be held on the Hershey Hotel’s veranda on a few Fridays in June, July, and August. There will be music, fireworks, and a special cuisine for the Fourth of July edition.
There will be a similar jazz night at the hotel on July 11 and August 8, but reservations are not allowed.
A concert with an America the Beautiful theme
Where: Harrisburg, 5010 Commons Drive
When: 6–7:30 p.m.
Lower Paxton Township’s Live in LP series will feature a performance by the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band. The public is welcome to attend the free concert.
Visitors are urged to bring a blanket or chair. July 13 is the rain date for this.
July 5
Community Foundation of Lower Paxton, Independence Day Weekend
Where: Harrisburg, 5000 Commons Dr.
From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
The daylong event, which will take place at the Dauphin County Heroes Grove, will honor first responders, veterans, and other members of the armed forces.The day will begin with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music and dance, and a salute to the flag celebration.
A picnic with food trucks, a visit from the Whitaker Center, Imaginary Friends Puppets, carnival games, and more will take place throughout the afternoon, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Lancaster County
July 3
Celebrate America at the Barn at Paradise Station, 2nd Annual
Where: Ronks, 312 Paradise Lane
When: 4–10 p.m.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be live music and food trucks at this yearly event. Around the same time as the concert, fireworks will start.
In addition to the $25 parking fee for this event, there will be $15 parking available at the Toy Train Museum. Additionally, visitors can take the Strasburg Railroad directly to the property every 30 minutes starting at 4:15 p.m.
Fireworks and the Celebration of Independence Day
Where: Lancaster, 650 N. Prince St.
When: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Held at Penn Medicine Park, guests can take part in a two different eating contests, one hotdog the other apple pie, play games like cornhole and frisbee, and jump around on inflatables. There will also be a carousel and the opportunity to explore the Krieder Farms Park.
There will also be fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.
July 4-5
Stone Gables Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza
Where:1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown
When:Gates open at 3 p.m.
Cost:Tickets start at $30, after 7:30 p.m., tickets are $20
Guests can enjoy plenty of food trucks, alongside a petting zoo, pony rides, and live performances from musicians, jugglers, and a show from Jesse The Reptile Guy.
Fireworks will kick off at 9 p.m.
July 4th Community Fun Night
Where:201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata
When:Food begins at 5:30 p.m., activities will kick off at 6 p.m.
Held at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, guests can enjoy food, live music, inflatables, jugglers, and other fun activities. The fireworks will kick off at 9:30 p.m.
Red, White, and Boom Weekend
Where:650 N. Prince St., Lancaster
Where:Gates open at 5:45 p.m.
Cost:Ticket prices vary
Continuing the Fourth of July celebrations at Penn Medicine Park, there will be fireworks back-to-back at the baseball stadium, alongside fun activities. On July 4, the Lancaster Stormers play the Charleston Dirty Birds, and there will be a hog dog eating contest, egg race, and pre-game parade on the field.
On July 5, there will be fireworks, and it s Swiftie Night at the stadium.
York County
June 30-July 5
2025 New Freedom Lions Club Carnival
Where: 1 Playground Alley, New Freedom
When: 6-10:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $25
The annual weeklong event features games, fair food like funnel cakes and soft pretzels, live music, and more. Interested attendees can enjoy different local acts each night of the carnival and fireworks on July 2, beginning at 10:30 p.m.
Parking for this event is free. There will be price options available for those interested in single rides; otherwise, a ride wristband is $25.
July 4
4th of July Shoe House Shuffle
Where: 1409 Williams Road, York
When: Race begins at 8 a.m.
Cost: Registration is $35 through July 3, $40 on race day
Racers can pick up their packets from 6:30-7:45 a.m. The race route will start and finish at the WellSpan Learning Center, and racers will run past the landmark Shoe House as the race s midway point. Registration ends at 7:30 p.m. July 3.
The site notes that in the event of cancellation or rain, no refunds or credits will be applied to future events. There is also no rain date.
60th Annual 4th of July Blast in Jacobus
Where: 18 S. Main St., Jacobus
When: Event begins at 8:30 a.m.
This day-long Fourth of July event will kick off with a children s parade, followed by a book sale, face painting, live music, and more. Fireworks will kick off around 9:15 p.m.
The full event schedule can be foundhere.
Mount Airy Orchards Fourth of July Celebration
Where: 522 E. Mount Airy Road, Dillsburg
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $7.99 for general admission; $9.99 for enhanced admission
Guests can enjoy live music from Kirk Wise from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will also receive bogo admission and ice cream if wearing red, white, and blue.
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