PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Independence Day is Thursday, but Philadelphia's party is starting early.
John Adams wrote in 1776 that July 2, the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the resolution for independence from Great Britain, "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade." In 2024 in Philadelphia, it's happening.
"It's a first-time event that we're hosting called the Red, White and Blue To-Do. And it's held on July 2 because that is the date that John Adams said was America's birthday," said Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation President Kathryn Ott Lovell.
"All of the institutions, organizations, attractions throughout the historic district are going to be putting on performances. They're going to be doing fun activities outside," she said.
The next day, July 3, the Independence Visitor Center cracks open a new venue. "The Liberty Beer Garden will open here on Independence Mall for the first time, directly across from the Independence Visitor Center," Lovell said. "That'll be a family-friendly new venue for people to come and enjoy the park while they're enjoying a nice cup — a pint — of locally crafted beers."
The Liberty Beer Garden is not to be confused with the Independence Beer Garden across Sixth Street.
On the night of July 3, country singer LeeAnn Rimes performs with the Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus at Independence National Historical Park. That's before Philadelphia's traditional ceremonies, concerts and fireworks commemorate Independence Day on the Fourth.