The Northeast will host several free events during the Independence Day weekend that welcome the public to attend.
One River Alliance and State Street Events will produce the eighth annual FreedomFest on Saturday, July 4, at Pleasant Hill Park (Delaware River and Linden Avenue).
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and culminate at 9 p.m. with a fireworks display by Pyrotecnico, launched from a barge in the center of the Delaware River.
The free, family-friendly event features live music, dozens of local food trucks, artisan vendors and activities for all ages.
Opening ceremonies begin at 5 p.m. with a ceremonial flag-raising in partnership with William D. Oxley American Legion Post 133 at the park’s newly installed flagpole. The opening ceremonies will also include a performance of the national anthem.
Following the opening ceremonies, Philly Heart & Soul will perform a set.
Next, there will be remarks from local elected officials and the presentation of the inaugural Alliance Award by One River Alliance to Tom Forkin, who was instrumental in bringing together the stakeholders needed for the first celebration in 2019.
Among those expected to attend are City Councilman Mike Driscoll, state Sen. Joe Picozzi, city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley and City Controller Christy Brady.
Philly Heart & Soul will return after the remarks and award presentation.
The beer garden returns and will feature rotating live performances by local artists.
There will also be a 40-foot Ferris wheel.
To learn more about FreedomFest, visit https://www.oneriveralliance.org/freedomfest2026.
Meanwhile, the Lawncrest Community Day and Fireworks Celebration will take place on Sunday, July 5, at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave.
There will be a car show, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, food trucks and a DJ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fireworks will be at dusk.
Also on July 5, the Tacony LAB Community Art Center’s Northeast 250: Threads of History project will conclude from noon to 4 p.m. at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave.
All of the flags that have been created throughout the series will be on display.
There will be a variety of make-and-take crafts as well as artist vendors, food trucks and a VIP speaking portion.
Jane Golden, the retiring executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, is scheduled to be in attendance.
Admission is free and open to the public.
To register for the event, visit www.glenfoerd.com/events.
For more information, go to https://taconylab.org/northeast-250-threads-of-history-event-series/ ••
