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.
At 6:30, 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.
The event will take place rain or shine.
To learn more about FreedomFest, visit https://www.oneriveralliance.org/freedomfest2026. ••
