Philadelphia weekender: Fourth of July festivities, movies and more

🎥 You still have a couple more chances to check out Philadelphia Film Society's free movie days: "Mean Girls" is playing Thursday and Independence Day on Friday.

🎭 It's your last chance to check out "Dear Evan Hansen," the six-time Tony Award-wining show the follows the journey of a high school senior who suffers from social anxiety.

• The Washington Post called the show "outrageously reckless." Runs through Sunday. Tickets: $43-$76

🐅 Use the code 4JULY25 to get 25% off admission to the Philadelphia Zoo through July 5.

• While you're there, stop by the new $25 million Francis J. Carey Bear Country to meet Turbo and Alba, a pair of Andean bears relocated from San Diego.

🇺🇲 John Adams thought Americans would celebrate Independence Day on July 2 — the day the Continental Congress voted to break from Great Britain.

• And Philadelphia's Historic District agrees: It's honoring history with its annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do, featuring a patriotic parade, live music, family activities and extended hours at historic sites. Various sites through the city. Thursday, 7am-10pm

🎺 The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus takes the stage at Independence Hall on Thursday at 8pm for patriotic music honoring service members and veterans.

• Queen Latifah headlines the free concert, joined by a special appearance from Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.

🎖️Tour Fort Mifflin, one of America's oldest military bases. It's where colonial troops beat back the British Navy and fended off 2,000 Redcoats while George Washington withdrew from Valley Forge. Friday, 10am-4pm. Tickets: $17.32.

🥁 In the lead-up to the nation's biggest Fourth of July celebration, take the kids to the annual parade. It kicks off at noon Friday at 5th and Chestnut streets.

• Expect more than 40 marching bands and 19 floats, plus military marchers, dancers and more.