Celebrate July 4 in Freedom's Cradle--Philadelphia

All the details here for Philly's extended Fourth

For the first time, the ballyhooed "Largest Free Concert in America" - the Philly 4th of July Jam with the Roots, John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, Grace Potter, J. Cole, Ben Taylor, and host Kevin Hart - will be nationally telecast live. "We are excited to tell the rest of the country that we own the Fourth of July, like [New York] for many years has owned New Year's Eve," said the executive director of 2013 Wawa Welcome America! So color your schedule red, white, and blue for the next week, at least:    Sunday If you're looking for a little relaxation in the run-up to the Fourth, catch a free yoga session at 9:30 a.m. on the Race Street Pier on Columbus Blvd.

   Monday The farm comes to Franklin Square, 6th and Race Sts., with cow-milking lessons, an 1918 milk delivery wagon, and stories about dairy history. Part of Wawa Welcome America! and the Go 4th and Learn project, the day-long event starts at 10 a.m. The first 200 children on the scene will get free books.  (On Tuesday, Go 4th and Learn will present the history of the hoagie at the National Constitution Center.) At 9 p.m., after the kids are tuckered, kick back at Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut Sts., for a Philly@The Movies showing of Silver Linings Playbook

Tuesday the Philadelphia Orchestra will put on a free Neighborhood Concert on the RiverStage at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing.   Wednesday  Philadelphia at 8 p.m.  Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform at Independence Hall. The concert is free; bring chairs and blankets.  

 Thursday, July 4  239 Arch St. The Betsy Ross House will host children's activities starting at 11. At the same time, 5,000 participants will be stepping off in front of Independence Hall for the Independence Day Parade through Philadelphia's historic core. The party moves to the Parkway at noon, capped off in the evening with the Philly 4th of July Jam and the grand finale fireworks. 

 Friday, July 5 Had your fill of the Philadelphia food scene? That's the goal of Wawa Welcome America!'s Taste of Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, noon to 10 p.m. The feasting continues Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.   Saturday, July 6 All aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht for the Annual Fireworks Cruise, a three-hour voyage on the Delaware from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., with buffet, cash bar, and entertainment. White attire is requested. Boarding will be at 7 at Pier 24 North at 401 N. Columbus Blvd. Price: $59 for adults, $29 children 4 to 12, free 3 and under. It might just be the best seat on the river for Camden's Adventure Waterfront Fireworks across the river at 9:15 pm.