Photo by G. Widman

Philadelphia will take center stage this Saturday for the 250th Semiquincentennial anniversary, bringing extensive road closures and schedule modifications across the city. If you need to time a last-minute grocery run, find a place to cool off, or navigate a modified SEPTA schedule, check out this quick guide of what’s open, closed, and altered around West Philly for July 4th.

Public Services & Closures

Government Offices: All city, state, and federal government offices are closed.

The Free Library of Philadelphia: All branches will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, however the Walnut Street and Blackwell branches will operate as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mail Delivery: The USPS will not deliver regular mail, and local post offices are closed. UPS and FedEx are also halting regular pickup and delivery services for the holiday.

Banks: Expect physical bank branches to be closed, though ATMs remain accessible.

Groceries, Markets, & Coffee

Clark Park Farmers Market: Take note for your weekend shopping—the Saturday market at 43rd and Chester will be closed for the holiday.

Supermarkets & Co-ops:

The Fresh Grocer, ShopRite, and local ACME Markets are open, though they may operate on slightly abbreviated holiday hours. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you are making a late-night run.

Mariposa Food Co-op (4824 Baltimore Ave): Open for holiday shopping, though the co-op often operates on modified early-closure hours for the Fourth of July.

Aldi (4421 Market St): Open for your holiday needs, but note that it will be operating on limited holiday hours (typically closing early at 4 p.m.). Get your grilling supplies early!

Liquor Stores: Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations will close early on the Fourth (typically by 5 p.m.).

Local Cafes: Neighborhood staples like Satellite Cafe and Green Line Cafe are expected to be open for your morning caffeine fix, though some may close early in the afternoon.

Recreation & Attractions

Museums: If you are looking to escape the heat, The Franklin Institute and The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University are open to visitors on the holiday. However, the Philadelphia Museum of Art across the river will be entirely closed. The Penn Museum will be closed as well.

Fairmount Park & Lemon Hill: If you plan on heading to the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, please note that it will be closed on July 4th due to the big evening concert celebrations and security perimeters surrounding the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

SEPTA & Transit Adjustments

Getting around West Philly or crossing the river will take some extra planning due to major road closures, including MLK Drive (completely shut down from the Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval).

Subways & Trolleys: SEPTA will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, July 4. However, expect extra late-night service on the Market-Frankford Line and the sub-surface trolley lines (Routes 11, 13, 34, and 36) to accommodate crowds returning from the midnight fireworks.

Buses: Several bus routes crossing the Schuylkill River or navigating near the Parkway will have detours throughout the day. Check the SEPTA System Status app before you head out.