Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Harrisburg announces plans for July 4th festival, including food trucks and fireworks

Mayor Wanda Williams announces the July 4th Food Truck Festival at a press conference on Tuesday.

Harrisburg will celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a bang.

The city will host its annual July 4th Food Truck Festival and Fireworks event, Mayor Wanda Williams announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

“Downtown Harrisburg is going to be a party for the 4th of July and I can’t wait to celebrate,” Williams said. “Harrisburg is at its best on days like this, when families can experience our city together. We really can’t wait to see the fun they’re going to have when they come to Riverfront Park.”

From 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4, over 45 food trucks will line N. Front Street. Harrisburg festival classics, such as funnel cakes and Farm Show milkshakes, will be offered, but new food options will be available as well. Additionally, there will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Beer and wine gardens will feature drinks from five different breweries and vineyards. 

Local businesses such as Yellow Bird Café, JB Lovedraft’s Micropub, Stock’s on 2nd and others will also offer unique items that can only be found for the holiday weekend. 

Six musical acts will perform on the Capital Blue Cross Live Music Stage, including groups like Big Sky Quartet and Big Fat Meanies. This year, the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast will be performing onstage between Liberty and State streets beginning at 2:15 p.m.

For families with small children, there will be a Kids Zone where children can get free balloon animals and face painting. 

City Island businesses will also be open for anyone who wants to take a ride on the railroad, play a round of Water Golf, or cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna. 

To conclude the evening, at around 9:15 p.m., the city will shoot off fireworks, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The show, produced by Bixler Pyrotechnics, will last 15 minutes and include 2,000 shells. The city’s fireworks display will commence after the Harrisburg Senators’ own fireworks display following their game against the Erie Seawolves.

At 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and by candlelight at 8 p.m., a John Harris Jr. re-enactor will read the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion.

Street parking is free during the holiday. Parking on City Island will cost $5 and Market Square Garage parking from 1 p.m. to midnight will be $10. Handicapped parking is available on State Street, and free bike parking is available at Walnut Street. Front Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to midnight, and the Market Street Bridge will be closed westbound from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. 

For more information on Harrisburg’s July 4th celebration, visit their website

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