The 4th of July is all about backyard barbecues, festive parades, and dazzling fireworks for many Americans. But, the 4th of July is also all about celebrating American Independence, and where better to spend the holiday than in historic Gettysburg? Reenactors bring one of the most significant events in American history, The Battle of Gettysburg, to life every 4th of July weekend. When you combine American history with music, food, and spectacular fireworks, you get the perfect 4th of July destination in Pennsylvania.
Stay with us at The Central Hotel Harrisburg, and you will be less than an hour away from the Gettysburg 4th of July celebration. Plus, you will be staying in the state’s capital, where you can expect even more patriotic fun just minutes from your hotel room!
Gettysburg 4th of July Celebration
We invite you to celebrate Independence Day in historic Gettysburg! Begin your weekend with the Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment available on the Saturday and Sunday before the holiday. Besides the reenactment, you can expect living history programs, artillery demonstrations, and tours of the field hospitals.
The Gettysburg Recreation Park will also be hosting community fireworks on July 4th. Starting at 3 pm, you can sample delicious food trucks, sip on refreshing drinks, and listen to live music at the park. Then set up your lawn chairs to watch the spectacular fireworks display starting at 9 pm. The Gettysburg 4th of July fireworks are the perfect way to cap off a fun weekend in Central Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg 4th of July Events
Alternatively, you can spend the 4th of July just 10 minutes from your hotel room in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Food Truck Festival will kick off early in the afternoon at Riverfront Park. Over 40 trucks will be parked throughout the park, serving up anything from pulled pork to smoked mac n cheese and funnel cakes. Pair your food with wine and craft beer from local vineyards and breweries for the perfect meal. There will also be two live music stages where you can listen to talented musicians all day long.
Families can expect free activities the kids will love, like face painting and caricatures. For even more activities for the kids, you can head across the bridge to City Island for mini golf, railroad rides, and riverboat tours. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:15 pm and can be viewed from Riverfront Park and City Island. End a fantastic 4th of July weekend with fireworks illuminating the Susquehanna River.
Celebrate Independence Day in Central Pennsylvania
Plan your visit to Harrisburg around the Gettysburg 4th of July celebration and start the weekend with the famous reenactment and end with dazzling fireworks. Learn more about Gettysburg history with our Civil War Experience package at The National Civil War Museum. This package includes your lodging, breakfast buffets, and two tickets to this Harrisburg museum. Join us at The Central Hotel Harrisburg for a fantastic 4th of July celebration in Pennsylvania.