July 4th Festivities in Phila.

by KYW's John Ostapkovich and Hadas Kuznits

Independence Mall will resound with popular and patriotic music tonight, as Peter Nero and the Philly Pops put on their 6th free holiday concert there.

Fans are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to turn this 90 minute concert into a festival.  Naturally, since this is on the eve of the 4th, there will be a theme, says conductor and artistic director Peter Nero:

"Through music, we will celebrate the birth of our nation by not only playing patriotic music but also demonstrating America's contributions to the world's pop culture. Big band is an American creation. Jazz is an American creation. The Broadway Musical is an American creation."

Copeland, Bernstein and Williams works will be featured, as well as a salute to the military services.  The concert begins at 8:30 on Friday night.

Check Welcome America for more information on this event and many others.

If you're looking forward to Philadelphia's Independence Day parade, don't go looking for it on the Parkway this year -- it moved.

Maybe it's a match made in inevitability, but on Saturday morning there will be Independence Day ceremonies on the Mall and then no great scramble across Center City.

City representative Melanie Johnson says fans can stay put because the parade begins right there:

"It starts at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, heads up Chestnut Street.  The route turns right on 7th street then proceeds one block north to Market Street where it turns right again. The parade marches six blocks and ends on Front Street."

So if you have a spot in the block that contains the Liberty Bell, you can catch the parade coming and going.

South Street promises to be full of activity this holiday weekend.  Rakia Reynolds with Skai Blue Media says for those looking for shopping, restautant and spa deals, The Headhouse District is the way to go:

"I mean, we're not a part of Welcome America but Haagen Daaz is running some specials, Fileo yogurt is going to be doing some things a part of the festivities for the weekend, and Lorenzos is also going to be doing something and everybody's really excited about Fourth of July weekend!"

Reynolds promises it will be festive:

"We will have our South Street Headhouse District Street Performers. Some of them will be dressed in their festive colors, and they're gonna be performing throughout the whole weekend -- so Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in 10 different locations throughout the district."