24+ LIBERATING THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN MONTCO

July 4
​Valley Forge National Historical Park

Patriots in the Park
Enjoy the 4^th of July at Valley Forge!

Celebrate our nation's independence through historical games, demonstrations, storytelling, tours, food and more!  Learn about the birth of the nation and the pivotal role the Valley Forge Encampment played in securing our freedom from Great Britain - all while celebrating the 4th of July in your national park. 

Valley Forge National Historical Park offers trolley tours all month long! For timing and ticket details, call (610) 624-5010. 

Most programs run from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM unless otherwise noted.  Most programs are free.

July 4
​Memorial Park

This year’s festivities will be kicked-off with the singing of the National Anthem by Jo Ann Bathurst at 11:30 a.m., immediately followed by the crowning of the 2019 Royal Court.

This year’s line-up includes:  Anakai and the Grooveyard; AfroBear presented by Montgomery County Community College; Stephanie Grace, presented by Pottstown Parks & Recreation; Hector Rosado & Orchestra Hache; and Funktion.

The festival is jam-packed with activities geared toward families, including the noon to 5 p.m. return appearance of “Grandpop Bubbles,” a performance artist who creates enormous bubbles to delight young and old alike.  Grandpop Bubbles’ performance and all of the children’s activities for the day are being generously sponsored by ROG Orthodontics. Other attractions will be inflatable rides and attractions, from noon to 8 p.m.; Rainbow the Clown face-painting artists from 1 to 5 p.m.; and a Rain Gutter Regatta presented by Pottstown Cub Scout Packs 249 & 146 from 5 – 7 p.m.

July 5
​Skippack, PA

Its 1st Friday in Skippack! The village will be LIVE with music stationed throughout the main drag.  Come shop, dine, discover and more! 

July 6
Black Powder Tavern

Black Powder Tavern and Yards Brewery are hosting rocking good time in colonial style with “Beers of Presidents,” a special event to celebrate Independence Day (weekend). Tavern staff and patrons will be sporting colonial era attire. Guests are encouraged to be creative in their dress to win a prize (free dinner) for (the) best costume. This event will also feature Yards (name of beers) on tap, a DJ, historical impersonators (Presidents James Madison and George Washington as well as Philly’s own Benjamin Franklin), patriotic cocktails, games, and more.

July 4
​Brothers Kershner Brewing Co.

As and Independent Brewery, Independence hits close to home! As such, we want to CELEBRATE the freedoms that allow us to pursue our passions. JOIN US and enjoy live, all American music, Craft beverages and a front row seat to the Skippack Village 4th of July Parade! 

May 10 - September 28
Independence Seaport Museum

Kick back on summer nights with stunning views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and a cold drink in hand, all while aboard the oldest steel warship afloat in the world.  The Admiral's Tavern beer garden (21+) is popping up again on Cruiser Olympia at Independence Seaport Museum every Friday and Saturday from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.  

Gather your crew for drinks, snacks, fun, and games on the most historic ship in Philadelphia.  Food will be available for purchase.

Cover charge: $8 per person, includes on drink ticket. 

August 2
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust

Our Eerie Limited highlights Boyertown as "one of the most haunted small towns in America." This evening train explores the stories of local hauntings, historic incidents, and amusing and astounding happenings along the Colebrookdale Railroad.

Learn the haunted secrets of The Secret Valley on a very special evening run. Two-hour round trip departing and arriving in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Certain Fridays of each month, June through October, 6:30 PM. Proceeds benefit the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.

July 20
​Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust

 “I’ve been working on the railroad, all the live long day….”  Create new memories with your family as you board Colebrookdale Railroad’s Campfire Express to our site “in the woods.” You’ll ride the train to the campfire site, roast some hot dogs and join in some camp songs.

We supply: Hot dogs & buns, roasting sticks, bug juice (beverage – but no bugs), campfire to roast your dog, song sheets, and song leader.

You supply: The energy and kids to create the experience. This is a camping experience without the sleepover.

We anticipate this experience to be a little over an hour in duration.

This excursion is family oriented with family friendly pricing!

May 3 - September 29
Independence Seaport Museum

Paddle your way around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon for the perfect outdoor recreational activity.  Located near Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Hilton Penn's Landing, Paddle Penn's Landing is a unique afternoon adventure with family and friends or a memorable date with your sweetheart on the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

July 4
​Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust

Avoid the traffic and parking and join us for a special July 4th excursion to experience Pottstown's GoFourth! Fireworks Show in Pottstown's Memorial Park!

Train departs Boyertown at 7 PM. (No meal will be served on this excursion)

Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and wear appropriate footwear as passengers will be allowed to disembark from the train to enjoy the show from the park. Boarding for return to Boyertown will begin promptly after the show concludes.

Seating will be General Admission except for Parlor Car Passengers (light refreshments provided for you to enjoy!)

Please Note: Our Pottstown Boarding Platform DOES NOT have a ramp, we apologize, but for this expedition, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

July 4
​Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust

In celebration of our nation's birth, join the Colebrookdale Railroad and the GoFourth! Festival this July 4 in Memorial Park in Pottstown for exciting family activities! In service of this special occasion, short excursions will be offered originating and returning to Pottstown's Memorial Park.

These approximate 40 minute round-trip jaunts are a great way to experience the Colebrookdale Railroad for the first time or again!

General seating in Dining and our Deluxe Coach.

Round trips from Pottstown.

July 2
​Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Eastern State Penitentiary staff members and collaborators will discuss their work creating Hidden Lives Illuminated, an exhibition of animated films made by currently incarcerated artists. These films will be projected onto the penitentiary’s facade each night from August 15 through September 12, 2019.

The Hidden Lives Illuminated team will discuss the successes and challenges of teaching storytelling, screenwriting, and animation inside active prisons.

Sean Kelley is the Director of Interpretation at Eastern State and the Project Lead on Hidden Lives Illuminated. William Wallace III is the co-teaching artist for the project. Mandee Quinn is the Superintendent’s Assistant at SCI-Chester, a men’s prison in which many of the incarcerated artists live.

Hidden Lives Illuminated has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

July 6
​TD Pavilion @ The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Dope Shows is proud to announce their first annual music festival. Dope Shows has decided to expand into the Philly festival scene after consistently selling out concerts. Dope Fest will provide a young energy event for all ages. The event will take place at the newly renovated Mann Center in their hometown of Philadelphia, PA. This year's line-up features:

PnB Rock • Pusha T • NBA Youngboy • Young Dolph • Lil Durk • Calboy • Bry Greatah • Zah Sosaa • DJ AYEboogie • Sy Mosquiat • Shaun Sloan • Henrock • Killswitch • Nyeline • The Realest Podcast Ever

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, (800) 982-2787, or the Mann Box Office.

July 4 - 5
​Ardmore Music Hall

For the past 25 years Splintered Sunlight has been sharing their unique take on the music of the GRATEFUL DEAD in the Delaware Valley & Mid-Atlantic region.

July 6
​The Underground

I Think Like Midnight w/ RunHideFight & F. Woods

July 6
​Valley Forge Casino Resort

Australia’s hottest export – Thunder From Down Under – hits the stage showing off chiseled bodies, seductive dance routines, cheeky humor and boy-next-door charm that you won’t be able to resist!

This isn’t the type of show you just sit and watch – Thunder is a fully interactive experience. The blokes make their way through the crown and even select a few lucky ladies to join in the fun on stage.

Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with these Aussie hunks. Critics, celebrities and fans from around the world rave that Thunder From Down Under is the best male revenue show on the Strip, DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS!

July 5
​Valley Forge Casino Resort

Eliot Chang has been seen on 2 of his own Comedy Central Half Hour specials, E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” and Showtime. His viral videos have received millions of views at www.YouTube.com/EliotChangOfficial.

July 7
​Valley Beach Poolside Club

Divas of Valley Forge Casino Resort (featuring Philly Drag Mafia) is bringing the best in celebrity impersonations to the Main Line.

Hosted by Philly’s most famous Queen, Brittany Lynn (Phillydragmafia.com) has over twenty years of drag performance under her belt including casino residencies, stand-up comedy tours, and shows across the country. This is a show that will impress even the fussiest queen in your group!

Divas of Valley Forge Casino Resort brings you all your favorite past and present stars: Gaga, Elton John, Liza, Barbra, Britney, Madonna - you never know who will show up on our stage! It’s the next best thing to seeing the actual stars themselves...while enjoying the comfort of Valley Beach and all it has to offer - fabulous cocktails and fun foods. The only thing you’ll be hungry for is MORE OF THIS AMAZING SHOW! Be sure to get your tickets now before we sell out and you have to miss out on all the fun.

July 4 - July 13
Exhibit B Gallery

Our featured artist for June - July is Monique Sarkessian. See new and recent paintings in oils and encaustics. Opening reception 6/21/19 5-9 with lite refreshments served. Meet the artist and enjoy an awesome show. Monique's paintings are bold, colorful, and expressive; blending unique details with bold abstractions.

Solo show hosted by Exhibit B Gallery in a restored 1901 cigar factory. Shows runs thru 7/13/19.