Guide to July 4th Weekend 2026 in Hershey
Things to Do in Central Pennsylvania on America's 250th Anniversary
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a premier destination for the July 4th holiday weekend (and the entire summer season), offering everything from spectacular fireworks and Broadway entertainment to thrilling coasters and unique dining. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, discover the best ways to enjoy the festivities in The Sweetest Place On Earth.
Hersheypark All-American Summer Celebration
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The centerpiece of the holiday celebration is Hersheypark, which commemorates its 120th operating year alongside the nation's semiquincentennial. Tickets include three parks in one with more than 70 rides, a water park and a zoo (open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Visitors to the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania can experience a patriotic transformation across the 121 acres for America's 250th anniversary, featuring decor, Americana-themed ride overlays on attractions like Laff Trakk and Twin Turnpike, and red, white, and blue light packages on coasters. The in-Park entertainment lineup includes Sweet Greets with Hershey Characters dressed in festive patriotic attire and Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook in the air-conditioned Music Box Theatre.
The celebration extends to exclusive culinary offerings available only this summer. Highlights include the Star-Spangled King Size Shake at Simply Chocolate, patriotic-themed donuts at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor and the Stars & Stripes Martini Flight at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio.
Fireworks Presented by HERSHEY’S
Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, at 10:15 p.m.
The highlight of the holiday weekend is the Fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S. Epic displays will light up the iconic Hershey skyline at 10:15 p.m. on both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.
Hersheypark offers Fireworks From The Shore, a special add-on to elevate the fireworks viewing experience. It features an unlimited buffet of sweet treats, including ice cream novelties, popcorn, fountain beverages, and a cash bar, while watching the fireworks from The Shore in the water park. Tickets are $24.99 per person.
Star-Spangled Picnic at Hersheypark
Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parkgoers can upgrade their July 4th holiday experience at Hersheypark with a star-spangled, all-you-care-to-eat picnic buffet. This festive spread features classic holiday favorites, such as hamburgers and hot dogs with rolls, baked fried chicken, and savory sides like brown-sugar baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and house-made chips. Fresh watermelon and ice cream novelties are also included, along with fountain Pepsi products and assorted condiments.
Tickets for the buffet are priced at $21.20 for adults (ages 13+) and $14.84 for children ages 12 and under.
A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical at Hershey Theatre
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, at various times
Hershey Theatre will host five holiday weekend performances of “A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical,” an inspiring musical memoir created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself.
- Friday, July 3: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4: 1 p.m.
- Sunday, July 5: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“A Beautiful Noise” is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalog of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.
Like “Jersey Boys” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” before it, “A Beautiful Noise” is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir that tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
Jazz on the Veranda at The Hotel Hershey
Saturday, July 4, from 7-10 p.m.
The Hotel Hershey invites both resort guests and the public to celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with Jazz On The Veranda. This sweet evening celebration features live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. Attendees can enjoy a patriotic atmosphere high above the town, making the veranda a premier location to see the fireworks display presented by HERSHEY'S, scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m.
Patriotic Pampering in Hershey
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, at various times
Both locals and travelers alike can add a touch of sweet, patriotic luxury to their holiday weekend with a relaxing retreat to the award-winning Hershey spas. From vibrant red, white and blue nail art to rejuvenating seasonal body treatments, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey have availability remaining to feel refreshed over Independence Day weekend.
To book an appointment at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, call 844-330-1797. For MeltSpa by Hershey, call 855-500-2366 or visit their website.
Make Yankee Doodle Chocolate Bars at The Hershey Story
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special Yankee Doodle Chocolate Bar-themed Chocolate Lab classes over the Fourth of July weekend. During this 45-minute class, guests can try their hand at chocolate pouring and decorating as they mold a milk chocolate bar and top it off with red, white and blue candy sprinkles to create their own edible American flag. Guests will discover where and how cocoa beans are grown and processed into their favorite chocolate confections.
Chocolate Lab tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at The Hershey Story admissions desk upon arrival. Children must be at least five years old to enter the Lab.
America’s 250th Celebration at Hershey Gardens
Sunday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hershey Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors on the Fourth of July can enjoy an America’s 250th Celebration featuring family activities and unique collection highlights. Stationed tour guides throughout the gardens will highlight the Lincoln cultivar rose, the Franklinia alatamata, the American Heritage Chestnut and more! Educational activities in The Children's Garden will focus on community design, animal and plant habitats, and more.
Stay in the Heart of the July 4th Action
Visitors to Hershey can make their holiday weekend even more memorable by staying at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. Whether guests prefer the historic elegance of The Hotel Hershey, the family-friendly atmosphere of Hershey Lodge, the modern convenience of the newly opened Hershey Inn & Suites, or the scenic setting of Hersheypark Camping Resort, they will be steps away from all the festivities.
Staying on-site provides exclusive free resort benefits, including free front-gate shuttle service to and from Hersheypark and extended ride hours, ensuring guests make the most of every moment during the patriotic celebration.
