Ice Cream and Superheroes

There is so much to do this Fourth of July weekend! You may have already checked out our listings on Thursday, but in addition to watching those booming displays, there's an all-you-can-eat ice-cream event, a play about superheores, a dinner cruise, great concerts and more.

Whether you are staying close to home or heading down the Shore this weekend, Gloucester Township Patch has handpicked a variety of events from which you can choose. (We know that there's more to life than fireworks.)

Happy Independence Day!

Superheroes Who Are Patriotic

• Where/When: Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St. (between Spruce and Pine streets and between 17th and 18th streets), Philadelphia; tonight at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m.
• What’s Going On: This event just sounds like too much fun to miss! The show promises to deliver word-for-word staged readings of comic books. If you like cheesy costumes, physical comedy and quick-witted humor, check out this production. You’ll see Captain America and Thor, and leave the show with renewed American pride. The show won a 2010 Best in Philly award from Philadelphia magazine.
• Pricing: $12 in advance or $15 at the door

Miss Saigon 

• Where/When: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia; tonight and Saturday, 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.
• What’s Going On: You have until July 24 to see this Broadway show at the Walnut Street Theatre. Telling the tale of a young Vietnamese girl and an American solider in love, Miss Saigon is a musical gem based on Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly.
• Pricing: $179 to $277 per ticket, plus any applicable fees

13th Annual All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival

• Where/When: Penns Landing, Great Plaza, Columbus Blvd. at Market Street, Philadelphia; Saturday through Monday, noon to 5 p.m. (also open 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday)
• What’s Going On: This delicious and fun event is one I attend every year. Held at Penns Landing in a cool tent, attendees are given a spoon upon entry. Then you’ll go from table to table tasting various brands of treats from Ben & Jerry’s, Haagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyer’s, Turkey Hill and more. Your donations at this event help raise money for the Joshua Kahan Fund to Fight Pediatric Leukemia and the Children’s Hospital Oncology Division. Pointers? Bring an extra shirt, wet wipes and extra spoons. Accidents happen at this popular event!
• Pricing: $7 per person

Spirit of Philadelphia Fireworks Dinner Cruise

• Where/When: The Spirit of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Waterfront (parking available at Columbus Boulevard at Lombard Circle) Philadelphia; Saturday at 7 p.m.
• What’s Going On: OK. I know I said there is more to life than fireworks, but this is a dinner cruise that happens to take place while the fireworks are on display. Instead of fighting for a parking space or scouting out the best viewing spot to look at the fireworks, come aboard The Spirit of Philadelphia for the best seat in the house on July 2. This cruise is kid-friendly, a DJ plays top 40 hits and your servers even start singing and dancing. A large buffet is offered, as well as a cash bar. The suggested dress for this event is business casual.
• Pricing: $89.90, plus any applicable fees, children under 3 ride for free

Happy Birthday America!

• Where/When: Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill; Saturday through Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Bring the kids out to this fun-filled event. Visitors to the museum will celebrate our nation’s birthday. On the agenda are patriotic crafts, silent fireworks and sing-alongs.
• Pricing: $10.95 for adults and children 12 months and older, $9.95 for seniors 

Washington Township Independence Day Celebration

• Where/When: Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville Cross Keys Rd., Washington Township; Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Bring your chairs or blankets out to the park this Sunday. Enjoy a free concert in the park, where free flags will be distributed. The Quailes and South Philly String Band are the featured performers of the night. If you want to linger, fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
• Pricing: Free

SHORE

Jamie Foxx

• Where/When: House of Blues in Showboat, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; Sunday at 8 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Jaime Foxx became a household name after his Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles in the film Ray. This incredibly talented actor, singer and comedian was also once a cast member on the show In Living Color. This weekend, for one day only, guests at his concert will get to hear him sing live. His musical hits include a collaboration with Kanye West on the song "Gold Digger" and work with T-Pain on the single “Blame It.”
• Pricing: $50 to $75, plus any applicable fees 

Paul Rodgers

• Where/When: Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Boston at The Boardwalk, Atlantic City; Saturday at 8 p.m.
• What’s Going On: Best known for his work with the group Queen, Paul Rodgers is a singer/musician who has been around for years. His strong vocals took the lead on hit songs like "Feel Like Making Love" and “Shooting Star.” He also wowed crowds with his 2006 performance of “Under Pressure” with the group Queen during VH1's Rock Honors (check out this clip).
• Pricing: $60, plus any applicable fees

Earth, Wind & Fire

• Where/When: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; tonight and Sunday at 8 p.m.
• What’s Going On: “Boogie Wonderland”, “Keep Your Head To The Sky” and “Let’s Groove” were huge hits for Earth, Wind and Fire. If you want to sway to this Grammy Award-winning group’s soulful sounds, make sure to pick up tickets to their concert this weekend.
• Pricing: $56 to $66, plus any applicable fees

Sade

• Where/When: Trump Taj Mahal, Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City; Saturday at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
• What’s Going On: Although I am a huge Sade fan, I wasn’t going to include this event—that is, until my friend reminded me how rare it is to hear of a Sade concert. The internationally known Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter is granting fans a performance this Saturday at the Borgata. Sade hits include “Your Love is King”, “Sweetest Taboo”, “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love.” Also featured during the night will be special guest John Legend.
• Pricing: $50 to $95, plus any applicable fees

Sports Cards, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show

• Where/When: Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood; today, 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• What’s Going On: This family-friendly event is ideal for kids of all ages. Make sure to stop by the Wildwood Convention Center to see the memorabilia, collectibles and guest star appearances.
• Pricing: Free