Your Guide to Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia’s Official July 4th Celebration
Fireworks, free museum days, block parties, concerts, and more! Your guide to the 16-day Independence Day celebration.
Wawa Welcome America — Philly’s July 4th festivities — concludes with fireworks on the Parkway / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia basically invented independence, so of course we’re going to do the Fourth of July up right. And with America turning 250 this year, the celebration is going to be bigger than ever!
Philly’s annual Independence Day bonanza kicks off on Juneteenth and runs through (you guessed it) July 4th. You get 16 days of free activities that not only celebrate freedom, but also highlight so much of what Philly has to offer. From free museums to block parties to kids’ activities to events that spotlight our incredible local music and food (hello, Wawa Hoagie Day), it’s all on display and ready for the whole city to enjoy.
But there’s so much to do, it’s almost overwhelming. So, to help you get the most out of the festival’s activities, we’re breaking it down for you. Looking for all the free museum days? Free concerts? Free hoagies?! We’ve got you covered.
Fireworks | Parades | Block Parties and Gatherings | Concerts | Free Museum Days
Fireworks
Let’s start with the big show because it’s not July 4th without fireworks. Welcome America has not one, not two, but six displays:
- June 20th & 21st, 9 p.m., Welsh Fountain in Fairmount Park: As part of the brand-new, multi-day festival Philly Fair 250 (more on that below), the Science History Institute will present historically inspired fireworks displays. (P.S. They’ve also got a “History of Fireworks” exhibit right now.) Take note, these are “ground fireworks that require a more up-close experience” so head to the fountain for a good view.
- June 25th, 9 p.m., Dell Music Center: Celebration of Black Music Month Concert (more info on that below) concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.
- June 26th, 9 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground: This one’s for the kids! Stay after the free, family-friendly Kidchella music festival for a fireworks display. More info below.
- June 27th, 9:30 p.m., Delaware River Waterfront: Fireworks on the Waterfront (following a concert by Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers)
- July 4th, 11:45 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Wawa Welcome America Fireworks (following the Welcome America concert on the Parkway)
Parades
Photograph by by G. Widman
Pomp & Parade
As part of Red, White & Blue To-Do on July 2nd (see below), “13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair” will parade from the National Constitution Center, past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning right on 3rd Street, and ending at Walnut Street. July 2nd, 11 a.m.-noon, starts at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade
The parade starts at Independence Hall and finishes on the Parkway. Because this is America’s 250th, they’re going big this year: There’ll be “250 vibrant elements representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, including all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders, each showcasing their home state or territory through themed performances and visuals.” Plus: 50 marching bands and 19 elaborate floats. (Want a preview of the floats before the parade? They’ll be displayed on Independence Mall the evening before.) July 3rd, noon-4 p.m., starts at Independence Hall.
Block Parties and Community Gatherings
Wawa Welcome America hosts block parties all festival long. / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
This all-ages party features live performances — including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Verse Mega, and Slick Rick — in celebration of Juneteenth and the 50th anniversary of the African American Museum. The block party also includes food trucks, all-day cocktails, kids’ activities, wellness resources, and more. Plus, the museum will offer free admission all day (online registration required). June 19th, noon-5 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street.
Movies on the Mall: Harriet
It’s a Welcome America tradition to watch an outdoor movie together, and this year they’re taking a detour from the usual Rocky on the Art Museum steps to Harriet on Independence Mall. It’s part of Independence Visitor Center’s Movies on the Mall summer series. Before the screening, come for family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m. including 18th-century games and free popcorn. Bring your own blanket or chairs. June 19th, 8:30 p.m. (activities start at 5:30 p.m.), Independence Mall.
Philly Fair 250
New for Wawa Welcome America is a massive three-day celebration in the Centennial District marking America’s 250th birthday, packed with live performances on two stages, food trucks (representing flavors from the original 13 colonies), hot air balloon rides, a trapeze, kids’ activities, and interactive exhibits from some of Philly’s biggest cultural institutions. Plus, old-timey fireworks displays on Saturday and Sunday from the Science History Institute designed to bring history to life. June 20th-22nd at Avenue of the Republic and East Memorial Hall Drive.
Wawa Hoagie Day
In the grand tradition, Wawa is serving free Shorti hoagies on Independence Mall, along with live entertainment from the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band. When you’re done eating your hoagie, head across the lawn to the National Constitution Center, which conveniently has free admission that day. July 1st, noon, Independence Mall.
Tons of free Wawa hoagies on Independence Mall / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Red, White, & Blue To-Do: All-American Block Party
The Welcome America lineup got a new day of celebration a couple years ago, and it was all John Adams’s idea. Because if it were up to him, Independence Day would be two days earlier. (That’s when the Continental Congress voted for independence; the Declaration came on the 4th.) Adams wrote that July 2nd should be a day of “Pomp and Parade” across the land. So, at 11 a.m. on July 2nd, that’s just what we’ll do. The parade kicks off at Independence Hall. (See above for details.) The day will also include the All-American Block Party, featuring food trucks, family-friendly activities, and live performances at 11 different sites. And to wrap up the day enjoy a patriotic concert on the Mall (more on that below). July 2nd, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets.
More Community Gatherings:
Free Movie Days at the Philadelphia Film Society
New for this year: Every day of Welcome America, PFS is holding free movie screenings of films by and about Philly — selections range from Mannequin to Summer of Soul to Creed, so there’s truly something for everyone. (See the full schedule here.) Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them online. June 19th-July 3rd, Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street.
Five Points Night Market
Food trucks, local vendors, and live performances converge in the Northeast. June 24th, 5-9 p.m., Cottman and Rising Sun avenues.
This annual celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage returns to LOVE Park with plenty of music, dance, food, drinks, and community activations. It all leads up to a headline performance at 8 p.m. by Grammy-winning singer Olga Tañón. June 27th, 2-9 p.m., LOVE Park.
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony and the Liberty Medal Ceremony
The city will kick off July 4th on Independence Mall with speeches, performances (including Grammy-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams), and awards at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony. At 11 a.m., the National Constitution Center will award the Liberty Medal to Pope Leo XIV. (He’ll deliver his acceptance remarks live from the Vatican, livestreamed on the Mall and on NCC’s website.) July 4th, 10 a.m., Independence Mall.
Concerts and Performances
Wawa Welcome America includes free concerts around town. / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Celebration of Black Music Month (and Fireworks)
Celebrate Black Music Month at this free concert with headliners Mya and Philly-native Eve. Stay after for a fireworks display. Free tickets are available at select Wawa Welcome America events (including Juneteenth Jubilee, Philly Fair 250, and the Five Points Night Market). Admission and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. June 25th, 7-9 p.m., Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.
Kidchella
Smith Memorial Playground hosts its annual kids’ concert, Kidchella. The free event will feature family-friendly music acts (including Interminable, Courtnee Owens, Dende, and the Bearded Ladies Cabaret), plus art stations, snacks, giveaways, and more. Then stay after for fireworks! It’s free, but reserve your spot online. And bring your own blanket or chairs (though your kids will probably be on their feet to the music). June 26th, 4-9 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive.
Summer Concert & Spectacular Waterfront Fireworks
Gather at the waterfront for a concert by Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, followed by a spectacular fireworks display above the Delaware River. (Fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m.) June 27th, 8-10 p.m., Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Gospel on Independence
Gather on Independence Mall for an evening of joyful music by local choirs and musicians, with a special guest performance by Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin. This year’s event will also honor Philly radio legend Patty Jackson, who has hosted Gospel on Independence for the last five years. Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. June 28th, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride Concert
Trixie Mattel, (Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars), hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra’s free annual Pride concert. Also on the bill: the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Tickets must be reserved online. Bonus: Don’t miss the free pre-show in the Kimmel’s Plaza beforehand — no tickets needed for that part — at 4 p.m, with local drag queens and kings! June 30th, 7 p.m. (free pre-show at 4 p.m.), Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band
The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldier’s Chorus present a musical performance that honors our country and its veterans, with a special guest performance by Queen Latifah. This is the finale to Old City’s day of Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration, and will be followed by a show of hundreds of illuminated drones creating “great moments from the country’s 250 years with flag-themed imagery and patriotic animations.” Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. July 2nd, 6-9 p.m., Independence Mall.
Pops on Independence
The Welcome America tradition returns, and joining the Pops on stage is Broadway superstar Idina Menzel. Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. July 3rd, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall.
The City of Philadelphia’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America (and Fireworks)
It all culminates in the big concert on the Parkway, this year headlined by Christina Aguilera and Philly’s own Jill Scott. Plus, the Roots, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, and more. Gates open at 3 p.m., and the concert starts at 5 p.m.. The celebrations continue with a dazzling fireworks display over the Art Museum at 11:45 p.m. July 4th, 5 p.m.-midnight (gates at 3 p.m.), Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Free Museum Days
Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
And finally, it wouldn’t be Wawa Welcome America without the opportunity to explore dozens of our museums for free! Every day of the festival, at least one cultural institution opens its doors to guests. Some of them, keen readers may notice, are always free, but they still want to get in on the celebration, so good for them! Anyway, here’s the schedule:
- Friday, June 19th: African American Museum in Philadelphia
- Saturday, June 20th: Fairmount Water Works, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, Paul Robeson House & Museum, Historic Rittenhouse Town, Please Touch Museum
- Sunday, June 21st: Ryerss Museum & Library, PAFA, Elfreth’s Alley Museum, Please Touch Museum
- Monday, June 22nd: Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, Founder’s Hall Museum
- Tuesday, June 23rd: Christ Church Preservation Trust, Wyck Historic House, U.S. Mint
- Wednesday, June 24th: Woodmere Art Museum, American Philosophical Society Museum, the Fabric Workshop and Museum
- Thursday, June 25th: Carpenters’ Hall, Independence Seaport Museum, American Women’s Heritage Society, Ormiston Mansion, Museum for Art in Wood
- Friday, June 26th: Penn Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Weitzman National of American Jewish History, the North Broad Renaissance: Summer aBroad AR Tour
- Saturday, June 27th: Woodford Mansion, Historic Strawberry Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion, Hill-Physick House, Johnson House Historic Site, Eastern State Penitentiary
- Sunday, June 28th: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, American Swedish Historical Museum, Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel AME Church
- Monday, June 29th: Mütter Museum, Arch Street Meeting House
- Tuesday, June 30th: Wagner Free Institute of Science, Masonic Temple, National Liberty Museum, the Print Center
- Wednesday, July 1st: National Constitution Center
- Thursday, July 2nd: Stenton, Institute of Contemporary Art
- Friday, July 3rd: Fireman’s Hall Museum, Science History Institute, Historic St. George’s Museum and Archives, Historic Waynesborough
- Saturday, July 4th: Cliveden, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Powel House
