The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week

This week in Philly: Wawa Welcome America, the World Cup, a Ben Franklin rock musical, and much more.

Photograph via Visit Philly

This is a jam-packed week in the Philadelphia region — including Wawa Welcome America events, the World Cup, a Ben Franklin rock musical, free museum days, and more — so we dug deep to find you the best of the best. Enjoy!

WAWA WELCOME AMERICA

Wawa Welcome America — Philly’s July 4th festivities — concludes with fireworks on the Parkway / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Fireworks, free museum days, block parties, concerts, and more! Philly’s 16-day Independence Day celebration is in full swing, with its grand finale happening this weekend. We’ve got a whole guide to the celebration, but here are the highlights:

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.

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. 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, 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets.

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.

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.

ON STAGE

The cast of The Sound of America rehearses / Photograph courtesy of FringeArts

The Sound of America

This rock musical created by Randall Lane and Todd Schwartz reimagines Benjamin Franklin as “America’s first rock star.” How, you ask? Ben “accidentally unlocks the power of electric rock n’ roll after a lightning strike changes everything,” then “forms a scrappy band with his Leather Apron Club friends.” But wait, there’s more! Every ticket includes a 45-minute musical walking tour of historic Philadelphia, hosted by the show’s own Benjamin Franklin. July 1st-August 1st at FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard.

Dear Evan Hansen

The Tony-winning musical from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is loosely based on events at Friends Central School, from when Pasek was a student there. Through July 5th at the Arden, 40 North 2nd Street.

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.

Paul Simon

The legendary singer-songwriter brings “A Quiet Celebration” tour to the Mann. In the first half of the evening, he’ll perform the entirety of his 2023 album Seven Psalms. (The album was a 33-minute continuous track.) Then, after intermission, it’s the crowd-pleasers you came for: Paul Simon will close out with his greatest hits and other songs spanning his career. July 5th at the Mann Center.

MORE FESTIVALS

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival / Photograph by Laura Swartz

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square will once again light up with giant, colorful sculptures of steel and silk. From the fan-favorite dragon to dozens of all-new illuminated installations, plus performances and other special features, there’s so much to see and do (and photograph) at this family-friendly festival. Check out our preview for everything you need to know about the festival. Through August 16th in Franklin Square.

Stars, Stripes & Sprinkles: Family Festival at the Art Museum

It’s first Sunday, which means pay-what-you-wish admission at the Art Museum and a day of family-friendly activities. This month, PMA is celebrating America’s 250th with an all-out bash. Think birthday cake-themed art-making, creating your own party headpiece, party games, a performance by School of Rock, and more festiveness. Not enough arty fun? The Barnes Foundation is also having a free-admission family-friendly party down the Parkway! July 5th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

EXHIBITS

The First Bank of the United States reopens this week. / Photograph by C. Smyth for Visit Philly

Reopening of the First Bank of the United States

Have you ever walked down 3rd Street in Old City, stared up at the hulking, empty Classical Revival building looking back at you, and wondered just what the hell was going on in there? Wonder no longer. For the first time in 50 years, the First Bank of the United States will reopen to the public. Along with admiring the 18th-century architecture, you can learn about the history of banking in America — well, whatever you haven’t already picked up from Hamilton. There’ll be a ribbon-cutting on July 1st at 9:30 a.m., and then the Bank will be open Thursdays through Sundays. July 1st, 120 South 3rd Street.

“Just Us”

The Barnes hosts a powerful new exhibit featuring original artwork by artists at SCI Phoenix and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a job-readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults. Developed through workshops with the Barnes Foundation, the show brings together deeply personal work that explores memory, heritage, resilience, and hope. Through August 24th at the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

PrismaPhonik

Part of the Waterfront’s “Where Freedom Flows” public art series, this new installation by artists William Simard and Anthony Gagnon Boisvert is described as “a magical stroll through music and light.” The artists created a glowing labyrinth of 12 colorful prisms, each representing a different orchestra musician. As you walk through it, each prism will respond, lighting up and playing symphonic music. To create the soundscape, the artists collaborated with local musicians Snacktime and Orchestra 2001. Through August 17th at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

“Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments”

Why do more people visit the Rocky statue than any other monument in Philadelphia? Did you know that about as many people visit the Statue of Liberty each year? And wait — is the Rocky statue even a monument? Or is it just a movie prop? This fascinating exhibit curated by local monument expert Paul Farber explores all of these questions, and more. Through August 2nd at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

“A Nation of Artists”

A two-venue exhibit showcasing more than 1,000 pieces of American art, part of the Semiquincentennial. Through July 5, 2027 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA.

MISCELLANY

The World Cup comes to Philly / Photograph via Getty Images

FIFA World Cup 2026

If you’re not one of the lucky fans who’ve scored World Cup tickets at the Linc — excuse us, Philadelphia Stadium, per FIFA’s convoluted sponsorship rules — or you’re simply too far away from your favorite team, fear not. We’ve got you covered with the best places to watch, here. The United States won’t be playing at the Linc, so if you’re not sure who you’ll be rooting for, look no further. And head to Lemon Hill for the Fan Fest, which runs all 39 days of the World Cup with watch parties and more. (It’s free, but you have to register online.) Through July 19th at Lincoln Financial Field (matches) and Lemon Hill (Fan Fest).

Ignite Philly

The quirky event returns to Johnny Brenda’s: Speakers get five minutes to make slide presentations accompanied by 20 slides ticking down at 15-second intervals. About what? That’s part of the surprise! Learn something new, be inspired, laugh out loud — all in one night. June 29th, 6-10 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Avenue.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

If you’re looking for some uptempo, family-friendly activities by the riverside, try Summerfest: They’ve got roller skating, of course, plus carnival games, mini-golf, rides, food, drinks, and a nice view of the Delaware River. Through September at Penn’s Landing.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on the Delaware River Waterfront / Photograph by Matt Stanley

Dog Days of Summer

Two summers ago, Royal Tavern chef Nic Macri created the Dog Days of Summer: a medley of different hot dogs, served all summer. Philly Surf-and-Turf, made with a fish cake and pepper hash. Rabe Rambler, topped with broccoli rabe relish, provolone, and roasted garlic. The Greek, loaded with tzatziki, red onion, and cucumber. It was a smash; some nights he was slinging as many as 200 hot dogs out of the small kitchen. And the Dog Days are back, as is a 2025 addition: the design-your-own dog competition. Last year, 186 dog lovers submitted recipes, four of which landed on the menu. June 29th–July 31st at Royal Tavern, 937 Passyunk Avenue.

Free Movie Days at the Philadelphia Film Society

Every day of Wawa 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. Through July 3rd, Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street.

SurREAL World: Film Festival for the Terminally Weird

Tattooed Mom presents a lineup “whimsical and weird cinema” by Philly talent, plus stand-up from comedian Alyssa Al-Dookhi and a panel discussion with local filmmakers. July 5th, 3 p.m., 530 South Street.