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. 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, but four displays:
- June 20th, 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 28th, 9:30 p.m., Delaware River Waterfront: Fireworks on the Waterfront (following a concert by United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”)
- June 29th, 9 p.m., Dell Music Center: Celebration of Black Music Month Concert (more info on that below) concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.
- July 4th, 9:30 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 T0-Do on July 2nd (see below), “youth performance troupes, miniature, hand-decorated wagon floats, and community members decked out in patriotic flair” will parade from the National Constitution Center to Carpenters’ Hall. Want to be one of those decked-out community members? All you need to do is pre-register. (And if you need help decorating your wagon or bike or whatever apparatus you will be parading down Independence Mall, sign up for Decorating Days.) If you just want to watch, all you need to do is show up — you know how parades work. July 2nd, 11 a.m.-noon, starts at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
Salute to Independence Day Parade
The parade starts in Old City at 2nd and Market streets, and finishes at City Hall. It’s a parade, so expect floats, military units, marching bands, dance performances, historical characters, and more pomp and circumstance. July 4th, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., starts at 2nd and Market streets.
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
Welcome America kicks off with this daylong, all-ages party featuring live performances — including DJ Drama, DJ Kid Capri, and Slick Rick — with the theme “Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Emancipation.” The block party also includes food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, wellness resources, and more. Plus, since this is also the kickoff to Wawa Welcome America, the museum will offer free admission all day (online registration required). June 19th, noon-7 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street.
Avenue of the Arts Block Party
This party has everything. Live performances, dancing, kids’ activities, a beer garden, and more. And if you’re bringing the pups, there’ll be a section just for them, adorably titled Avenue of the Barks. Inside the Kimmel, catch free performances of the upcoming season with performances from Beauty and the Beast and The Sound of Music, ticket deals, giveaways, and more. Outside, there will two more stages with a full day of performances. See the schedule here. June 21st, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Broad Street between Walnut and Pine streets.
For the Fans Block Party
New for this year, the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 host a block party outside the stadiums to gear up for next year’s World Cup excitement. There will be DJs, food trucks, a beer garden, and sports-focused activities like Phillies speed pitch and the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Liberty Skills Challenge. Bring non-perishable food to donate to the Phans Feeding Families initiative by Philadbundance and the Phillies. June 22nd, 2-6 p.m., Citizens Bank Way.
Wawa Hoagie Day
In the grand tradition, Wawa is serving free Shorti hoagies on Independence Mall, along with live entertainment. When you’re done eating your hoagie, head across the lawn to the National Constitution Center, which conveniently has free admission that day. June 26th, noon-3 p.m., Independence Mall.
Tons of free Wawa hoagies on Independence Mall / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Movies on the Mall: Independence Day
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 Independence Day on Independence Mall. It’s part of Independence Visitor Center’s Movies on the Mall summer series, which celebrates “the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park.” Before the screening, come for family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m. including 18th-century games, crafts, and free popcorn. Bring your own blanket or chairs. July 1st, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do: All-American Block Party
The Welcome America lineup got a new day of celebration last year, 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 the National Constitution Center and travels along Independence Mall — and you can even march in the parade with your own decorated wagon! (See above for details.) The day will also include the All-American Block Party, featuring food trucks, family-friendly activities, music and dance performances at eight different sites, and extended hours and special events at various historical sites till 7 p.m. 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:
Five Points Night Market
Food trucks, local vendors, and live performances converge in the Northeast. June 26th, 5-9 p.m., Cottman and Rising Sun avenues.
Cherashore Pool Party
Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital hosts a free afternoon of family fun at Cherashore Playground celebrating the opening of the pool. The event includes DJ entertainment, a water slide, lawn games, arts and crafts, and more. June 30th, 4-7 p.m., 851 West Olney Avenue.
Vet Fest
Gather in City Hall courtyard for a ceremony honoring local veterans followed by live performances. Plus, giveaways and veteran-focused resources. July 1st, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., City Hall Courtyard.
Concerts and Performances
Wawa Welcome America includes free concerts around town. / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Kidchella
Smith Memorial Playground hosts its annual kids’ concert, Kidchella. The free event will feature family-friendly music acts (including Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill, Jams for Junior Jawns, and Hezekiah), 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 20th, 4-9 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive.
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-nominated gospel singer Marvin Sapp. Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. June 27th, 7 p.m., Independence Mall.
Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta
This annual celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage moves to LOVE Park this year. What stays the same is plenty of music, dance, food, drinks, and community activations. It all leads up to a headline performance at 8 p.m. by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ivy Queen. June 28th, 2-9 p.m., LOVE Park.
Pershing’s Own Concert (and Waterfront Fireworks)
Gather at the waterfront for a concert of old standards, new hits, and patriotic tunes by the U.S. Army’s band, followed by a spectacular fireworks display above the Delaware River. June 28th, 8-10 p.m., Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Celebration of Black Music Month (and Fireworks)
Hosted and curated by Dyana Williams and co-hosted by Laiya St. Clair, this free night of performances includes Kindred the Family Soul, Musiq Soulchild, Philadelphia Freeway, and DJ Aktive. Plus, local vendors and fun activities, including yoga with Karen Taylor Bass, a roller-skating rink and performances by Great on Skates, line dance lessons from Kenny “Kenny J” Johnson, and a double-dutch activation by Philly Girls Jump. Stay after for a fireworks display! Free tickets are available at the Dell Music Center Box Office; limited tickets will be available day-of on a first-come-first-served basis. June 29th, 4-9 p.m., Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.
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 Americana duo The War And Treaty. This is the finale to Old City’s day of Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration. Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. July 2nd, 7 p.m., Independence Mall.
Pops on Independence
The Welcome America tradition returns as the No Name Pops, under newly appointed music director Chris Dragon, assume the Philly Pops name. (If you aren’t caught up on why, read all about that here.) Joining the Pops on stage is singer-songwriter Ben Folds. Seating is limited; bring your own chairs and blankets. July 3rd, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall.
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert (and Firworks)
It all culminates in the big headline concert on the Parkway, this year with LL Cool J and Philly’s own Jazmine Sullivan. Gates open at 4 p.m., with live entertainment on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage, along with local food trucks and a beer garden. The celebrations continue with a dazzling fireworks display over the Art Museum. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can watch live on NBC10, and stream on NBC’s website and Peacock. July 4th, 7-10 p.m. (gates at 4 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:
- Thursday, June 19th: African American Museum in Philadelphia
- Friday, June 20th: Academy of Natural Sciences, Johnson House Historic Site, Masonic Temple, Historic Rittenhouse Town, Elfreth’s Alley Museum
- Saturday, June 21st: The Print Center, Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel AME Church, Stenton
- Sunday, June 22nd: Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, American Philosophical Society Museum
- Monday, June 23rd: Independence Seaport Museum, Lest We Forget Slavery Museum
- Tuesday, June 24th: The Underground Railroad Museum at the Belmont Mansion, Christ Church Preservation Trust
- Wednesday, June 25th: Woodmere Art Museum, Museum for Art in Wood, Fairmount Water Works, Wyck Historic House
- Thursday, June 26th: National Constitution Center
- Friday, June 27th: Penn Museum, Weitzman National of American Jewish History, Science History Institute, the Fabric Workshop and Museum
- Saturday, June 28th: Lemon Hill Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion, Historic Strawberry Mansion, Ormiston Mansion, Woodford Mansion
- Sunday, June 29th: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, American Swedish Historical Museum, National Liberty Museum, the Rosenbach, The North Broad Renaissance: Summer aBroad AR Tour
- Monday, June 30th: Eastern State Penitentiary, the Barnes Foundation
- Tuesday, July 1st: Carpenters’ Hall, Wagner Free Institute of Science, Paul Robeson House & Museum
- Wednesday, July 2nd: Mütter Museum
- Thursday, July 3rd: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Historic St. George’s Museum and Archives
- Friday, July 4th: Fireman’s Hall Museum, Arch Street Meeting House, Cliveden
