If you haven’t yet been able to check out everything that this year’s Wawa Welcome America has to offer, you’re in luck, because the annual event is continuing throughout the Fourth of July weekend.
The annual extravaganza has already been in full swing with different activations around the city, which span free museum days, a Hispanic Fiesta as part of the PECO Multicultural Series of the festival, a learning series also from PECO and even a ‘Rocky‘ movie night.
Other fan favorites include the ever-popular Wawa Hoagie Day (June 28, starting at noon along Arch Street between 5th and 6th) where the brand will be handing out 15,000 free turkey hoagies to the public, and a Jerry Blavat street naming at 6 p.m. on the same date followed by a block party at Broad and South.
Upcoming events this weekend span more free museum days on June 29 (at The Free Library of Philadelphia, PAFA and the National Liberty Museum) and the Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia Community Day, where guests will enjoy free games from House of Gamez, entertainment, food giveaways, local vendors, and learn about healthcare services and job opportunities at Einstein on the same date starting at 6 p.m.
Free museum days will continue throughout June 30 (at Penn and the American Swedish Historical Museum), while at 6 p.m. on Friday, The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall will present “America the Beautiful.”
On July 1, Philadelphians looking for more Free Museum Days can head to the Fireman’s Hall Museum, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum and the Arch Street Meeting House, or head to the PNC Avenue of the Arts Block Party at 11 a.m.—which will feature entertainment, art, food and more.
Saturday also holds a waterside concert by the US Army’s Pershing’s Own (at 8 p.m.) followed by a fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront at 9 p.m.
On Sunday, July 2, visitors can head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or PECO’s First Family Sunday at the Barnes Foundation, or , according to a release, head to a performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodland and Zak Williams, showcasing the Six Singing Sista’s Ensemble and Philly Remembers Choir with special performances by Treena Ferebee and The Tenors at 6 p.m. on the same date. The latter will take place at Independence National Historic Park.
July 3 will hold a chance to check out free visits to Elfreth’s Alley, the Eastern State Penitentiary Historical Site and the newly re-opened Carpenter’s Hall, and then a concert at Independence Mall with Vanessa Williams starting at 6 p.m.
Wawa Welcome America 2023 will then continue on with a Celebration of Freedom ceremony on July 4 featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the presentation of the Mayor’s Magis Award, Wawa Foundation Hero Award and The Celebrate Freedom Award presented by Freedom Mortgage, as well as musical performances by the Black Pearl Orchestra at 10 a.m. at Independence Mall.
On the same date, Philadelphians can also check out a free museum day at the Clivedon House.
The 16-day celebration then ends on the Fourth of July with a largely popular and free concert, which in 2023 features rapper Ludacris and singer-songwriter Demi Lovato on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
For a full list of events and timing, visit july4thphilly.com
