Wawa Welcome America: Details on Fourth of July parade, concert, fireworks and more

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 with free museum days, the Avenue of the Arts Block Party, and the fan-favorite Wawa Hoagie Day.

But there’s plenty more to experience with the annual activation, including the ‘Salute to Service: United States Army Field Band featuring LeAnn Rimes‘ on Wednesday, July 3, where The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will present ‘America the Beautiful,’ along with the singer. Market Street will be closed between 5th and 6th streets from 6 to 9 p.m. for this event.

The next day, July 4, the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony will be in full effect. As a release notes, with Independence Hall as the backdrop, locals can celebrate the Fourth of July and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom, with remarks by Mayor Cherelle Parker and a variety of notable guest speakers and awards being presented.

Festivities on the 4th continue with the Salute to Independence Parade, which will full swing to celebrate the country’s 248th birthday.

The release also notes that the Wawa Welcome America festival culminates with a concert on the Parkway, featuring performances by three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, Kesha.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. (gates open at 4 p.m.), and fireworks are slated to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Entry to the concert and fireworks is free. Tickets are not required.

Philadelphians can stay connected with updates, including weather and event-related details by texting “AMERICA” to 888-777 to receive free Welcome America alerts from the city’s Office of Emergency Management.

Full details on transit options, visit septa.org. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit njtransit.com.

For a complete schedule or events, road closures and other details, visit july4thphilly.com