Every summer, the Wawa Welcome America Festival takes over the city, and with it comes a slew of different events for all ages over a 16-day period.
This year, the festival will feature a lineup of free multicultural happenings, with the grand finale being a star-studded concert on July 4th on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with LL Cool J and Grammy Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter—and Philadelphia native—Jazmine Sullivan.
Some other highlighted fan-favorite events include the Annual Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum and the Kidchella Music Festival. With the former, locals can attend the free event to indulge in different food and drink offerings, family-friendly activities, and check out live music from Grammy Award-winning DJ and Philadelphia native, DJ Drama (June 19, noon to 7 p.m.) The latter will feature live performances, art stations, treats, wellness activations, games and more kid-friendly fun at the Smith Memorial Playground (June 20, 4 to 9 p.m.)
Wawa Welcome America will also host the Avenue of the Arts Block Party in partnership with the Ensemble Arts Philly on Saturday, June 21 (noon to 6 p.m.) on South and Broad streets, plus, the For the Fans Block Party in partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026, outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field the next day (June 22) from 2 to 6 p.m.
Wawa Hoagie Day is also returning on Thursday, June 26. On that day, hoagies will be served free at noon along Arch Street between 5th and 6th streets in the Independence Mall area. Guests can also enjoy a performance by the Six String Soldiers, along with free admission all day to the National Constitution Center.
Another focal point comes from the Red, White, & Blue To-Do. Now in its 2nd year, the event was created in 2024 to encourage visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it began. Philadelphia Historic District is behind the day of “pomp and parade” — inspired by a phrase John Adams made in 1776 —and museums, historic sites, and local businesses in Old City will be participating on July 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The schedule also holds an official parade, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at the area’s historic attractions, restaurant specials, and more for its sophomore go-around.
Other stand-outs for the occasion include the Five Points Night Market (June 26, 5 to 9 p.m.), the Gospel on Independence concert (June 27, 7 p.m.), Vet Fest Presented by American Airlines (June 25, 11 a.m.), a Celebration of Black Music Month and Fireworks (June 29, 4 to 9 p.m.), a performance from Pops On Independence (July 3, 7 p.m.) and much more — a full list of inclusions are available online.
It all leads up to the July 4th holiday, which will feature multiple events across the city throughout the day.
The first, the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony supported by Visit Philadelphia, will be in full swing at 10 a.m. at Independence Hall. The event features remarks by Mayor Cherelle Parker, the presentation of the Mayor’s One Philly Award and the 10th Anniversary of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award — both honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in the city, with musical guests DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine.
The Salute to Independence Parade is up next at 11 a.m., with its path beginning at 5th and Chestnut Streets and traveling in front of Independence Hall (in the exact steps of our founding fathers), and then turning right onto 6th Street, left onto Market Street, then ending at Arch and Broad streets.
The July 4th Concert & Fireworks will be the finale of the affair. As a release notes, produced in partnership with Live Nation, the concert will be performed at 7 p.m. in front of a live audience on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and broadcast in English on NBC10 for viewers to enjoy from their homes. The concert will be followed by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m.
New this year, guests 21+ can also immerse themselves in the Beer Garden Experience in partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, plus enjoy entertainment on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage, along with local food trucks before the concert start time. Gates open at 5 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Square and 20th Street.
More information can be found at july4thphilly.com
