Welcome America, Inc. has announced an exciting lineup of talent, new and returning programming, and free family-friendly events for the 2025 Wawa Welcome America Festival, Philadelphia’s annual July Fourth celebration. The festival will feature an expanded lineup of free multicultural & multigenerational events throughout Philadelphia and will culminate on July 4th on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a free star studded concert featuring LL COOL J and GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan.
Wawa Welcome America will once again feature a lineup of tried-and-true programming that Philadelphians have come to know and love, combined with new events designed to showcase and celebrate the best of Philadelphia as Wawa Welcome America continues to grow and expand leading up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026 – what is slated to be an unprecedented summer of celebration with Philadelphia at center stage. Some of these new events were announced last month, like the For the Fans Block Party in partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and the official return of Pops on Independence, a 40+ year tradition.
The 2025 festival will feature beloved programming such as concerts, fireworks, block parties, complimentary museum access, Wawa Hoagie Day®, and more, with a continued focus on arts, culture, wellness, history, and performance. Wawa Welcome America is continuing their commitment to inclusivity and showcasing all of Philadelphia’s cultures and will once again include a slate of programming in commemoration of Juneteenth, along with the over 40-year tradition of Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta, celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance, and music, and at an exciting new location at LOVE Park this year! This year’s festival will again begin on June 19 and run until July 4.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia will conclude on the evening of July 4 with the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks starring LL COOL J and GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan. Produced in partnership withLive Nation, the concert will be performed at 7:00 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 iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m.
For full festival schedule and information, please visit www.july4thphilly.com and be sure to follow along with us on social leading up to the festival for more exciting announcements in the coming weeks – Facebook: Wawa Welcome America, Instagram and Twitter: @July4thPhilly
WAWA WELCOME AMERICA 2025 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
The Annual Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum — This year’s Juneteenth Block Party entitled Juneteenth: Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Freedom will feature a special performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning DJ and Philadelphia native, DJ Drama. The Juneteenth Block Party, produced in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Wawa Welcome America and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, will again be an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through live musical performances, shop Black-owned businesses, savor delicious local eateries in the Oasis Food Market, supported by Philadelphia International Airport, including sweet treats from our official Italian ice partner, Rita’s. And, new this year, guests 21+ will have the opportunity to enjoy for-purchase beverages all day in the new Beer Garden Experience, which will include wine from local Chaddsford Winery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Lemonade and Tito’s Handmade Vodka Spritz cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a sample from DeLeon Tequila.
heels presented by Independence Blue Cross, along with nutrition takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess, and soccer-inspired activities and giveaways from the Philadelphia Union. Guests can also enter for a chance to win tickets to Kidz Bop Kids at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on August 2nd. The evening will conclude with a kid-tastic fireworks display choreographed to a playlist produced by DJ Ghost from Q102 featuring Kidz Bop Kids hits.
Friday, June 20, 4:00pm-9:00pm, Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive Avenue of the Arts Block Party in partnership with the Ensemble Arts Philly — The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with art, local food trucks, and high-powered entertainment from local and world-renowned performers on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage and Ensemble Arts Philly Stage, including a special performance from the winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College, Vanguard & REC Philly. The Annual Juneteenth Block Party is sure to deliver fun for the whole family. Be sure to stop by the PECO Kids Zone featuring a free book giveaway courtesy of Sesame Place and don’t miss out on the Wawa smoothie giveaway. Thursday, June 19, 12:00pm- 7:00pm, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 7th & Arch Street
Kidchella Music Festival — Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival featuring dynamic performances, art stations, mouthwatering treats, exciting giveaways, including a book giveaway courtesy of Sesame Place, and more! This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith's spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a community celebration. This year’s event will feature performances by Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill, Jams for Junior Jawns, Hezekiah, and more on the Kidchella Music Stage sponsored by PECO. Guests will also have the opportunity to treat themselves to wellness and relaxation activities at Well-being on W
As you explore the Avenue of the Arts, enjoy pop-up performances powered by Painted Bride Project Space, free book giveaways courtesy of Sesame Place in the PECO Kids Zone, a fashion show presented by Fashion District Philadelphia celebrating 20 years of Philly Fashion Week, soccer activities and an opportunity to win a signed 2025 Voltage Kit with the Philadelphia Union, and more! A new Beer Garden Experience will feature Crown Royal samples as well as wine from Chaddsford Winery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Lemonade and Tito’s Handmade Vodka Spritz cocktails – all available for purchase for those event goers 21+.
Returning this year, pet parents can enjoy giveaways and activities on the Avenue of the Barks taking over the east side of Spruce Street. Guests will also have the opportunity to treat themselves to wellness and relaxation activities at Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, along with nutrition takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess.
The Oasis Food Market supported by Philadelphia International Airport will have Herr’s chip giveaways, Rita’s Italian Ice, the official Italian water ice of Wawa Welcome America, and more! There is sure to be something for everyone at this unforgettable block party experience! Saturday, June 21, 12:00pm-6:00pm, South Broad and Spruce Streets
For the Fans Block Party — New this year, Wawa Welcome America is excited to partner with the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for a block party outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. This new block party event is designed to underscore the anticipation and excitement leading up to 2026 – an unprecedented summer of celebration as these three organizations prepare to concurrently deliver three of the biggest events Philadelphia has ever witnessed.
Go Go Gadjet and Mr Hollywood DJ will ignite the crowd as guests enjoy sweet and savory treats from some of Philly’s favorite food trucks, sip a beverage at the beer garden, enjoy giveaways from Herrs Chips, play games, and more! Fans of all ages can test their baseball skills at the Phillies speed pitch or their soccer skills at the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Liberty Skills Challenge, a unique activation hosted to celebrate FIFA World Cup 26™ coming to Philadelphia next summer. This interactive experience features fun, fast-paced stations focused on shooting and agility, and concluding with a photo-worthy celebration! Additionally, the Phillies and Philabundance invite fans to bring non-perishable food to donate to their Phans Feeding Families initiative. Other donation opportunities will be available on-site benefiting Philabundance to help fight hunger in Greater Philadelphia! There will be multiple donation collection locations in and around the ballpark. Block Party: Sunday, June 22, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, 11th Street & Pattison Avenue
Cherashore Pool Party presented by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital — Celebrate the season opening of the pool at Cherashore Playground and an evening of fun, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. DJ Caesar will be spinning throughout the event, while guests enjoy free food, giveaways, arts and crafts, a water slide, local vendors, and the opportunity to learn about healthcare services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health. Tuesday, June 24, 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Cherashore Playground, 8th Street & Olney Avenue
Vet Fest Presented by American Airlines — Join us for an inspiring day as we honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans, and recognize the outstanding organizations who support them. This special event, presented by American Airlines and produced in partnership with the Office of Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs, will begin with Denise King singing the National Anthem and a ceremony honoring local veterans and groups making a profound impact in the community. Following the ceremony, the celebration continues with live performances by Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics, Dan Harrison, Gooch & Brianna Nelson, Denise King, DJ Queen Yaszy and Mina SayWhat. Veterans and their families will have an opportunity to connect with veteran-focused services and resources, complimentary refreshments, Wawa beverage giveaways, and more!
Wednesday, June 25, 11:00am, City Hall Courtyard, North Broad Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Wawa Hoagie Day® — Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day, honoring local heroes, and building and serving Wawa Shorti Hoagies. Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area. Guests can enjoy a performance by the Six String Soldiers, along with free admission all day to the National Constitution Center courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day.
Thursday, June 26, 12:00pm, Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets at Independence Mall
Five Points Night Market — The Five Points Night Market will bring food, music, and community pride to Rising Sun Avenue, featuring food trucks, local vendors, live performances, summer fun, and activities for all ages.
Thursday, June 26, 5:00-9:00pm, Cottman & Rising Sun Avenue
Gospel on Independence — The concert will return for yet another moving and soul-stirring performance on Independence Mall with Independence Hall in the background. This powerful celebration of gospel music will bring together an incredible lineup of local artists, choirs, and musicians for a night of uplifting performances you won't want to miss. This year’s concert will feature a special guest performance by multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY-nominated artist Marvin Sapp.
Friday, June 27, 7:00pm, Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets
Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta presented by Goya is back – but this year, with an exciting new location at LOVE Park! This highly anticipated event is one of Philadelphia’s largest celebrations of Latino culture, bringing together families, friends, and visitors for a day filled with music, dance, food, and community engagement, with event proceeds supporting Concilio’s Scholarship Fund. This year’s festival will feature the Hispanic Parade of Flags representing all the difference Hispanic countries, and live musical performances on the Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta Stage presented by Goya, supported by Casamingos, from renowned Latino artists and local talent, including Los Pueblitos, Bonilla Baile Folklórico, Estilo Dance Studio, and a headline performance at 8PM from Latin Grammy Award-Nominated singer and songwriter, Ivy Queen! The day will also feature the PECO Kids Zone with free book giveaways courtesy of Sesame Place, the Oasis Food Market supported by Philadelphia International Airport featuring Rita’s Italian Ice, official Italian water ice of Wawa Welcome America, and other food and drink vendors. The new Beer Garden Experience will feature samples and giveaways from Casamigos, along with wine and cocktails for purchase for those 21+ from Chaddsford Winery and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
June 28, 8:00pm, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Celebration of Black Music Month and Fireworks — Celebrate Black Music Month, founded in Philadelphia, with a unique experience taking over the Dell Music Center campus, featuring performances by Philadelphia Freeway, Kindred the Family Soul, and DJ Aktive. Curated by Philadelphia music legend Dyana Williams and co-hosted with Laiya St. Clair, this celebration will feature multiple expressions of music pioneered by Black musicians. Guests will be treated to incredible music, delectable food, local vendors, and fun activities, including soulful yoga with Karen Taylor Bass, a roller-skating rink and performances by Great on Skates, line dance lessons from Kenny “Kenny J” Johnson, a Double Dutch activation by Philly Girls Jump with professional instructors and giveaways, and more! This evening is sure to have something for all ages and will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display.
Free tickets for this event will be available at The Dell Music Center Box Office beginning May 17. Limited tickets will be available day of on a first come first served basis. Sunday, June 29, 4:00pm - 9:00pm, The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive
Movie on the Mall — Enjoy a free screening of Independence Day on Independence Mall in partnership with Independence Visitor Center. Bring your own blankets/chairs and get ready for an evening of entertainment.
Tuesday, July 1, 7:00pm, Independence National Historic Park, 6th & Market Streets
Red, White, & Blue To-Do — The Philadelphia Historic District partners are gearing up for the annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began. A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do features flag raisings, events at historic sites and museums, and the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade with red wagon floats and entertainment, as well as a block party, live music, happy hours, extended hours at historic attractions, and ending with a patriotic concert on Independence Mall. For more information, visit https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue to-do-philadelphia-pa.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Highlights Include:
• Naturalization Ceremony
• Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade
• All-American Block Party supported by Bank of America, produced in partnership with Wawa Welcome America, on 3rd Street between Chestnut & Walnut Streets - visitors can enjoy music by DJ Sophia Rocks, games, family-friendly activities, & more! Wednesday, July 2, 9:00am - 9:00pm, Historic District, various locations
Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band presented by American Airlines — The U.S. Army Field Band returns to Independence Mall to conclude Red, White, & Blue To-Do with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. This free concert is presented by American Airlines and will featuring a special performance by GRAMMY-nominated musical duo, The War And Treaty.
About The War And Treaty:
Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. They were nominated for the Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards and have also been nominated for Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards two years in a row and for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards.
Wednesday, July 2, 7:00pm, Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets
Pops On Independence — An over 40-year tradition returns, as the Philly Pops take the stage on Independence Mall under the newly appointed Music Director, Chris Dragon. The No Name Pops announced earlier in April that they will take the name of the Philly Pops officially on July 1 and their first performance under their new name would be on the evening of July 3 during the festival. This monumental evening will feature a special performance by Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer Ben Folds.
About Ben Folds:
Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation. The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records
Thursday, July 3, 7:00pm, Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADLEPHIA®, Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets
July 4th in Philadelphia
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® — With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom. This inspiring event will feature remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. 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 our city, with musical guests DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine. This event is produced in partnership with the Office of the City of Representative.
Friday, July 4, 10:00am, at Independence Hall, 5th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets
Salute to Independence Parade — Bring your lawn chairs and the entire family and take a seat along the parade route to experience a visual and musical extravaganza celebrating our nation. This year's parade begins with a traveling dance production set to the music of a special song written by the parade producer, Todd Marcocci, titled "America My Home Sweet Home"! Get ready to clap your hands and dance along! The parade will feature a diverse mix of floats, entertainers, marching musical groups, and more. For the first time ever, the World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps from Reading, PA will canvas the parade route with amazing music and precision, along with the Corotegas Latin Marching Band, all the way from Honduras! A highlight of this year’s parade will be the debut of the first float set for the 2026 parade celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, with special features nodding to our country’s birth and its roots right here in the City of Brotherly Love. Guests can enjoy giveaways from Wawa along the parade route.
This year’s parade begins at 5th and Chestnut Streets and travels in front of Independence Hall in the exact steps of our founding fathers, and then turns right onto 6th Street, and then left onto Market Street, ending at Arch and Broad Streets.
Friday, July 4, 11:00am, 5th & Chestnut, then along East Market Street to City Hall
July 4th Concert & Fireworks — The Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia will conclude on the evening of July 4 with the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks as Hip-Hop Trailblazer LL COOL J brings the energy, the legacy, and the culture to Philadelphia's biggest stage with DJ Z-Trip on the turntables. The evening will also feature a performance from GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, and Philadelphia native, Jazmine Sullivan.
Produced in partnership with Live Nation, the concert will be performed at 7:00 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 iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m. Prior to the start of the July 4th Concert & Fireworks, concert-goers can enjoy entertainment on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage, along with local food trucks, Rita’s Italian Ice, official Italian water ice partner of Wawa Welcome America, and a chip giveaway from Herr’s in The Oasis Food Market supported by Philadelphia International Airport, interactive activities, including wellness and relaxation activities at Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, along with nutrition takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess.
New this year, guests 21+ can immerse themselves in the Beer Garden Experience in partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a curated lounge featuring Tito’s signature cocktails: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Lemonade Spritz along with local Chaddsford Wine available for purchase. This relaxing outdoor space will have giveaways from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and activities to check out before and during the concert that you won’t want to miss.
Televised live during primetime in its entirety on NBC10 & simulcast from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and COZI TV. The free concert will also be live streamed on NBC10 Philadelphia News channels on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as www.nbc10.com and the NBC10 app.
Entry to the July 4th Concert & Fireworks is FREE and tickets are not required to enter the Parkway. However, tickets are required for the front section. FREE tickets to the front section can be obtained through one of the ticket giveaways - American Airlines is proud to present the Priority July 4th Ticket Giveaway on Wawa Welcome America’s social media channels (Instagram & X: @july4thphilly / Facebook: Wawa Welcome America), giving fans a chance to win exclusive front-section access. Additionally, event attendees can score tickets through our Daily Ticket Giveaway presented by Bank of America, happening on-site at select eventsthroughout the festival.
Gates open at 5 p.m. All guests must enter Logan Square & 20th Street through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search. Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Enter at 20th & Logan Square
Free Museum Days — Philadelphia’s most notable museums, cultural institutions, and attractions will open their doors free of charge, or, for an optional pay-what-you-wish donation, throughout the entire festival.
The full Free Museum Day Series includes:
Times per museum may vary.
• Thursday, June 19, 10 AM - 4 PM | African American Museum in Philadelphia *pre registration required
• Friday, June 20, 10 AM - 4 PM | The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University *pre-registration required; 10 AM - 3 PM | Masonic Temple, Library & Museum *pre- registration required; 12 PM - 4 PM | Elfreth’s Alley Museum; 12 PM - 3 PM | Johnson House Historic Site, Inc.; 12 PM - 4 PM | Historic RittenhouseTown Inc.
• Saturday, June 21, 1 PM - 4 PM | Stenton Museum *pre-registration required; 11 AM - 6 PM | The Print Center
• Sunday, June 22, 10 AM - 5 PM | American Philosophical Society Museum; 11 AM - 4 PM | Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
• Monday, June 23, 12 PM - 3 PM | Lest We Forget Slavery Museum *pre-registration required; 10 AM - 5 PM | Independence Seaport Museum
• Tuesday, June 24, 11 AM - 5 PM | Christ Church; 10 AM - 4 PM | Underground Railroad Museum at the Belmont Mansion
• Wednesday, June 25, 10 AM - 5 PM | Woodmere Museum; 10 AM - 5 PM | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center; 12 PM - 4 PM | Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm; 12 PM - 5 PM | Museum for Art in Wood
• Thursday, June 26, 10 AM - 5 PM | National Constitution Center *courtesy of Wawa • Friday, June 27, 10 AM - 5 PM | Penn Museum *pre-registration required; 12 PM - 6 PM |
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