Wawa Welcome America! – July 4th in Philadelphia

All photos by G. Widman for GPTMC

Philadelphia, the city where America’s independence was born, is the best place to celebrate Independence Day. The Wawa Welcome America! festival is bigger and better than ever leading up to a full day (and night!) of patriotic festivities on July 4. Stay a few extra days for even more patriotic events!

Here’s a look at what’s going on in Philly for the Fourth!

Fireworks & Concerts | Festivals | Getting Around | Interactive Map

Fireworks and Concerts

POPS on Independence

Date: July 3, 8 p.m.
Details: Details: Independence Hall | 5th and Chestnut Streets | (215) 683-2200

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops!® return to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with “POPS! on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. As one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions, seating is first come, first served. Note: Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks

Date: July 4, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Details: Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th & 23rd Streets | (215) 683-2200 | More Details

Join the Roots and special guests including hip-hop star and actress Queen Latifah; Philadelphia area native Daryl Hall; hip-hop artist, actor and poet Common; pop sensation Joe Jonas and more on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for nation’s largest free outdoor Fourth of July concert, followed by an eye-popping, jaw-dropping, light-up-the-sky fireworks display. Check our our interactive map of the top places to watch the fireworks.

Concert programming begins around 7 p.m. (first performance estimated at 8 p.m.*)
Fireworks estimated to begin around 10:30 p.m.*
Note: Estimated times provided by Wawa Welcome America! Performances could happen before or after the listed times.

Ongoing Updates

For even more tips about where to watch the July 4th fireworks and concerts, check out our in-depth July 4th coverage on uwishunu.com.

Wawa Welcome America! Festivals

Celebration of Freedom

Date: July 4, 10-11 a.m.
Details: Steps of Independence Hall | 6th and Market Streets

Being your celebration an pay tribute to the history of our great nation at Independence Hall with a patriotic and inspiring morning full of celebration of music, speeches and a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day Parade

Date: July 4, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Details: Market Street | (215) 683-2200 | More Details

What’s red, white and blue all over? The old-time Fourth of July parade featuring floats, marching bands, military groups and more winding through Historic Philadelphia.

America’s Birthday Party at the Independence Visitor Center

Date: July 4, 1 p.m.
Details: 6th and Market Streets | FREE

Celebrate with Besty Ross, fife and drum and a Termini Bros’ five-tier cake designed and made specially for our nation’s 236th birthday.

Party on the Parkway

Date: July 4, 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Details: Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th & 23rd Streets | (215) 683-2200 | More Details

Music, dancing, cultural activities, arts and crafts and live entertainment make for an afternoon of family fun.

Getting Around & Questions

Expect large crowds and closed streets throughout the city for the Fourth of July. Your best bet is to take public transportation including SEPTA and the Phlash Trolley.

For those coming in from the Philadelphia suburbs, SEPTA Regional Rail will be operating on an extended schedule to get travelers home after the fireworks. Buses will be operating on a Sunday schedule and detours are expected. Click here for more details.

Limited service will be available on the Philly Phlash trolley with pickups starting at 12th and Market Streets (Stop 3) at 10 a.m.

Questions

For up to the minute updates or July 4th questions, head to the city’s official Twitter accounts: @philly311, @PhiladelphiaGov and @july4thphilly