July 4th in Philadelphia

Celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!

Philadelphia, home to the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, celebrates the Fourth of July by lighting up the streets, the skies and the stages across the city and region, from the start of the annual Wawa Welcome America festival (the City of Philadelphia’s official Independence Day fest) to the incredible fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

For 2026 — aka the American Semiquincentennial — Wawa Welcome America pulls out all the stops, with bigger-than-ever celebrations of both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. These holidays, together, tell a more complete picture of freedom and liberty — from the nation’s founding in 1776 to the end of slavery in 1865.

This year’s 16-day celebration offers dozens of festive events, including parades, concerts by award-winning superstars, free admission to museums and attractions, hoagie giveaways from Wawa, a whopping six days of fireworks, and more — all for free.

Note: Expect hot temperatures leading up to the Fourth of July. Stay hydrated, dress for the weather and check official event channels for any schedule changes.

Find the best fireworks-watching spots, free concerts and patriotic events with our guides to the Fourth of July in Philadelphia, below.