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Wawa Welcome America
Who does Fourth of July bigger than the birthplace of the nation?
The correct answer is no one.
Look no further than Wawa Welcome America, the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation (and one of the largest free festivals in the country — period).
Running this year from June 19 to July 4, 2025, the massive, citywide festival showcases America’s birthplace and commemorates both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July as holidays that together create a more complete picture of freedom and liberty in our nation.
Philly residents and visitors alike can expect dozens of free and festive events, including concerts, free museum days, community programs, parades, fireworks and more during the 16-day celebration.
All of the fun culminates on the Fourth of July with an epic free concert, featuring Latin Grammy Award-winning artist Álvaro Díaz and Grammy Award-winning icon JoJo, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Wawa Welcome America curates an incredible lineup of over 50 events, ranging from beloved annual traditions like Wawa Hoagie Day (two words: free hoagies) to the iconic July 4th Concert and Fireworks on the Parkway.
Read on for some of what you can look forward to at this year’s festival, broken down by category.
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 4-9 p.m.
Kicking off the first official day of summer, this free outdoor bash at Smith Memorial Playground delivers big fun to pint-sized music lovers.
Family-friendly acts like Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill and Jams for Junior Jawns take the stage as little ones (and their adults!) enjoy tasty treats, interactive art stations, wellness and relaxation activities, great giveaways — including a book giveaway courtesy of Sesame Place — and more.
The night comes to a close with a kid-approved fireworks display set to Kidz Bop tunes. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Kidchella Music Festival — Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8-10 p.m.
What better way to celebrate the season than with a patriotic performance paired with picturesque views?
Originally formed back in 1922 by General John J. Pershing, the United States Army band “Pershing’s Own” returns to Philly for a star-spangled concert — capped off by a rousing fireworks show over the Delaware River.
Fireworks at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink — Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 4-9 p.m.
Philly pays tribute to Black music and culture at this free, open-air concert and festival curated by Philly music icon Dyana Williams and co-hosted by media personality Laiya St. Clair.
Local talent Kindred the Family Soul, Freeway and DJ Aktive hit the Dell Music Center stage, followed by a showstopping fireworks display.
The family-friendly evening also features delicious food and local vendors, a soulful yoga workshop, a roller-skating rink with performances, line dance lessons, a Double Dutch activation, and fun giveaways.
Free tickets are available at the Dell Box Office beginning May 17, 2025, with limited day-of tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America festivities go out with a (literal) bang at the festival’s main event, a giant, free-for-everyone party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
This year’s epic show is headlined by Latin Grammy Award-winning musician Álvaro Díaz and Grammy Award-winning star JoJo.
The massive, family-friendly event is followed by the city’s largest Fourth of July fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
As Independence City, Philly knows its fireworks.
Throughout the July 4th Wawa Welcome America concert, the crowd’s energy was electric as superstars belted out certified bangers. But then, as the music wound down and the fireworks began lighting up the night, silence.
It was a hush so quiet you could hear the drip of melting Firecracker Ice Pops. People stopped in place. All eyes were on the skies as bursts of cascading color rumbled above the Art Museum. For 15 magical minutes, we were family.
Tip: Don’t worry if you can’t get as close as you’d like. There’s not a bad seat on the Parkway.
Friday, June 27, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Lift every voice and sing. Grammy Award-nominated gospel artist Marvin Sapp — alongside talented local choirs and musicians — sets Independence National Historical Park ablaze.
Seating is first-come, first-served, but concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy this powerful and uplifting evening of gospel music.
— Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Join the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus and husband-wife musical duo The War And Treaty in the shadow of Independence Hall as they lift U.S. soldiers and veterans up in song.
Grab your blanket or chair, and don’t miss this powerful and patriotic performance showcasing the talented musicians of the U.S. Army.
Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 7-9 p.m.
After performing under the moniker the “No Name Pops” since 2023, this beloved 40-plus-year-old Philadelphia tradition returns to its roots.
The beloved orchestra, known for playing everything from Broadway to Beethoven, takes the stage at Independence National Historical Park with brand-new music director Chris Dragon, special guest singer-songwriter Ben Folds and a very familiar name: the Philly Pops.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 12-7 p.m.
Celebrate “audacious freedom” and Black culture at this vibrant Juneteenth festival outside of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Hosted by the legendary Patty Jackson, the free event features live performances from Grammy Award-winning hip-hop producer (and Philly native) DJ Drama, singer Lady Alma, the Mother Bethel A.M.E. Choir and more, as well as a beer garden and food market.
Also, keep an eye out for free book giveaways courtesy of Sesame Place in the kids zone, wellness and relaxation activities at the Well-being on Wheels activation, and opportunities to shop Black-owned businesses.
Juneteenth Block Party — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Find blocks of fun for everyone at this all-day celebration on the Avenue of the Arts.
Check out live performances by local and world-renowned talent on multiple stages, beautiful art, and a fashion show celebrating the 20th anniversary of Philly Fashion Week.
Don’t skip out on specifically kid- and pet-friendly programming in the kids zone and Avenue of the Barks area, or sips and bites in the beer garden and food market.
Sunday, June 22, 2025 | 2-6 p.m.
Summer 2026 is gonna be a big one for Philly sports fans as the FIFA World Cup 26 and the MLB All-Star Game come to town.
Wawa Welcome America, the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 join forces to kick off the excitement with a major fan fest outside the events’ respective venues, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.
Get your head in the game and test your skills with the Phillies speed pitch and the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Liberty Skills Challenge. You can also dance to DJ sets, chow down on food truck fare and grab drinks from the beer garden. Score!
Thursday, June 26, 2025 | noon
What’s better than a hoagie? A free hoagie. And true Philadelphia treasure Wawa is giving away thousands of ʼem on Independence Mall.
Swing by Arch Street between 5th and 6th streets at noon for a complimentary Wawa Shorti hoagie. In between bites, enjoy free entertainment and complimentary admission to the National Constitution Center.
Wawa Hoagie Day — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 5-9 p.m.
Take a night off from dinner duty. Food trucks line Rising Sun Avenue for the evening during this community-centric food festival.
In addition to tasty bites, look out for live performances from Laura Cheadle + The Girls and DJ Fly Girrl, all-ages activities, and local vendors selling their wares.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 2-9 p.m.
One of the largest celebrations of Latino arts and culture in Philadelphia, Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta brings music, dance, food and flair to the heart of Philadelphia.
Moving to LOVE Park for 2025, the annual family-friendly festival features live entertainment by both local and world-renowned Latino artists, a Hispanic Parade of Flags, interactive exhibits highlighting Latino culture and traditions, a kids zone, and food from Latino-owned businesses.
This year’s performance lineup is headlined by Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Ivy Queen and features Los Pueblitos, Bonilla Baile Folklórico and Estilo Dance Studio.
Monday, June 30, 2025 | 4-7 p.m.
Splish splash! Dive into summertime fun at this family-friendly pool party in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood.
DJ Caesar sets the tone as guests of all ages celebrate the opening of the pool at Cherashore Playground with free entertainment, games, food, crafts, giveaways and more. Cannonball!
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Philadelphia honors the courageous veterans who have sacrificed and served on behalf of our country and their families during this patriotic celebration.
The day features a ceremony recognizing local veterans and groups continuing to serve the community; live performances by Denise King, Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics, Dan Harrison, and more; complimentary refreshments; giveaways; and veteran-focused resources.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 7-9 p.m.
The Will Smith classic Independence Day takes on special meaning during Independence Week. It’s only fitting that the 1996 action movie returns to the big screen for a special showing in Old City with Independence Hall as its backdrop. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for an awesome alfresco movie night.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
John Adams called for a day of “pomp and parade” to celebrate the Continental Congress’s historic vote for independence on July 2, 1776, two days before the Declaration of Independence was signed. And “pomp and parade” is exactly what we get during Red, White, & Blue To-Do.
Taking place throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, the festivities include the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, the All American Block Party, happy hours, extended hours at historic sites and a rousing concert-finale on Independence Mall.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and various guest speakers kick off the city’s Independence Day celebrations and reflect on the evolving history of freedom in America during this moving program set in front of historic Independence Hall.
The day’s program includes musical performances by DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine, and an awards presentation honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in our city.
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Atten-tion! Break out your red, white and blue best. Mark the United States’ 249th birthday with a grand celebration of history, culture and diversity.
The parade kicks off at 5th and Chestnut Streets, passing in front of Independence Hall, before traveling west through Old City to Broad and Arch Streets.
Along the way, expect a special traveling dance production, performances by the World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Corotegas Latin Marching Band, and the debut of the first float set for the 2026 parade celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Various Days
Over the course of the 16-day festival, some of the city’s best museums and attractions offer — you guessed it! — free or pay-what-you-wish admission to visitors.
This year, over 40 cultural centers throughout the city, including the Penn Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary and the Masonic Temple, are participating in the program. Check the official website for more information and the full Free Museum Day schedule.
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The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?