Copied to Clipboard
Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular
Time of fireworks: Thursday, July 4, 2024 between 9:35 and 9:45 p.m. (subject to change pending weather and performance length delays)
Wawa Welcome America, the City of Philadelphia’s official Independence Day fest, features 16 days of festive events and activities celebrating a season of freedom that runs from Juneteenth to July Fourth.
The festivities all lead up to the grand finale and a true Philadelphia tradition: a spectacular and 100% free-to-attend fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The show draws major crowds to the Parkway each year and comes directly after a massive free concert featuring award-winning R&B crooner NE-YO, pop superstar Kesha, and Philadelphia favorites DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime.
Traditionally, the fireworks have begun between 9:35 and 9:45 p.m.; however, the illuminated display’s official start time is subject to change without notice pending weather and performance lengths.
After more than two weeks of free museum admission, free concerts, free hoagies and more during Wawa Welcome America, the city’s largest Independence Day fireworks display illuminates the skies over the Philadelphia Museum of Art to wrap up another Fourth of July in America’s birthplace.
Those who’d like to watch the show from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway can enter the festival grounds at Logan Circle (North 20th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway) and stake out their spot early. The gates open at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The fireworks go off directly after the concert’s conclusion (traditionally between 9:35 and 9:45 p.m., pending weather and performance lengths).
Leading up to the performances-fireworks double-header, feel free to roam the grounds enjoying fun photo ops, activities and music by homegrown talent DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime. Tickets are not required for the free event, but seating is first come, first served.
Folks wanting to watch the festivities from the comfort of home can tune in to the live broadcast on NBC10 and a number of streaming platforms.
— Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia
For more information on the July 4th Fireworks, click the button below.
The fireworks finale above the Philadelphia Museum of Art draws thousands of Philadelphia residents and visitors alike, so we highly recommend that you get there well beforehand.
— Photo by J.Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The festival is a brilliant place to catch the breathtaking display, but if you are looking for additional spots to take in the show, we have a few recommendations.
Curious? Click the button below.
The July Fourth fireworks are really the grand finale to a full day of family-friendly entertainment on the Parkway.
Master spinner DJ Diamond Kuts and funky brass band Snacktime get the party started with a very Philly collaborative performance from 4 to 6 p.m.
— Photo courtesy of Wawa Welcome America
Next, this year’s big-name performers, NE-YO and Kesha, take the stage at 7 p.m., rocking out to hits like Miss Independent, Closer, Tik Tok and Timber. Additional performers include Adam Blackstone, Chill Moody, Ruben Studdard and Jennifer Holliday.
Throughout the day, concertgoers can explore fun activations like a chance to sit in the iconic red judge’s chair from NBC’s The Voice and enjoy some “me time” thanks to Independence Blue Cross’ Well-being on Wheels.
Attendees looking to watch the concert on the Parkway must go through the entry point at Logan Circle at 20th Street. Gates open at 4 p.m. and seating is first come, first served. Feel free to come early and BYO-blankets, chairs and snacks.
— Photo by S.Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Click the button below for more info about the July 4th Concert.
The Wawa Welcome America concert and fireworks spectacle draws thousands of attendees. Large stretches of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic and nearby parking will be scarce.
Translation: Public transportation is your friend.
Several SEPTA routes leave you just a short walk away from Logan Circle and all the action, including:
Celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!
Philadelphia, home to the drafting 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 Wawa Welcome America festival to the incredible fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Again this year, Wawa Welcome America features a variety of family-friendly events commemorating both Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, holidays that 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 festivities pay tribute to the richness and diversity of Philadelphia’s communities, cultures and traditions with 16 days of multicultural and multigenerational programming from free admission to museums and attractions in the city, hoagie giveaways from Wawa, community events, concerts, fireworks displays (like this one!) and much more — all for free.
Find our complete guide to July Fourth in Greater Philadelphia by clicking the button below.
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, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
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?
Here's what to expect during the Wawa Welcome America's massive 16-day fest, plus more great things...