PHILADELPHIA – City officials released information about road closures, safety, and public transportation associated with upcoming Wawa Welcome America Festival events. The 2024 Wawa Welcome America Festival began on Wednesday, June 19 and goes through Thursday, July 4, encompassing 16 days of free multicultural and multigenerational, diverse, and inclusive events.
Wawa Welcome America will 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 rich multicultural fabric of Philadelphia, all while activating iconic public spaces across our great city.
As Wawa Welcome America continues to grow and expand leading up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, this year’s festival will feature a slate of world class talent designed to put Philadelphia and the festival on a global stage. In addition to Ne-Yo and Kesha, Wawa Welcome America will also feature performances by LeAnn Rimes, Tamela Mann, Kid ‘n Play, Kathy Sledge, Jennifer Holliday, Philadelphia Orchestra, The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and more!
July Fourth Concert and Fireworks
Philly’s largest free outdoor concert, the legendary July Fourth Concert + Fireworks will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring performances by three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist Kesha.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC10. Gates open at 4 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search. Entry to the July 4th Concert & Fireworks is free and tickets are not required.
The July Fourth Concert will be followed by a large, public firework display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. (Time subject to change.) The official fireworks soundtrack was curated by DJ Ghost and will air on Q102FM. The complete fireworks spectacular will be televised live on NBC10 at 9:30 p.m. and simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+. The fireworks will be live streamed on the NBC Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as www.nbc10.com. The fireworks will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo Noreste on Roku and Samsung TV Plus as well as www.telemundo62.com enabling viewers to watch on any device.
Weather & Heat-Related Precautions
Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details. Text “AMERICA” to 888–777 to receive free Welcome America alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.
With potentially high temperatures, there is a risk of heat-related health issues. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided by taking simple precautions.
Attendees should follow all proper precautions to protect themselves and their families against the heat. All festival-goers should stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and excessive layers of clothing.
Consider the Three L’s Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear garments made of natural fibers like cotton.
For more tips on how to beat the heat, visit july4thphilly.com and the City’s heat guide.
Public Safety
For the safety of event attendees and participants, unauthorized sUAS/drone usage is prohibited over crowds by the FAA. If you see a drone at an event, please report it to the nearest police officer with a location and description of the operator.
Attendees should never leave bags or other items unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity, or item (backpack, package, container, etc.), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.
For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.
Road Closures
In the event of weather or incident-related postponements or cancellations, the road closures are subject to change and this list will be updated accordingly. Below are the street closures for upcoming 2024 Wawa Welcome America events. For the full list of Wawa Welcome America events, including FREE museum days, visit the official 2024 Wawa Welcome America Brochure, also available in Spanish, French, and Chinese.
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day, honoring local heroes, and building and serving 25,000 Wawa Shorti Hoagies. Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area.
- 5th and 6th Streets between Chestnut and Arch Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Arch Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Avenue of the Arts Block Party
The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Omar Wilson, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Elsworth, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more!
- South Broad Street between Walnut Street and South Street, with access to Symphony House from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Spruce Street between Watts Street and Broad Street from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Locust Street between 15th Street and Broad Street from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Gospel On Independence: Featuring Tamela Mann
Join us for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodlin and Zak Williams. This year’s performance, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, pays tribute to 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
- Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets
- Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Salute to Service: United States Army Field Band featuring LeAnn Rimes
The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus presents “America the Beautiful,” a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country.
- Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
In preparation for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, the following road closure will be in effect:
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to noon
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom, with remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and a variety of notable guest speakers. Join us for the presentation of the inaugural Mayor’s One Philly Award, the Wawa Foundation Hero Award and The Celebrate Freedom Award presented by Freedom Mortgage.
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage placement on 07/03 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage removal on 07/04 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dress in your red, white and blue and wave a flag as the Salute to Independence Parade celebrates the 248th birthday of the United States in grand style and pageantry.
The following streets will be closed for the formation area of the parade:
- 2nd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Chestnut/Market Street Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Market Street between 3rd Street to Front Street from 6 a.m.to 1 p.m.
- Front Street between Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade:
- 3rd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 4th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 5th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
- N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
- S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
- E. Market from Front Street to City Hall
- 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- Arch Street between 12th Street and Broad Street
July 4th Concert and Fireworks
The festival culminates with a star-studded concert on the Parkway, featuring performances by three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist Kesha.
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 2 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
- 1900 Race Street
- 1800-1900 Vine Street
- I-676 Off-Ramp at 22nd Street
- I-676 On-Ramp at 22nd Street
- I-76 eastbound Off-Ramp at Spring Garden Street
- Spring Garden Tunnel
- Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street
- 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 19th Street between Callowhill Street and Cherry Street
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 4 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
- Eakins Oval (all lanes)
- Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m.)
- Rear of Art Museum – Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
- 2000-2100 Winter Street
- MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
- Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
- 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
- 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
The following roads will be closed on Thursday, July 4 beginning at approximately 1 p.m. until approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5:
- All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street, 18th Street to 22nd Street (local access maintained for residents)
- All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street to Corinthian Street (local access maintained for residents)
- 16th and 17th Streets, between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
- 1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Friday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:
- Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Fountain Green Drive
- Lemon Hill Drive
- Sedgley Drive
- Waterworks Drive
- Poplar Drive
Note: Parkway closures may begin earlier in the evening, depending on crowd size.
Parking Restrictions
The above-listed streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones. Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Public Transportation
Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.
Check SEPTA’s website, septa.org, for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit njtransit.com.
Additional Information for Media
Media are invited to cover all festival events; however, Media Credentials are required for select events, Media can apply for applications here.
Media can direct any questions they may have to press@welcomeamerica.com.
For general inquiries, please direct any questions to information@welcomeamerica.com.