Wawa Welcome America is a 6-day festival with over 50 free family friendly events celebrating America’s birthday in America’s birthplace – Philadelphia! The citywide festival includes fireworks displays, free concerts, free museum days, community events, outdoor movie screenings, block parties and more!
Official Info
Dates: Thursday, June 29 – Tuesday, July 4
Location: Over 50 free events citywide
Cost: Free!
Official Event Page
Follow Wawa Welcome America on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on all things #July4thPhilly!
City Services
Trash & recycling pickup: Trash & recycling collection will be suspended on Tuesday, July 4th. Collection will be one day behind schedule for the remainder of the week.
311 Hours: Philly311 will be open regular hours on Thursday, Friday, and Monday. 311 will be open on Tuesday, July 4th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
ReadyPhiladelphia: To receive alerts on severe weather, emergencies or public transit, sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia, the City’s mass notification system.
Follow @PhiladelphiaGov, @PhilaOEM, @July4thPhilly and #July4thPhilly for important information.
Things to See & Do
For the full list of over 50 free events, check out Wawa Welcome America’s calendar of events.
Visitors to the Rotunda at the Shops at Liberty Place will enjoy life size sand sculptures of historical figures and symbols.
Thursday, June 29, 2017 – Tuesday, July 04, 2017 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
The Shops at Liberty Place
1625 Chestnut St
Wawa Hoagie Day:
Wawa Hoagie Day features a 6-ton hoagie and a performance by the USO Show Troupe as well as free hoagies for all attendees!
Thursday June 29, 2017 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Independence Mall & National Constitution Center Lawn
525 Arch St
The Philadelphia Orchestra Concert & Fireworks on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing:
The famous Philadelphia Orchestra continues its free concert series on the RiverStage at Penn’s Landing followed by a fireworks display over the Delaware to close the show! Friday June 30, 2017 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
The Food Trust Night Market Spruce Hill:
Stroll through the streets of Spruce Hill, enjoy food and live music, and celebrate Philadelphia’s culinary communities at Night Market Philadelphia.
Saturday, July 1, 2017 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
40th & Walnut Sts.
The Philly POPS on Independence:
The Philly POPS orchestra takes over Independence Mall for its annual free performance featuring patriotic music.
Monday, July 3, 2017 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Independence Hall
Chestnut St btwn 5th & 6th Sts.
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony:
A morning of patriotic music will honor the nation’s Founding Fathers and Mothers and celebrate American independence.
Tuesday, July 04, 2017 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Independence Hall
Chestnut St between 5th & 6th Sts.
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert:
Mary J. Blige headlines the annual free concert on the Parkway and Philly’s own Boyz II Men will be honored. The concert will also feature performances from The Philly POPS, Mandy Gonzalez, and Tony DeSare.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Freedom Festival Fireworks:
In addition to the fireworks on the Parkway, a second simultaneous firework show over the Delaware River Waterfront wraps up the festivities!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 9:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Delaware River Waterfront
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks:
After the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert, stay on the Parkway for the spectacular fireworks finale!
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 9:30 pm – 10:00 pm
2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Transit Info
SEPTA is a convenient, affordable way to get to and from events all weekend long. Visit SEPTA’s website for service changes or alerts, routes, and schedules.
Parking: If you’re driving downtown, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has advice on where to park. And remember, on July 4th the PPA will not enforce kiosks, meters, or time limits on residential blocks!
Road closures: A map of road closures around the Parkway and Independence Mall is available online.
Getting dropped off or picked up on the Parkway? The area around the Franklin Institute is a good location and close to the Parkway. You can also hail paid ride services around museum.
Safety Tips for the Parkway
If you’re coming to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the 4th here are some safety tips.
Bringing kids? Map out a meet-up location, write your number on a wristband, dress them in bright colors, and take a selfie on your phone to show Philadelphia Police if you should get separated.
If you’re separated from your child, our partners in public safety from the Red Cross will have a reunification tent near Eakins Oval.
Thirsty? Stay hydrated. Bring your reusable water bottle to fill up at free water stations along the Parkway.
Stay cool with misting tents located throughout the event.
Need help? Philadelphia Police stand-out in the crowd in their neon vests. Flag down one of Philly’s finest if you need them.
If you need medical assistance, find Philadelphia Fire Department EMS in red and white striped tents around Eakins Oval. Look for them in the crowd too, wearing red shirts and riding Segways.
If you call 911 for an emergency, use a landmark, street sign or Parkway locator sign to help them find you in the crowd.
If the Parkway should need to be cleared, info will be sent through ReadyPhiladelphia, social media accounts, and broadcast system. Follow the direction of public safety officials. Exit the venue safely. Be attentive to those around you. Find your friends and family at your meet-up location.