LL Cool J Performing At Free New Year's Eve Concert On The Parkway In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — LL Cool J is heading to Philadelphia for a free New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks display.

Gates to the event will open at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, with the concert beginning at 8 p.m.

The fireworks display will begin at midnight.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon LL Cool J will be joined by Philly's own NAACP Image Award winner DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Emmy Award-winning music director and Grammy Award-winning writer Adam Blackstone, rocker band Dorothy, and Technician The DJ.

LL Cool J was scheduled to headline Philadelphia's July 4th Wawa Welcome America concert this year, but pulled out in solidarity with the then-striking District Council 33, the union representing sanitation workers, Street Department repairs and maintenance crews, emergency dispatchers, Department of Revenue workers, and more.

"Philly, don’t call it a comeback," the rapper said. "We’ve got unfinished business. Shout out to the Mayor for the invitation! Meet me on the Oval this New Year’s Eve as we bring in 2026—live."

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. and gates will open at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The fireworks display will begin at midnight.

“Philadelphia is thrilled to welcome everyone to our vibrant city as we celebrate New Year's Eve and kick off the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence. This free concert and fireworks showcase the incredible spirit of our community and the cultural legacy that Philadelphia embodies," Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said. "We are honored to have LL COOL J as our headliner, bringing his unmatched talent and energy to The Parkway, with special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone and Dorothy. Join us for Philly’s first ever New Year’s Eve outdoor concert as we kick off 2026 in America’s Birthplace—this is truly the place to start our celebration of this historic anniversary!"