See Details Of LL Cool J New Year's Eve Concert, Fireworks Show In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 2026 and Mayor Cherelle Parker will present a free New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks display on Wednesday. The event on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will usher in America’s 250th birthday celebration in America’s Birthplace.

The New Year’s Eve Concert and Fireworks will begin the 250th anniversary of the nation's independence. This free concert and fireworks display will feature performances by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon LL Cool J. Special guest Emmy Award-winning music director and Grammy Award-winning writer Adam Blackstone, a Trenton, New Jersey native, will also perform.

>>>Road Closures Detailed for Philadelphia's New Year's Eve Celebration<<<

Doors for the event open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for midnight over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Guests can enter at the secured entry point located at Binswanger Triangle (2300 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) or Pennsylvania Avenue and Spring Garden Street. All attendees must pass through a security check, including magnetometers and bag checks.

The City of Philadelphia will provide enhanced law enforcement and emergency medical services throughout the evening. Coordination is underway with local, state, and federal public safety authorities to ensure a safe celebration. Unauthorized drone usage is prohibited above crowds by the FAA.

Attendees should dress warmly in layers due to potential cold temperatures. Tips include wearing hats, scarves, water-repellent coats, and mittens. Covering one's mouth can protect lungs from cold air. Parents are advised to keep small children warm, especially babies.

SEPTA, Philadelphia’s mass transit system, will operate on a Sunday schedule with additional cars to increase rider capacity. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is accessible from the 15th Street Market-Frankford Line Station and Race-Vine or City Hall Broad Street Line Station. Ride-share options like taxi, Uber, and Lyft are also recommended.

Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, alcohol, glass containers, and drones. Service animals are permitted. Post-event clean-up operations will begin after the fireworks. Residents can report excess trash by calling 311 or 215-686-8686.

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.