Wawa Welcome America 2025: What You Need To Know

PHILADELPHIA — The 2025 Wawa Welcome America Festival is officially underway and will culminate with a prime-time July 4 concert and fireworks.

JoJo and two-time Latin Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican superstar Álvaro Díaz will kick off the entertainment on July 4 with performances starting at 7 p.m. before LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan take the stage for the primetime event.

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Smith Memorial Playground will host Kidchella Music Festival.

Kicking off the first official day of summer, this free outdoor event at Smith Memorial Playground delivers big fun to music lovers of all ages.

Family-friendly acts like Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill and Jams for Junior Jawns take the stage along with tasty treats, interactive art stations, wellness and relaxation activities, great giveaways — including a book giveaway courtesy of Sesame Place — and more.

The night comes to a close with a kid-approved fireworks display set to Kidz Bop tunes. Advanced registration is encouraged.

The Avenue of the Arts Block Party will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at South Broad and Spruce Streets

The Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage, hosted by DJ Queen Yaszy, will feature performances by Dariel Amant, Joshua Mitchell, Natalie Imani, and TreWay and the Now Generation, and headliner Sapphira Cristál.

The Ensemble Arts Stage, hosted by Frances Egler, will showcase performances from The Sound of Music, Disney's The Beauty and the Beast and Musicopia.

It will also feature The Karen Smith Experience, DJ Omar Saleem, Prester & Samargia, Jxhar, and DJ Chris Blues & W.D.O.H present The Parkside Experience. PhillyGoes2College I AM PHL winners will also present their winning submissions - My Music: Jalen McIntosh-Broaddus, My Voice: Jaelyn Walker, My Art: Tavis Sanders, and Vanguard Bonus Winner: Mamadou L Diallo.

There will also be pop-up performances by Painted Bride Project Space, and a fashion show presented by Fashion District Philadelphia celebrating 20 years of Philly Fashion Week.

For the first time in Wawa Welcome America history, a drone show will take to the skies. Welcome America has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures to create a drone show, designed by Pyrotecnico, with 300 drones and 11 images to promote the anticipated release of "Superman." The new movie film is set to release in theaters on July 11. The drone show launches at the completion of the Phillies game on June 22. Phillies fans will be able to enjoy the show as they leave the game, and public spectators will be able to enjoy it by looking up toward the stadium area.

Written and directed by James Gunn and starring Philly’s own David Corenswet, the all-new epic action-adventure film "Superman" will be releasing only in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 11.

Philly sports fans can prepare for summer 2026 as the FIFA World Cup 26 and the MLB All-Star Game come to town at the "For the Fans Block Party" from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Wawa Welcome America, the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 join forces to kick off the excitement with a major fan fest outside the events’ respective venues, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.

Attendees can test their skills with the Phillies' speed pitch and the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Liberty Skills Challenge. There will also be DJ sets, food truck fare, and drinks from the beer garden.

Welcome America will alos celebrate Black Music Month June 29 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.

Black Music Month was founded in Philadelphia with a unique experience taking over the Dell Music Center campus, featuring performances by Musiq Soulchild, Kindred the Family Soul, Philadelphia Freeway and DJ Aktive.

Curated by Philadelphia music legend Dyana Williams and co-hosted with Laiya St. Clair, Celebration of Black Music: We Live in Philly will feature multiple expressions of music pioneered by Black musicians.

Guests are encouraged to come early, as they will be treated to incredible music, delectable food, local vendors, and fun activities, including Soulful Yoga with Karen Taylor Bass, a roller-skating rink and performances by Great on Skates, line dance lessons from Kenny “Kenny J” Johnson, a Double Dutch activation by Philly Girls Jump with professional instructors and giveaways, and more.

This evening is sure to have something for all ages and will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display. Free tickets for this event will be available at The Dell Music Center Box Office. Limited tickets will be available day-of on a first come, first served basis.

Vet Fest at the City Hall Courtyard will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25.

Philadelphia honors veterans who sacrificed and served on behalf of the country and their families during this celebration.

The day features a ceremony recognizing local veterans and groups continuing to serve the community; live performances by Denise King, Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics, Dan Harrison and more; complimentary refreshments; giveaways; and veteran-focused resources.

Wawa Hoagie Day is also set for June 26, with hoagie building taking place from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., then hoagie giveaways will begin at noon between Fifth and Sixth streets in front of National Constitution Center

Learn more about Hoagie Day online here.

The Five Points Night Market will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 26 at Cottman and Rising Sun avenues.

The night market will feature a food truck competition judged by a panel of three celebrity guest judges – Robert Johnson, NBC10 Meteorologist, Brandon “Buster” Scott, Q102 On-Air Host, and Mollie Dronson of @PhillyFoodies. The competition will have both sweet and savory food trucks, including Mike’s BBQ, Cousins Maine Lobster, Cannoli Capeesh, Ravioli Remix, and more! Trucks will be judged based on flavor, presentation, creativity, and execution. Come out to taste, enjoy the music, performances, summer fun, and activities for all ages on Rising Sun Avenue.

Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 28.

One of the largest celebrations of Latino arts and culture in Philadelphia, Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta brings music, dance, food and flair to the heart of Philadelphia.

Moving to LOVE Park for 2025, the annual family-friendly festival features live entertainment by both local and world-renowned Latino artists, a Hispanic Parade of Flags, interactive exhibits highlighting Latino culture and traditions, a kids zone and food from Latino-owned businesses.

This year’s performance lineup is headlined by Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Ivy Queen and features Los Pueblitos, Bonilla Baile Folklórico and Estilo Dance Studio.

U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” Concert and Fireworks at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 28.

Originally formed back in 1922 by General John J. Pershing, the United States Army band “Pershing’s Own” returns to Philly for a star-spangled concert — capped off by a rousing fireworks show over the Delaware River.

The Salute to Independence Parade will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 4.

The parade kicks off at 5th and Chestnut Streets, passing in front of Independence Hall, before traveling west through Old City to Broad and Arch Streets.

With a special traveling dance production, performances by the World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Corotegas Latin Marching Band, and the debut of the first float set for the 2026 parade celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

The Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia will conclude on the evening of July 4 with the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks as Hip-Hop Trailblazer LL Cool J brings the energy, the legacy, and the culture to Philadelphia's biggest stage with DJ Z-Trip on the turntables. The evening will also feature a performance from Grammt Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, and Philadelphia native, Jazmine Sullivan. Special guests chart-topping and multi-platinum recording artist, actress, and New York Times Best Selling author JoJo and two-time Latin GRAMMY nominated Puerto Rican superstar Álvaro Díaz will kick off the concert.

Produced in partnership with Live Nation, the concert will be performed at 7 p.m. in front of a live audience on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and broadcast on NBC10 for viewers to enjoy from their homes. The concert will be followed by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Gates open at 4 p.m., and the public entrance is located at 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

American Airlines is hosting the Priority July 4th Ticket Giveaway on social media — @july4thphilly on Instagram and X, and Wawa Welcome America on Facebook — giving fans a chance to win exclusive front-section access. Bank of America is also hosting a Daily Ticket Giveaway, happening on-site at select events throughout the festival. Both giveaways offer a limited number of tickets.

For full festival schedule and information, go online here and follow on social media.

Philadelphia’s most notable museums, cultural institutions, and attractions will also open their doors free of charge, or, for an optional pay-what-you-wish donation, throughout the entire festival.

The full Free Museum Day Series includes:

Times per museum may vary.

• Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (pre-registration required); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Masonic Temple, Library & Museum (pre-registration required); noon to 4 p.m. — Elfreth’s Alley Museum; noon to 3 p.m. — Johnson House Historic Site, Inc.; noon to 4 p.m. — Historic Rittenhouse Town Inc.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel AME Church; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Stenton Museum (pre-registration required); 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — The Print Center
• Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — American Philosophical Society Museum; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
• Monday, noon to 3 p.m. — Lest We Forget Slavery Museum (pre-registration required); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Independence Seaport Museum
• Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Christ Church; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Underground Railroad Museum at the Belmont Mansion
• Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Woodmere Museum; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center; noon to 4 p.m. — Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm; noon to 5 p.m. — Museum for Art in Wood
• Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — National Constitution Center, courtesy of Wawa
• June 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Penn Museum (pre-registration required); noon to 6 p.m. — The Fabric Workshop and Museum; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Science History Institute; 10 AM – 5 p.m. — Weitzman Museum (pre-registration encouraged)
• June 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historic Strawberry Mansion; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Laurel Hill Mansion; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Ormiston Mansion; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Woodford Mansion; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Lemon Hill Mansion
• June 29, noon to 4 p.m. — The Rosenbach Museum & Library; 10 AM – 4 p.m. — Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum; noon to 4 p.m. — American Swedish Historical Museum; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — National Liberty Museum (pre-registration required); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — North Broad Renaissance: Summer aBroad AR Tour
• June 30, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Eastern State Penitentiary (pre-registration required); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — The Barnes Foundation (pre-registration required)
• July 1, noon to 4 p.m. — West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance/Paul Robeson House & Museum (pre-registration required); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Carpenters’ Hall; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Wagner Free Institute of Science
• July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (pre-registration required)
• July 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Historic St. George’s Museum and Archives; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• July 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Cliveden of the National Trust; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Fireman’s Hall Museum; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Arch Street Meeting House

NBC10 will broadcast and stream the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert live from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during primetime, followed by the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, courtesy of Wawa, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

NBC10’s coverage of concert and fireworks will be simulcast from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and COZI TV.

The free concert will also be live streamed on NBC10 Philadelphia News channels on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as NBC10's website, and the NBC10 app.

NBC10 and Telemundo62 will offer daily coverage of the events of the 16-day festival on all platforms.

NBC10’s local, daily lifestyle show, “Philly Live,” will provide on-going coverage of the Wawa Welcome America Festival.