What to Know
- All the events during Wawa Welcome America are free to attend, but there are some events that you have to register for beforehand.
- Events will not be canceled for rainy weather.
- Public transportation will continue running all week long.
Philadelphia is gearing up to throw its rocking Fourth of July celebration in the city where America was born.
The annual Wawa Welcome America festival features six days of free music, food and fun! The party will conclude with fireworks and performances by Meghan Trainor and Jennifer Hudson.
As you get ready to celebrate Independence Day, we’re answering your questions about this year’s Wawa Welcome America:
When and where is the festival?
Wawa Welcome America kicks off on Saturday, June 29, and concludes with fireworks and a concert on Thursday, July 4.
Events will be located throughout the city. You can check out the full line up of events here.
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What's different this year?
Some changes to note for this year's 2019 Wawa Welcome America festival:
There will be three nights of fireworks displays. The first two will take place along the Delaware river waterfront, following concerts on June 29 and July 1. The third fireworks display will end the Independence Day festivities following the July 4th Concert on the Parkway. Fireworks will be over the Art Museum along the Ben Franklin Parkway.
The Historic Block Party has moved to Sunday. In the past, Philadelphia's Historic Block Party has taken place on July 3, but this year will take place on Sunday, June 30. Moving it to a weekend day allows more families to attend.
There are more free movies! Grab your chairs or blankets and take the family out for free movies Sunday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 3. Movigoers will be treated with themed trivia, a DJ spinning music, free snacks, special guests, performances and more at the four free movie screenings. Movies being shown are "Rocky," "Invincible," "Shrek" and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom."
Broadway moves indoors. Don't miss a festival-style picnic on the plaza at the Kimmel Center on July 2. It features live performances from Broadway casts and other highlights from the Kimmel Center's Resident Companies.
Do I need tickets?
All the events during Wawa Welcome America are free to attend, but there are some events that you require pre-registration.
Here are links to register now for those events:
June 29th Free Museum Day:
Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department
June 30th Free Museum Day:
American Swedish Historical Museum
The Rosenbach
July 1st Free Museum Day:
Independence Seaport Museum
Museum of American Revolution
July 3rd Free Screening event:
HERstory: Uplifting Every Voice
July 4th Concert on the Parkway:
You do not need tickets for the July 4th concert, but if you would like to sit in the seated section of Eakin's Oval to view the concert, you will need tickets.
Will public transportation still be running?
Public transportation will continue running as it normally would to get you to the free events. Just be prepared for larger crowds.
Plan your routes now:
SEPTA
PATCO
NJTransit
Septa will run with a Sunday schedule on July 4th, but the rest of the week will run acording to normal schedules with possible detours in Center City, according to a Septa representative.
What happens if it rains?
Most events will take place, rain or shine! If there is inclement weather, be sure to follow Wawa Welcome America, NBCPhiladelphia and Telemundo62 social media accounts for live updates.
Download the free NBCPhiladelphia or Telemundo62 app to have weather alerts sent right to your phone even if you are out at the festival. We will also alert you if events are impacted by inclement weather.
Will there be bathrooms?
Public restrooms and portable restrooms will be available at all Wawa Welcome America festival events.
Can I bring bags and coolers?
Yes! Bags and coolers are permitted at all outdoor events, including the Party and Concert on the Parkway on Independence Day.
There may be restrictions on what you can bring into museums participating in Free Museums Days. Check out the specific regulations of each museum on their websites.
Can I bring alcohol?
Alcohol cannot be brought to events, but there will be designated beer garden areas along the parkway during the Party on the Parkway on July 4th!
Can I watch it on TV?
Yes! You can watch full coverage of the 4th of July Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, Salute to America Independence Day Parade on Independence Mall and concert and fireworks on the Parkway live on NBC10 and TeleXitos as well as on NBCPhiladelphia.com and Telemundo62.com.
