America’s birthplace is preparing to dazzle the nation once again. On Friday, July 4, Philadelphia’s iconic Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, culminating the city’s 16-day Independence Day celebration with star-studded performances and a grand fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Organized by the Office of the City Representative, Office of Special Events, this year’s celebration combines tradition, music, food, and safety with cutting-edge planning and technology—welcoming thousands of locals and visitors to experience the nation’s most historic Fourth of July celebration.
The Main Event
The festivities kick off at 7:00 p.m. with live performances by GRAMMY®-nominated pop and R&B star JoJo and Latin trap sensation Alvaro Díaz, followed by an awe-inspiring fireworks display starting at 9:00 p.m., synchronized to music and visible for miles along the Parkway.
Before the concert, guests can enjoy:
- The Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage
- Food trucks and Rita’s Italian Ice, the official Italian water ice partner
- A chip giveaway from Herr’s
- Wellness activities at Rest and Recharge with Independence Blue Cross
- Nutrition and food access education by Sharing Excess
Can’t make it in person? The concert will be broadcast live on NBC10, NBC Sports Philadelphia+, COZI TV, and multiple streaming platforms including Peacock, Roku, and NBC10.com.
Gate Entry & Safety Procedures
- Concert gates open at 4:00 p.m.
- General public entry: 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Logan Circle)
- Ticketed front-section access:
– 23rd Street & Pennsylvania Avenue
– 22nd & Winter Streets
Security Screening: All attendees will pass through metal detectors, and bag checks will be enforced. Early arrival is recommended to avoid traffic and long wait times.
What to Leave at Home
To ensure a safe environment, the following items are prohibited:
- Weapons, fireworks, sparklers
- Alcohol, glass containers, illegal substances
- Drones, laser pointers, selfie sticks
- Full face coverings (except for medical or faith-based reasons)
- Skateboards, hoverboards, or bicycles inside the event zone
Permitted items include small coolers, personal food/beverages (non-alcoholic), and lawn chairs (outside of front-section ticketed areas). Leashed pets are welcome.
Planning Your Day: Navigation & Amenities
The Welcome America Story Map at phila.gov/america includes:
- Road closure maps for Parkway & Old City
- Locations for restrooms (including ADA units), first aid, lost & found, and Jumbotrons
Attendees are urged to stay informed via free text alerts by texting “AMERICA” to 888-777.
Safety Tips:
- Stay hydrated and wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- Know where medical help and security stations are located
- Take a photo of your child in case you get separated
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies or notify staff if something seems wrong
Getting There: Transit, Bikes & Walking
SEPTA will run Sunday schedules for trains and buses with increased service. Key detours and stops include:
- Best Parkway access:
– Market-Frankford Line: 15th Street Station
– Broad Street Line: Race-Vine or City Hall Station - Bus detours from 5 a.m. July 4 to 5 a.m. July 5 on Routes 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48 & 49
- Visit septa.org for real-time updates and schedules.
Bike Access: RideIndego bike share stations are available near the Parkway. Note: Kelly Drive bike path (river side between Eakins Oval and Sedgley Drive) closes at 5 p.m. for safety.
Post-Event Cleanup & Lost Items
Clean-up crews will begin work immediately after the fireworks. If you’ve lost something, visit an information booth or email the event team at Information@WelcomeAmerica.com.
As the fireworks explode over the Museum of Art and music echoes down the Parkway, the spirit of Independence will once again light up the City of Brotherly Love. From historic landmarks to modern music, Philadelphia’s Fourth of July is more than a celebration it’s a national treasure.