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Wawa Welcome America Festival Returns in 2025

Attendees enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Wawa Welcome America Festival with music and festivities.

News Summary

The Wawa Welcome America Festival will make its anticipated return in 2025, running from June 19 to July 4, featuring diverse free events for all ages. The festival will culminate in a concert on July 4 with notable artists LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan, followed by Philadelphia’s largest fireworks display. Other events include block parties, music festivals, and cultural celebrations, promoting community engagement and honoring Independence Day and Juneteenth.

Philadelphia – The Wawa Welcome America Festival is set to return in 2025, taking place from June 19 to July 4, featuring a dynamic array of free multicultural events for people of all ages. This 16-day celebration will culminate with a star-studded concert on July 4, featuring prominent artists LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Jazmine Sullivan, a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, hails from Philadelphia and is known for her powerful vocals and hit songs. LL Cool J, a revered figure in the hip-hop community since the 1980s, will bring his legendary presence to the festival, contributing to a grand evening that ends with Philadelphia’s largest fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

The festival is packed with a variety of exciting events for attendees of all ages. The opening day kicks off with the Annual Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum on June 19, featuring live music from DJ Drama and taking place from noon to 7 p.m. Following that, families can enjoy the Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground on June 20, from 4 to 9 p.m., which offers engaging activities and live performances.

Additional highlighted events include the Avenue of the Arts Block Party on June 21 (from noon to 6 p.m.), and the For the Fans Block Party, held on June 22 outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field, which takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Also, on June 26, the popular Wawa Hoagie Day will return, serving up free hoagies at noon along Arch Street between 5th and 6th streets.

As the festival progresses, other notable events will take place including the Five Points Night Market on June 26, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Vet Fest on June 25 at 11 a.m., and the Gospel on Independence concert on June 27 at 7 p.m. The festival will also host a celebration of Black Music Month and a fireworks display on June 29, from 4 to 9 p.m. The Pops On Independence performance is scheduled for July 3, at 7 p.m.

The grand finale on July 4 will begin with the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Independence Hall, where Mayor Cherelle Parker will make remarks. The Salute to Independence Parade will follow at 11 a.m., starting at 5th and Chestnut Streets. The July 4th concert gates will open at 5 p.m., and all attendees must enter at Logan Square and 20th Street, before the concert begins at 7 p.m.

The festival also features a Beer Garden Experience for guests aged 21 and over, creating a lively atmosphere with local food trucks and entertainment. Additionally, over 40 cultural centers and museums throughout the city will offer free or pay-what-you-wish admission for festival-goers.

For those unable to attend in person, the July 4th concert will be broadcast live on NBC10 and available for streaming on multiple platforms including Peacock and Roku. The Wawa Welcome America Festival aims to honor freedom and liberty while commemorating both Juneteenth and Independence Day, promoting a sense of community and celebration among all attendees.

This year’s festival promises to be a cultural highlight, bringing together music, food, and activities to celebrate Philadelphia’s vibrant heritage and the spirit of the nation.