PHILADELPHIA — City officials released information about road closures, safety, and public transportation associated with the Wawa Welcome America Festival. The 2023 Wawa Welcome America Festival begins on Monday, June 19 and goes through Tuesday, July 4, encompassing 16 days of free multicultural and multigenerational, diverse, and inclusive events.

Returning this year, PNC Presents: Avenue of the Arts Block Party will be taking over South Broad Street with a day-long party featuring local food trucks, art installations by Mural Arts Philadelphia, giveaways, kid-friendly games and activations, and two performance stages — Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage and the PNC Arts Alive Stage.

July Fourth Concert and Fireworks

Philly’s largest free outdoor concert, the legendary July Fourth Concert will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and stars Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actor, and advocate Demi Lovato and Grammy-award winning artist, actor, and philanthropist Ludacris.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC10.

The July Fourth Concert will be followed by a large, public firework display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:45 p.m. The official fireworks soundtrack was curated by DJ Ghost and will air on Q102FM. The complete fireworks spectacular will be broadcast live on NBC10 and TeleXitos.

Weather and heat-related precautions

Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details. Text “AMERICA” to 888-777 to receive free Welcome America alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.

With potentially high temperatures, there is a risk of heat-related health issues. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided by taking simple precautions.

Attendees should follow all proper precautions to protect themselves and their families against the heat. All festival-goers should stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and excessive layers of clothing.

Consider the Three L’s Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear garments made of natural fibers like cotton.

For more tips on how to beat the heat, visit july4thphilly.com and the City’s heat guide.

Public safety

For the safety of event attendees and participants, unauthorized small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS)/drone usage is prohibited over crowds by the Federal Aviation Administration. If you see a drone at an event, please report it to the nearest police officer with a location and description of the operator.

Road closures

In the event of weather or incident-related postponements or cancellations, the road closures are subject to change and this list will be updated accordingly. Below are the street closures for the 2023 Wawa Welcome America events. For the full list of Wawa Welcome America events, including free museum days, visit the official 2023 Wawa Welcome America Brochure, also available in Spanish (PDF) and Chinese (PDF).

Monday, June 19, 2023

Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party & Free Museum Day at AAMP

In partnership with Wawa and Welcome America Inc., the African American Museum in Philadelphia will host an all-day, family-friendly outdoor festival with W.U.R.D.’s Tiffany Bacon as emcee, with entertainment, activations, games and education for everyone to enjoy! Courtesy of Wawa, AAMP will also offer free admission to the museum with online registration.

  • Arch St. between 7th St. and 8th St. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • West side of 7th St. parking lane between Arch St. and Appletree St. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Appletree St. between 7th St. and 8th St. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Rebuild Philadelphia Block Party: A Celebration of Community Revitalization

In partnership with Rebuild Philadelphia and Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, Welcome America invites neighbors near and far to celebrate the groundbreaking and learn about the revitalization plans for Murphy Recreation Center. Enjoy live entertainment, games, giveaways, food trucks and more!

  • 4th St. between Shunk St. and Oregon Ave. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Shunk St. between 3rd St. and 4th St. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Sunday, June 25, 2023

Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta and Fireworks

Hispanic Fiesta is an annual event that is a part of the PECO Multicultural Series and Wawa Welcome America. This two-day festival unites people of all ages to celebrate the culture that makes us. Through food, dance, and music, attendees come together to celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage.

  • Chestnut St. Viaduct between Market St. and Front St. from 6 a.m. on Saturday to midnight on Sunday.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Wawa Hoagie Day®

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day Tributes to our Local Heroes, featuring entertainment and 7 tons of free Wawa Hoagies served at noon along Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area.

  • Arch St. between 4th St. and 6th St. from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • 5th St. between Market St. and Race St. from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jerry Blavat Street Renaming

Join us in honoring the legendary disc jockey, “The Geator with the Heator,” “The Boss with the Hot Sauce,” Jerry Blavat. Guests can celebrate his legacy with an oldies dance party and great food. A portion of Broad Street will be renamed Jerry Blavat Way in his memory.

  • South St. between 13th St. and Broad St. from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, June 30, 2023

The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall

The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus presents “America the Beautiful,” a celebration of all there is to love about our nation on the Visit Philadelphia® stage.

  • North traffic lane and north pedestrian sidewalk on Market St. between 5th St. and 6th St. from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Market St. between 5th St. to 6th St. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Market St. from noon to 11 p.m.

Saturday, July 1, 2023

PNC Presents: Avenue of the Arts Block Party

In partnership with The Kimmel Cultural Campus and PNC, the Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove from local and world-renowned artists. Head inside the Kimmel Center for a preview of the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Broadway season with performances from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, and Disney’s Frozen.

  • Broad St. between Lombard St. to Walnut St. from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Spruce St. between Watts St. to Broad St. from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Locust St. between 15th St. to Broad St. from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Other closures beginning Saturday, July 1

In preparation for the July 4th Concert, the following road closure will be in effect beginning 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 1 until approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5:

  • Ben Franklin Parkway inner lanes from 20th St. to Eakins Oval

Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic through the holiday weekend to increase recreational access for the public beginning 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 1 until approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5 at the following location:

  • MLK Drive between East Falls Bridge and the construction zone south of Sweetbriar Drive

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Gospel on Independence

In partnership with the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center and Kimmel Cultural Campus, this year’s performances, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, pay tribute to the 160th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

  • North side of Market St. and pedestrian sidewalk between 5th and 6th Streets from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Market St. between 5th St. and 6th St. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Market St. from noon to 11 p.m.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Music on Independence: Featuring Vanessa Williams

Enjoy an evening of musical performance with award-winning singer, actress, and former Miss America Vanessa Williams.

  • Market St. between 5th St. and 6th St. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Market St. from noon to 11 p.m.

Other closures beginning Monday, July 3

In preparation for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, the following road closure will be in effect:

  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Walnut St. from 8 a.m. to noon

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony presented by Freedom Mortgage supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Kick off Philadelphia’s premier celebration of July 4th where it all began — Independence Hall — with a patriotic ceremony celebrating those who make Philadelphia, the region, and our country a better place. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony will be televised at 6 p.m. on NBC10.

  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Walnut St. from 8 a.m. to noon
  • 6th St. between Chestnut St. and Walnut St. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Salute to America Independence Day Parade supported by PNC Bank

Celebrate where the nation was born 247 years ago with a patriotic parade featuring dynamic elements from seven states across the country. The “Salute To Independence Day Parade” steps off at 11 a.m. from 2nd and Market Streets and travels west to City Hall to N. Broad St., where it ends at Arch and N. Broad Streets.

The following streets will be closed for the formation area of the parade:

  • 2nd St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St. from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Chestnut/Market St. Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Market St. between 3rd St. to Front St. from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Front St. between Dock St. to Market St. from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Chestnut St. between 2nd St. and Front St. from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade:

  • 3rd St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 4th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 5th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 6th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 7th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 8th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 9th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 10th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 11th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • 12th St. between Arch St. and Chestnut St.
  • John F. Kennedy Blvd. between Market St. and 15th St.
  • N. Broad St. between John F. Kennedy Blvd. and Vine St.
  • S. Penn Square from S. Broad St. to E. Market St.
  • E. Market St. from Front St. to City Hall
  • 12th St. between Vine St. and Market St.
  • 13th St. between Vine St. and Market St.
  • Arch St. between 12th St. and Broad St.

July Fourth Concert and Fireworks

The following information is related to the July Fourth Concert and Fireworks.

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 to 2 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:

  • 1900 Race St.
  • 1800–1900 Vine St.
  • I-676 off-ramp at 22nd St.
  • I-676 on-ramp at 22nd St.
  • I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden St.
  • Spring Garden Tunnel
  • Park Towne Place between 22nd St. and 24th St.
  • 20th St. between Arch St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
  • 19th St. between Callowhill St. and Cherry St.

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 to 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:

  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th St. to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
  • Eakins Oval (all lanes)
  • Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5 p.m.)
  • Rear of Art Museum – Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
  • 2000–2100 Winter St.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
  • Spring Garden St. between Pennsylvania Ave. and 31st St.
  • 23rd St. between Pennsylvania Ave. and Eakins Oval

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:

  • 22nd St. between Winter St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
  • 21st St. between Winter St. and Pennsylvania Ave.

The following roads will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 beginning at approximately 1 p.m. until approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5:

  • All roads from Arch St. to Spring Garden St., 18th St. to 22nd St. (local access maintained for residents)
  • All roads from Arch St. to Fairmount Ave., 22nd St. to Corinthian St. (local access maintained for residents)
  • 16th and 17th Streets, between Arch St. and Spring Garden St. will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
  • 1600–1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety

Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:

  • Kelly Drive from Fairmount Ave. to Fountain Green Drive
  • Lemon Hill Drive
  • Sedgley Drive
  • Waterworks Drive
  • Poplar Drive

Note: Parkway closures may begin earlier in the evening, depending on crowd size.

Transportation and public transit

Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.

Check SEPTA’s website, septa.org, for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit njtransit.com.

Media credentials

Media are invited to cover all festival events; however, media credentials are required for select events. Media can apply for credentials here.

Media credentials are required for the following events:

  • Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. – U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus on Independence Mall | Independence National Historical Park | 6th and Market Streets
  • Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m. – Gospel on Independence | Independence National Historical Park | 6th and Market Streets
  • Monday, July 3 at 6 p.m. – Music on Independence featuring Vanessa Williams | Independence Mall
  • Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m. – Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall
  • Tuesday, July 4 at 7 p.m. – July 4th Concert and Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
    • Screening for credentialed July 4th Concert media will take place at 22nd St. and Pennsylvania Ave.

Application deadline: All applications must be received by Monday, June 19, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Media can direct any questions they may have to press@welcomeamerica.com.

For general inquiries, please direct any questions to information@welcomeamerica.com.

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