*For the Wawa Welcome America event details and what to expect, visit our Everything You Need to Know blog post.
PHILADELPHIA — City officials released information about road closures, safety, and public transportation associated with upcoming Wawa Welcome America Festival events. The 2025 Wawa Welcome America Festival began on Thursday, June 19 and goes through Friday, July 4, encompassing 16 days of free multicultural and multigenerational, diverse, and inclusive events.
July Fourth Concert and Fireworks
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. The evening will feature a performance from GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter, and Philadelphia native, Jazmine Sullivan.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC10. Gates open at 4 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search. Entry to the July 4th Concert & Fireworks is free and tickets are not required.
The July Fourth Concert will be followed by a large, public firework display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at approximately 9 p.m. (Time subject to change.)
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.
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 upcoming 2025 Wawa Welcome America events. For the full list of Wawa Welcome America events, including FREE museum days, visit the Wawa Welcome America Website.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
As part of Red, White, and Blue To Do this block party will include pay-as-you-go food trucks, family-friendly activities and games, special activations and extended hours at local museums and attractions, and culturally inspired music and dance performances at eight different sites.
- 3rd Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Salute to Service: United States Army Field Band
The U.S. Army Field Band returns to Independence Mall, as part of the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. This powerful evening of music will also feature a special performance by The War And Treaty, the acclaimed husband-and-wife duo known for their soulful blend of Americana, gospel, and rock.
- Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
Thursday, July 3, 2025
The Philly Pops will perform, as part of the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® for the first time under their new name on the evening of July 3, 2025, at Independence National Historical Park, with a show featuring the newly appointed Music Director, Chris Dragon. The evening will also include a special performance by renowned singer-songwriter Ben Folds, joining the orchestra for a unique and unforgettable musical experience.
- Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
In preparation for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, the following road closure will be in effect:
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to noon
In preparation for the July 4th Concert and Fireworks, the following road closure will be in effect:
- Inner lanes of Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 20th Street and Eakins Oval from 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 5
Friday, July 4, 2025
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom. This inspiring event will feature remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the presentation of the Mayor’s One Philly Award and the 10th Anniversary of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award – both honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in our city, with musical guests DJ Diamond Kuts and Suzann Christine.
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage placement on 07/03 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage removal on 07/04 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dress in your red, white and blue and wave a flag as the Salute to Independence Parade celebrates the 249th birthday of the United States in grand style and pageantry.
The following streets will be closed for the formation area of the parade:
- 2nd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 3rd Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 4th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 5th Street between Market Street and Walnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Front Street from Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Chestnut Street between 6th Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade:
- 5th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- 13th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
- JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
- N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
- S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
- E. Market from 5th Street to City Hall
- 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
- Arch Street between 13th Street and Broad Street
- Strawberry Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street
- Bank Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street
July 4th Concert and Fireworks
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 with performances by GRAMMY®-nominated pop and R&B star JoJo and Latin trap sensation Alvaro Diaz.
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, July 4, to 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, unless otherwise noted:
- 1900 Race Street
- 1800-1900 Vine Street
- I-676 Off-Ramp at 22nd Street
- I-676 On-Ramp at 22nd Street
- I-76 eastbound Off-Ramp at Spring Garden Street
- Spring Garden Tunnel
- Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street
- 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 19th Street between Callowhill Street and Cherry Street
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, July 4 to 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, unless otherwise noted:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street 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 5:00 p.m.)
- Rear of Art Museum – Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
- 2000-2100 Winter Street
- MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
- Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
- 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, July 4 to 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, unless otherwise noted:
- 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
The following roads will be closed on Friday, July 4, beginning at approximately 1 p.m. until approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 5:
- All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street, 18th Street to 22nd Street (local access maintained for residents)
- All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street to Corinthian Street (local access maintained for residents)
- 16th and 17th Streets, between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street 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 Friday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:
- Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue 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.
The following SEPTA routes will be detoured from their normal routes on Friday, July 4, beginning at approximately 8 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. on Friday, July 4:
- 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 21, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 42, 44, 45, 47, 47M, 48, 57, 61, 124, and 125
The following SEPTA routes will be detoured from their normal routes on Friday, July 4, beginning at approximately 3 p.m. until approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 5:
- 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49
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 can direct any questions they may have to press@welcomeamerica.com.
For general inquiries, please direct any questions to information@welcomeamerica.com.