Philadelphia’s annual “Welcome America!” Independence Day celebration will take place from June 19 to July 4 this year. The 16-day celebration will feature a variety of events including fireworks, concerts, block parties, and free museum days. The main event will be held on July 4, with a large-scale parade and a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art following the parade. More details can be found at the website: www.welcomeamerica.com
One of the highlights of the Independence Day festivities is the Kidchella Music Festival, where parents and children can enjoy delicious food and interactive entertainment to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Smith Memorial Playground. The festival will feature performances by Grammy-winning children’s band Alex & The Kaleidoscopy, John Shortcake, Ill Doots, and young musical talents curated by World Cafe Live. Date: June 21, Time: 4 pm to 9 pm, Location: SMITH MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND & PLAYHOUSE, 3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19121
El Concilio’s Spanish Carnival is a part of the “Welcome America” celebration, showcasing Latin American culture and traditions of the Spanish community. The event will include a variety of Latin American music, dance, entertainment, traditional crafts, and ethnic food. Date: June 22-23, Time: 12 pm to 11:59 pm, Location: John F. Kennedy Bridge, between 20th and 30th Streets
In honor of the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth, a celebration will be held at the new Jefferson Plaza in downtown Philadelphia on June 25. Jefferson University, founded in 1824, offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs and is the largest healthcare system in the Greater Philadelphia area. Date: June 25, Time: 3 pm to 7 pm, Location: Jefferson Plaza, 1115 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Wawa Hoagie Day, organized by Wawa as part of “Welcome America,” will see the production of 30,000 free hoagie sandwiches for local first responders and healthcare heroes on June 27. An additional 25,000 Wawa Hoagies will be distributed to visitors during a giveaway event. Date: June 27, Time: 12 pm to 3 pm, Location: Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia
The Independence Gospel event will feature performances by the Welcome America Mass Choir, hosted by WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson, with a performance by Grammy-winning gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann. Date: July 2, Time: 6 pm, Location: 599 Market Street, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Independence Day Parade on July 4 will kick off with a freedom celebration ceremony at Independence Hall in the morning. The parade will begin at 11 am at 2nd and Market Streets in Old City and will feature floats, historical figures, marching bands, dance groups, and military personnel marching through the historic district.
Following the parade, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Concert and Fireworks will commence with a celebration of freedom ceremony and recognition of the Wawa Foundation Hero Award finalists on the evening of July 4. The concert, featuring headline performances by superstars NE-YO and Kesha, will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display. Visitors can enter the parkway starting from 4 pm at the gates located at 20th Street and Logan Circle.
After the concert, the Philadelphia fireworks display sponsored by “Welcome America” will return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The fireworks will start at 9:45 pm, and the entire display will be broadcast live by NBC10.