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Wawa Welcome America: Philadelphia's Premier Independence Day Festival

A 16-Day Celebration of Culture, Community, and Patriotism from Juneteenth to July 4

By Tina Lazicki May 25, 2025

Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia's largest free summer festival, spanning 16 days from Juneteenth through July 4. This annual event honors the nation's journey to freedom and independence with a rich tapestry of multicultural programming, community gatherings, and historic reflections. From the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum to the grand finale concert and fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the festival offers something for everyone. Highlights include free museum days, the beloved Wawa Hoagie Day, and live performances.  As the nation approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Wawa Welcome America continues to celebrate the diverse voices and experiences that define the American story.

Family-Friendly Festivals and Events

Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum:  June 19th, 12 PM

Kidchella Music Festival:  June 20th, 4 PM

Avenue of the Arts Block Party:  June 21st, 12 PM

For the Fans Block Party:  June 22nd, 2 PM

Cherashore Pool Party:  June 24th, 4 PM

Vet Fest:  June 25th, 11 AM

Wawa Hoagie Day:  June 26th, 12 AM

Five Points Night Market:  June 26th, 5 PM

Concilio's Annual Hispanic Fiesta:  June 28th, 2 PM

U.S. Army Band's "Pershing's Own" Concert and Fireworks: June 28th, 8 PM

Celebration of Black Music Month and Fireworks:  June 29th, 4 PM

Movies on the Mall:  Independence Day:  July 1st, 9 PM

All American Block Party:  July 2nd, 3 PM

Salute to Service:  The United States Army Field Band:  July 2nd, 7 PM

Red, White, and Blue To-Do:  July 2nd, 9 AM

Pops on Independence:  July 3rd, 7 PM

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony:  July 4th, 10 AM

Salute to Independence Parade:  July 4th, 11 AM

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks:  July 4th, 7 PM

Free Museum Days

Wawa Welcome America also offers FREE Museum Admission on certain days between June 19th and July 4th!  Check out their website for more details about each museum's Free Admission Day!  Keep in mind that Museums may limit entry based on their capacity levels, and you may experience wait times greater than normal.

African American Museum in Philadelphia:  June 19th

Masonic Temple, Library and Museum:  June 20th

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University:  June 20th

Johnson House Historic Site:  June 20th

Historic Rittenhouse Row:  June 20th

Elfreth's Alley Museum:  June 20th

The Print Center:  June 21st

Stenton:  June 21st

American Philosophical Society Museum:  June 22nd

Ebenezer Maxwell Museum:  June 22nd

Independence Seaport Museum:  June 23rd

Lest We Forget Slavery Museum:  June 23rd

The Underground Railroad Museum at the Belmont Mansion:  June 24th

Christ Church Preservation Trust:  June 24th

Woodmere Art Museum:  June 25th

Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center:  June 25th

Wyck Historic House, Garden and Farm:  June 25th

Museum for Art in Wood:  June 25th

National Constitution Center:  June 26th

Penn Museum:  June 27th

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History:  June 27th

Science History Institute:  June 27th

The Fabric Workshop and Museum:  June 27th

Ormiston Mansion:  June 28th

Historic Strawberry Mansion:  June 28th

Lemon Hill Mansion:  June 28th

Woodford Mansion:  June 28th

Laurel Hill Mansion:  June 28th

The North Broad Renaissance:  Summer aBroad AR Tour:  June 29th

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum:  June 29th

National Liberty Museum:  June 29th

American Swedish Historical Museum:  June 29th

The Rosenbach Museum and Library:  June 29th

The Barnes Foundation:  June 30th

Eastern State Penitentiary:  June 30th

Wagner Free Institute of Science:  July 1st

Carpenters' Hall:  July 1st

Paul Robeson House and Museum:  July 1st

Mütter Museum and Historical Library:  July 2nd

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts:  July 3rd

Historic St. George's Museum and Archives:  July 3rd

Cliveden of the National Trust:  July 4th

Fireman's Hall Museum:  July 4th

Arch Street Meeting House:  July 4th

Wawa Welcome America proves every year to be THE event of the Independence Day Holiday!  Please be sure to check with the venues before heading out, as event dates and times are subject to change.














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