by Alex Lloyd Gross
Due to the projected heat index, some of the events for WAWA Welcome America have been canceled, postponed or had their times changed. What follows is the most updated list to date.
July 2 · 7:00am – Living Liberty Bell – The day begins with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell, gathering 250 people to form the shape of the famous bell on Independence Mall adorned in red, white, and blue. Participants include all 53 Miss America 2026 delegates and the current Miss America. 5th & Arch Streets
1:00am – Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade – kicks off at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, featuring 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Center, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning left onto Chestnut Street and ending at Carpenters’ Hall. NEW SHORTER ROUTE.
· The All-American Block Party (11a-2p) – CANCELLED
· 2:00 – 5:00pm – WXPN Welcomes the Red, White, & Blue Music Series — Twenty-eight Philadelphia groups perform free street musical sets at 11 locations (some indoors, some outdoors) throughout the Historic District. This musical journey invites visitors to stroll from site to site and discover acoustic sounds from around the world woven into one celebratory afternoon. Each stop transforms the birthplace of American independence into an open-air1:00am – Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade – kicks off at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, featuring 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Center, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning left onto Chestnut Street and ending at Carpenters’ Hall. NEW SHORTER ROUTE.
· The All-American Block Party (11a-2p) – CANCELLED
- 6:00 – 8:00pm – Red, White, & Rosé Picnic– START TIME PUSHED TO 6:00PM – On Independence Mall with picnic seating and food trucks along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade. ·
- 7:30pm – Pre-Concert Programming (Wawa Hero Award & Salute to Service Award) – The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced and Wawa will recognize USO volunteers and announce a contribution to USO centers across its chain. · Salute to Service:The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus with superstar Queen Latifah – START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8:00PM –
- The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus returns on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® to Independence Mall with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. The concert will include the world premiere of Evident Truths, a newly commissioned work by acclaimed composer Nkeiru Okoye in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Featuring a headlining performance by Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP, SAG and Critic’s Choice award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, producer, label president, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah. The concert will also feature a special performance by Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan. ·
- Independence Illumination Drone Show – START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 10PM – a spectacular 13-minute drone show viewable from Independence Mall, where hundreds of illuminated drones create breathtaking great moments from the country’s 250 years with flag-themed imagery and patriotic animations in the night sky. WHEN: Thursday, July 2, various times
- JULY 3 EVENTS: WHAT:The National Constitution Center’s 38th Annual Liberty Medal Ceremony – Due to the City’s Extreme Heat Warning beginning Wednesday, and forecasts indicating a high probability of unsafe conditions for outdoor programming on July 3, the National Constitution Center made the decision to move the Liberty Medal ceremony indoors. The ceremony honoring His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will now take place inside the National Constitution Center beginning at 10:45 a.m. The Pope’s live virtual address from the Vatican will proceed as scheduled. Because of space limitations inside the Center, attendance at the ceremony will be limited to invited guests.
- . WHAT: The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade – ROUTE CHANGE This year’s celebration is the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration parade in the nation and will feature 250 exciting elements that represent all 50 states and U.S. territories. During the parade, see all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders showcasing their home state or territory through themed performances and visuals, in addition to an unforgettable lineup of 40+ marching bands,19 parade floats, military and special units, historic and cultural showcases, and more. Guests can enjoy the parade in official cheer zones along its route, or watch from home on NBC10. Cheer zones feature complimentary giveaways, fan experiences, and more, and can be found at 6th and Market Streets, between 11th and 12th on Market Street, and on the Northeast side of City Hall. WHEN: Friday, July 3, 12:00pm WHERE: Independence Hall (Beginning at 5th and Chestnut Street) to Broad & Chestnut Streets NEW ROUTE:The parade starts at 5th and Chestnut Streets and travels West on Chestnut to 6th street, turns right and continues to Market Street where it turns left and makes its way down Market towards City Hall. At City Hall it will left onto South Juniper Street and end at Chestnut and Broad Streets.
- WHAT: Pops on Independence presented by Bank of America with Headliner Idina Menzel — START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8:00PM See the Philly Pops and Idina Menzel perform to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America. The patriotic celebration will feature a headlining performance from multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel, live orchestral music, and festive cheer in the heart of the nation’s birthplace. Limited seating is available as well as lawn viewing. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a pre-concert block party, featuring food trucks and giveaways from Philadelphia favorites like Tastykake, Sparkling Ice, and of course, Wawa. WHEN: Friday, July 3, 8:00pm WHERE:
- Independence National Historic Park at 6th & Market Streets on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® HEAT SAFETYAs always, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, seek breaks in air conditioning, and stay hydrated. Welcome America will also have additional cooling measures in place at all events. For more heat safety information, please see here from the City’s Office of Emergency Management. Stay Cool at Free Museum & Movie Days!Free Museum Days—Take a break from the heat at Philadelphia’s most notable museums, cultural institutions, and attractions, who will open their doors free of charge, or, for an optional pay-what-you-wish donation, throughout the entire festival. Full list can be found here.
- Free Movie Days—The Philadelphia Film Society has partnered with Welcome America to present an eclectic program of FREE screenings by and about Philly. From Old Hollywood stars and directors to Eagles diehards, this explosive display of cinematic fireworks kicks off the summer right. All films will be showing on the Main Screen at the Philadelphia Film Society Center (1412 Chestnut Street). Note: While these movies are free, PFS asks that tickets be reserved via their website www.filmadelphia.org The upcoming Free Movie Day Series includes: · Tuesday, June 30, 4 PM & 7 PM | Invincible · Wednesday, July 1, 4 PM & 7 PM | National Treasure; 4 PM & 7 PM · Thursday, July 2, 4 PM & 7 PM | Mean Girls ·
- Friday, July 3, 4 PM & 7 PM | Independence Day (in 4K) About Wawa Welcome America Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia’s premier summer festival that celebrates freedom and independence from Juneteenth to July 4th! As the nation’s largest July 4th celebration and one of the largest free festivals in the country, Wawa Welcome America offers sixteen days of free, family-friendly programs that celebrate the lives, voices, and experiences of all Americans through art, culture, wellness, and history. As the United States of America marks its 250th anniversary, the 2026 Wawa Welcome America is a once-in-a-generation experience that will feature events including concerts on Independence Mall, firework displays, block parties, Wawa Hoagie Day, a parade representing all states and territories, and more to be announced! For more information, visit july4thphilly.com, or find Wawa Welcome America on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. About Welcome America, Inc. Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia which seeks to enhance the resident and visitor experience by planning and producing citywide celebrations including Wawa Welcome America and the Philly Holiday Experience. These events generate positive economic impact to the local economy and increase awareness of Philadelphia as a global destination. Visit welcomeamerica.com to learn m0re.