What to Know
- Sixteen days of free Wawa Welcome America fun came to a big finish on Tuesday, July 4th, with a concert featuring Ludacris and Demi Lovato on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway followed by fireworks.
- Before the grand finale, there were hours of free fun from a Celebration of Freedom to a patriotic parade to the pre-party on the Parkway.
- Here is a breakdown of the last day of the free 2023 Wawa Welcome America festival in Philadelphia.
Sixteen days of free fun in Philadelphia ended with a blast on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Tuesday, July 4th, 2023.
The final day of 16 days of free Wawa Welcome America events featured music superstars (Demi Lovato and Ludacris), a patriotic parade and a fan favorite: fireworks.
"There's no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than right here in Philadelphia," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
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Here's a breakdown of all the events that took place.
'Sorry Not Sorry' the free concert on the Parkway was amazing
After a rain delay, rapper Ludacris opened the show by performing some of his biggest hits.
Adam Blackstone -- the bassist behind some of music's biggest acts -- then followed and was later joined by WanMor, the sons of Boyz II Men member and Philly native Wanyá Morris.
Popstar Demi Lovato then closed the show with an energetic rocking performance of some of her biggest hits.
Before the concert, Philadelphia Eagles and Power 99FM disc jockey, DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime, the brass heavy street band, teamed up to provide a collaborative performance at the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove stage.
Every good show needs a snack. Concert attendees enjoyed a free bag of Haribo Gummy Bears when they made it to the Parkway.
A long day of dancing and fun
It was a long, hot day (check out the latest First Alert Weather forecast), so concertgoers took care of themselves by staying hydrated and applying sunscreen, etc. Attendees checked out the Well-being on Wheels, complements of Independence Blue Cross, and received free health screenings, wellness information and nutritional takeaways.
Security Measures for 2023 party on the Parkway
Guests of the July 4th Parkway concert entered through a single entrance at Logan Circle at 20th Street.
Wawa Welcome America developed the new security plan with city officials "in an effort to create an event that will remain open and welcoming to all, but, at the same time, remain a safe space for all to enjoy," Wawa Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene said.
Drones, weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, glass containers and fireworks were among the banned items within the fenced-in area.
Food, non-alcoholic beverages, chairs and blankets were among the items you could bring in.
The new measures ensured the safety of patrons after stray bullets -- likely fired from up to a mile away --struck two police officers and sent attendees fleeing during the 2022 July 4th fireworks show.
What would July 4th be without fireworks?
Following the show, around 11 p.m., attendees gathered from Eakins Oval to Logan Circle for a rhythmic fireworks display, harmonized with a live DJ set by DJ Ghost.
Weather delay
While the concert was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., it was pushed to 8:30 p.m. due to a rain delay. Once the concert began however, the skies were cleared as attendees enjoyed a fun night of music and fireworks.
Getting to the Parkway concert
SEPTA ran all of its buses, trolleys and subway lines on a Sunday schedule on July 4, 2023. The transit agency also offered a special late-night Regional Rail service following the fireworks.
SEPTA laid out its full July 4th schedule on its website.
Couldn't make it down to the Parkway? We got you covered!
The entire main stage concert and fireworks spectacular was broadcast live on NBC10 and TeleXitos as well as on NBC10.com and the NBC10 app.
"The Best of the July 4th Celebration" will re-air on NBC10 Philadelphia's streaming platforms on the following days and times.
Wednesday, July 5th
- 7:30 p.m. ET
- 9:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, July 6th
- 8:00 p.m. ET
- 9:00 p.m. ET
Friday, July 7th
- 8:30 p.m. ET
- 9:30 p.m. ET
Celebrating Freedom and America begins the day
Celebration of Freedom ceremony at Independence Hall
What: People watched Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, award-winning actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and other special guests at the Wawa Welcome America Celebration of Freedom in the shadow of the place where America was founded.
Ahead of the event, WWA explained what the event would include: "...for an inspiring reading of the Declaration of Independence, the presentation of the Mayor’s Magis Award, Wawa Foundation Hero Award and The Celebrate Freedom Award presented by Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation’s largest full-service mortgage companies, as well as musical performances by the Black Pearl Orchestra," Wawa Welcome America said.
When: Tuesday, July 4th at 10 a.m.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Get patriotic with the Independence Day Parade
What: Immediately following the Celebration of Freedom, the Salute to America Independence Day Parade kicked off just after 11 a.m. in Old City.
"Celebrate where the nation was born 247 years ago with a patriotic parade featuring dynamic elements from seven states across the country," Wawa Welcome America said ahead of the parade. "Featuring performances by Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke, and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2023, Morgan Greco, guests will enjoy lavish floats, United States Military units, marching bands, cultural groups, dance performances, historical characters, and much more!"
When: Tuesday July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What's the parade route?: The parade kicked off at 2nd and Market streets and traveled down Market Street to City Hall, according to organizers. The parade turned onto North Broad Street before ending at the intersection of Arch and North Broad streets.
Go 4th and Learn: A Great Debate
What: The red, white and blue day continued with some thought-provoking activity at PECO Go 4th and Learn: A Great Debate.
People turned the clocks back and dove into history. "Young historians and discerning debaters are encouraged to play their role in discussing the stories of the past and how they influence the present on the very grounds our country was founded," WWA organizers said.
The debate took place at the statue of Commodore John Barry in Independence Square in front of Independence Hall.
When: July 4th, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall
One last day to enjoy free museums
What: Free Museum Days: Faith and Liberty Discovery Center
While down at Independence Mall, attendees checked out the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center, which is owned and operated by American Bible Society.
When: July 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 101 N Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
While in Old City...
What: Free Museum Day: National Constitution Center
"The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution," WWA said.
When: July 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
There was more...
What: Free Museum Days: Cliveden House
You didn't have to head downtown to Old City to feel historic on the 4th.
"Cliveden is a historic site that preserves and interprets over 200 years of American history through the lives of the Chew Family and their staff, both enslaved and in service," the WWA website said. "Cliveden produces engaging programming for children and adults to connect the past and the present."
When: July 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 6401 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
July 4th event road closures
From Old City to the Parkway, expect plenty of road closures and detours on July 4th. Click here for our full guide.
