The kickoff to the Wawa Welcome America festival is nigh, and people can expect six days of free, fun and exciting events. Wawa Welcome America President and CEO Michael Delbene previews what festivalgoers can expect.
There's no better place to celebrate the United States of America's birthday than in the place where our nation was founded -- Philadelphia.
Philly throws the best Fourth of July party with the annual Wawa Welcome America celebration, which this year features six days of culture, food, music and world-class performances from Meghan Trainor and Jennifer Hudson. The best part? It's all free!
This year, you and your family can enjoy more than 50 events ranging from movies to live music performances to fireworks. Each day will also include free admission to the city's best museums.
You can check out the full rundown of Independence Day events here and check out some of the highlights below:
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
The Philly Ice Cream Scoop
Taking place at Reading Terminal from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., those looking to cool off can find some of Philly's favorite ice cream makers, tastings, demonstrations, contests and more.
United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" Concert & Fireworks
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The U.S. Army Band kicks off the week of concerts at Penn's Landing with a patriotic performance at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
Philadelphia's Historic District Block Party
Philly loves a block party and this year's edition highlights the City of Brotherly Love's signature music, art, entertainment, history, culture and food. A Kids' Stage and Kids' Zone for family-friendly entertainment, dozens of food trucks, pop-up performers and other activities make this an all-ages favorite. The block party is held from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Independence Mall.
Philly @ the Movies: "Rocky"
There's no movie more Philly than "Rocky," and now you can watch the titular character duke it out with Apollo Creed right on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with the movie showtime at 7 p.m.
Gospel on Independence Concert
This event will send a message of love through song with performances by more than 100 singers from Philly, the Philadelphia Men's Fellowship Choir and Sisterly Love. The concert, located at Independence Hall begins at 7 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 1
PECO Go 4th and Learn at Penn Park
Experience fun and free interactive activities including pop-up classes and performances promoting "healthy living, fitness, culture and the arts." Activities aimed at kids go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Penn Park.
Philly @ the Movies: "Invincible"
Ever wanted to play for the Eagles? Of course you have. And so did Vince Papale. Enjoy this movie based on Papale's life and his unlikely path toward playing for the Birds, with a special screening at Franklin Field, where parts of the film were shot. The celebration of Franklin Field's 125th anniversary begins at 5:30 p.m. with the screening at 7 p.m.
The United States Army Field Band Concert & Fireworks
The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing will play host to the U.S. Army Field Band, who will perform "Let Freedom Ring" at 8 p.m. Show up early and experience interactive activities with the Army prior to the patriotic concert. Stay late for a patriotic fireworks display over the Delaware river.
TUESDAY, JULY 2
Wawa Hoagie Day
Enjoy an 8-ton hoagie salute, FREE Wawa hoagies, a performance by the U.S. Army Field Band and hoagie building competition between police and firefighters. Hoagie Day will be celebrated at Independence Mall and the National Constitution Center lawn from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Live Nation Kid Nation
A brand new event this year, Live Nation invites kids for a fun day of games and activities as well as a sneak peek into the music industry and those in the business. Some lucky attendees could win tickets to upcoming shows. Events take place all day 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Live Nation.
PECO Go 4th & Learn: Service Day
Another brand new event this year brings community service into the festival. Attendees can give back tot he community and help brighten Hunting Park at Old York Road and Lycoming Streets from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Patti LaBelle Street Naming Ceremony
One of Philadelphia's most beloved music icons, Patti LaBelle, is getting a block in Center City named after her. Broad and Spruce streets will be renamed Patti LaBelle Way just south of city hall along the Avenue of the Arts at 4 p.m.
Kimmel Center's Great American Party on the Plaza
Festival-style activities will abound at this new party on the Kimmel Center Plaza. There will also be live performances from casts direct from Broadway and the U.S. Navy Cruisers, all under the Kimmel Center's signature glass ceiling from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fans of "Hamilton" will also be able to belt out their favorite songs as part of the Hamilton's Hamiltunes Sing-a-long.
Philly @ the Movies: "Shrek"
Pre-movie activities, starting at 5:30 p.m., include music from DJ Hollywood and trivia, along with free popcorn and snacks at FDR Park. Bring blankets or chairs and snuggle in for the family-friendly "Shrek" on the big screen.
Travel tip: Take SEPTA Broad Street Line to NRG Station (Pattison Ave). The free movie is across the street.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
PECO Go 4th & Learn with the Philadelphia Fire Department
A fun-filled day of learning for all-ages: learn fire and electric safety tips, enjoy games and activities including painting stations and collect free giveaways. Attendees will also be the first to see a design for a new mural celebrating the history of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ladder 2 in Old City, located at 4th and Arch streets.
HERstory: Uplifting Every Voice
The curtain goes up on a free screening of "Once in a Hundred Years: The Life and Legacy of Marian Anderson," telling the story of a musical icon from South Philadelphia whose performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 helped set the stage for the civil rights era. The film was honored as the Best Documentary Feature at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival in May.
Due to limited capacity, attendees must register for this event.
Click here for more details.
Philly @ the Movies: "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom"
Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Mander Playground, movie go-ers will enjoy music by DJ Hollywood and dinosaur themed trivia. Snack on complimentary popcorn and treats while you watch the most recent of the Jurassic Park series, "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom."
POPS on Independence Concert
With Independence Hall as the dramatic backdrop, conductor Todd Ellison will lead the 65-piece Philly POPS orchestra in a patriotic, entertaining performance with Tony-nominated actress and singer Susan Egan. The Philadelphia tradition draws thousands of locals and visitors each year. Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, this performance is part of the POPS Salute Series, an expanding portfolio of programs performed on American holidays, celebrating those who serve our country, its cities, and communities.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Celebration of Freedom at Independence Hall
The City of Philadelphia's Office of the City Representative and Independence National Historical Park will present the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall, complete with a live patriotic ceremony and entertainment by the Philly POPS Big Band. Special guest, Patti LaBelle, will also read the Declaration of Independence. Mayor Kenney will present the Magis Award and The Wawa Foundation will present the Wawa Foundation Hero Award, totaling $80,000 to four non-profit organizations committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia area. You can watch live on NBC10 and Telemundo62.
Salute to America Independence Day Parade
Immediately after the Celebration of Freedom ceremony, around 4,000 marchers, floats and military personnel will make their way through Independence Mall. You can watch live on NBC10 and Telemundo62.
America's Birthday Party with Betsy Ross and Termini Brothers Bakery
Celebrate America's birthday where it all began. Visitors can watch bakers from Philly's iconic Terini Brothers Bakery decorates a five-tier birthday cake beginning at 9 a.m. at the Independence Visitor Center. 2,500 cupcakes will also be on display and up for grabs after Betsy Ross arrives with a fife-and-drum band at 1 p.m. to lead the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to America.
Party on the Parkway
Celebrate America’s birthday with a day-long party filled with festivities for all ages. Indulge in diverse food offerings while enjoying entertainment on the Chill Moody Music Stage and the PA Lottery Philly Groove Stage from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Revelers will engage in activities and games, or cruise above the Parkway on the zip-line.
Families can enjoy an interactive Kids Zone featuring crafts, games and live music and storytelling from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Aviator Park.
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert & Fireworks featuring Meghan Trainor and Jennifer Hudson
The Independence Blue Cross stage will light up beginning at 7 p.m. featuring performances by two music stars.
Pop star Meghan Trainor will bring her hit songs to the Ben Franklin Parkway as co-headliner of the 2019 Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert on the Parkway.
The Billboard Hot 100 chart topper will be joined by Jennifer Hudson, the singer and Academy Award winner who will take the main stage with the Philly POPS Big Band at the biggest annual party on Philadelphia's calendar.
Following the concert, the Independence Day celebrations continue with a fireworks display choreographed to a custom patriotic soundtrack created and performed by the United States Army Field Band. This is the first time in Welcome America history that the United States Army Field Band will perform live on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the fireworks light up the sky above red, white and blue.
You can watch full coverage of the concert and fireworks live on NBC10 and TeleXitos as well as on NBCPhiladelphia.com and Telemundo62.com.
