Wawa Welcome America: What to know before Philly’s free July 4th concert and fireworks

Philly’s favorite Independence Day tradition is back! The Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks returns to the Ben Franklin Parkway on Thursday, marking the grand finale of the 16-day Wawa Welcome America Festival.

As the city prepares for the big party, here’s your guide for everything you need to know to make sure you’re ready for July 4th:

Headliners

This year’s 4th of July concert starts on the main stage at 7 p.m. and will feature performances from Ne-Yo and Kesha.

The concert will end with a massive fireworks display above the Art Museum at around 9:30 p.m.

Admission to the concert and fireworks display is free and the gates will open at 4 p.m.

The main entrance is located at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. If you have a ticket for the front section, you must enter at 22nd St. & Pennsylvania Avenue or use 22nd & Winter Streets.

What can I bring to the concert?

The following items ARE permitted:

• Personal food & beverage (no alcoholic beverages)
• Small personal coolers (not permitted in ticketed front section)
• Pets (on leashes)
• Chairs and blankets (not permitted in ticketed front section)

What can’t I bring?

Below is a list of prohibited items:

• Weapons of any kind
• Fireworks, firecrackers, or explosives (including sparklers)
• Alcohol and Illegal or illicit substances of any kind (does not pertain to individual prescribed medication)
• Flyers, large flags and signs, banners, posters, stickers
• Full face coverings, such as ski masks and balaclavas (this does not apply to medical masks or faith-based coverings)
• Drones and any other unmanned and remote-controlled devices
• ATVs, dirt bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, segways, hoverboards, and similar items are not allowed in the event location
• Glass containers
• Laser pointers, selfie sticks and poles of any kind.

All attendees are subject to search as a condition of entry. Visit the FAQ section on the festival website for more information on what you can and can’t bring into the festival.

How to prepare for the heat:

• Know the forecast. You can find forecasts on the National Weather Service website . Get free severe weather alerts from the City by texting AMERICA to 888777.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness. Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Find information on the City of Philadelphia’s website .
• Be aware of the effects of heat on vulnerable populations like older adults, small children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
• Pack a lot of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Limit drinks that cause dehydration. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Use sunscreen for protection.
• Plan your trip! Besides deciding on a meet-up place where your group knows to go if you become separated, schedule visits that include locations that have air conditioning or shade to get a break from the sun, especially during the warmest part of the day.
• Limit the amount of strenuous activity. If travelling a distance, consider SEPTA mass transit or ride-share options.

Road Closures

Salute to Independence Parade

The streets listed below will be closed for the formation area of the parade:

• 2nd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Chestnut/Market Street Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Market Street between 3rd Street to Front Street from 6 a.m.to 1 p.m.
• Front Street between Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade:

• 3rd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 4th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 5th  Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• 12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
• JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
• N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
• S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
• E. Market from Front Street to City Hall
• 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
• 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
• Arch Street between 12th Street and Broad Street

July 4th Concert and Fireworks

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 2 a.m. on Friday, July 5:

• 1900 Race Street
• 1800-1900 Vine Street
• I-676 Off-Ramp at 22nd Street
• I-676 On-Ramp at 22nd Street
• I-76 eastbound Off-Ramp at Spring Garden Street
• Spring Garden Tunnel
• Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street
• 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
• 19th Street between Callowhill Street and Cherry Street

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 4 a.m. on Friday, July 5:

• Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
• Eakins Oval (all lanes)
• Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m.)
• Rear of Art Museum – Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
• 2000-2100 Winter Street
• MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
• Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
• 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5:

• 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
• 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue

The following roads will be closed on Thursday, July 4 beginning at approximately 1 p.m. until approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5:

• All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street, 18th Street to 22nd Street (local access maintained for residents)
• All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street to Corinthian Street (local access maintained for residents)
• 16th and 17th Streets, between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
• 1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety

Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Friday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:

• Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Fountain Green Drive
• Lemon Hill Drive
• Sedgley Drive
• Waterworks Drive
• Poplar Drive

Parkway closures could begin earlier in the evening, depending on crowd size.

Parking Restrictions

The streets listed above will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones. Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated.

Public Transportation

Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.

Check SEPTA’s website, septa.org , for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit njtransit.com .

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