Wawa Welcome America 2019: Everything to know

Philly’s long-running 4th of July tradition—Wawa Welcome America—is almost here, and officials have finally announced what to expect during the nearly week-long festival.

The festival, which starts Saturday, June 29, culminates with a 4,000-person parade, fireworks, and performances by Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor, on July 4, according to an announcement from Mayor Jim Kenney Thursday.

But even before that explosive (literally) celebration, there’s almost a week of activities and parties around the city. Here’s everything you need to know about Wawa Welcome America 2019:

When and where is it?

There are various events all around the city, starting Saturday, June 29, and going through the fourth of July, and you can get more information by visiting the Wawa Welcome America website.

However, there are times to keep in mind for July 4, itself: The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Independence Hall. A party is held on the parkway starting at noon and going until 7 p.m. when the free concert will start. The whole evening will end with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

What are some of the activities to expect?

There are tons of things to look forward to this year including an outdoor movie series with one movie every night, starting Sunday and going through Wednesday at various locations around the city.

Starting Saturday and going through Thursday, different museums will be offering free museum days. You can check out which ones to visit and when on the website.

There are Peco-presented fun activities for kids held from Sunday through Thursday.

And of course, who could forget free Wawa hoagies at Independence Mall on Tuesday at noon?

Where can you catch the fireworks?

• Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. Penns Landing—The U.S. Army Band is holding a concert followed by fireworks.
• Monday, July 1, 8 p.m. Penns Landing—The U.S. Army Field Band is holding a concert, also followed by fireworks.
• Thursday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. Parkway—The annual end to the Wawa Welcome America festival is the fireworks over the art museum.

How can you see it streaming?

NBC10 and Telemundo62 are broadcasting the morning of the Fourth of July, including the parade and a Celebration of Freedom Ceremony.

NBC10 will also broadcast the whole evening of concert performances and fireworks on the parkway, starting at 7 and going to 10 p.m. You can find it streaming online by going to the NBC Philadelphia website.