06-05-2025
LL Cool J is headlining Wawa's Welcome America Festival
Cool James is coming in hot — rap icon LL Cool J is headlining this year's Wawa Welcome America Festival.
Why it matters: The free festival is Philly's biggest summer party, and it's expected to draw more than a million visitors leading to America's 250th birthday bash next year.
Driving the news: Organizers on Tuesday unveiled the lineup for the festival, which stretches over 16 days with events leading to the July 4th concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
LL Cool J will be joined by Philly native and Grammy-winning artist Jazmine Sullivan.
What's new: The Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 are hosting a block party on June 22 outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
The celebrations aim to amp up fans ahead of next year's World Cup and the MLB All-Star games in the city.
Zoom in: The festival includes free museum days at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Masonic Temple, Fabric Workshop Museum and Eastern State Penitentiary.
Plus, the ever-popular free hoagie day on June 26!
Highlights:
June 19: The Juneteenth Block Party is a daylong celebration featuring live music, vendors, dance performances, food trucks and family-friendly activities at the African American Museum.
The celebration, billed "Audacious Freedom," is headlined by Grammy-winning DJ Drama.
June 20: Kids can dance, play and create at the Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground. Musical performances include Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill and Jams for Junior Jawns.
Guests can enter a ticket raffle for a chance to see Kidz Bop Kids at Freedom Mortgage Pavillion on Aug. 2.
June 21: The Avenue of the Arts is hosting a block party including book giveaways, a fashion show and performances from Painted Bride Project Space.
For the grown-ups, there's a beer garden and wine from Chaddsford Winery.
June 24: Kids can cool off at the pool party at Cherashore Playground. Free food, giveaways and arts and crafts.
June 25: Celebrate our country's veterans at Vet Fest in the City Hall courtyard.
Performances include Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics and DJ Queen Yaszy.
June 26: 25,000 free Wawa Shorti Hoagies are up for grabs for Hoagie Day at the Independence Mall. Stay for musical performances and free admission to the National Constitution Center.
June 28: Latin culture is on display at the Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park. Performances from Los Pueblitos and Puerto Rican rapper Ivy Queen.
June 29: Philly music legend Dyana Williams will host a concert celebrating Black Music Month at the outdoor Dell Music Center. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.
July 1: Check out a free screening of "Independence Day" at Independence Mall. Bring your own chairs and blankets.
July 3: The Philly Pops take the stage at Independence Mall under the new music director, Chris Dragon.
