Photo Credit: LL Cool J by Larry Philpot / CC by 3.0
LL Cool J and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan have been announced as headliners of the ‘Welcome America’ Fourth of July concert.
Philadelphia’s 16-day festival leading up to Independence Day, Wawa Welcome America, is fast approaching. The concert will take place once more on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before the fireworks display on July 4. This year’s festival will again begin on June 19 and run until July 4.
The festival will feature an expanded lineup of free events throughout Philadelphia, culminating with a free concert featuring LL Cool J and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan.
The announcement comes on the heels of the now-cratered Made In America festival, which was also situated in Philly. The Jay-Z-backed Made In America came to a screeching halt back in 2023 and looks down for the count. In fairness, the carnage across music festivals worldwide has been high over the past few years, with nearly 200 pulling the plug according to DMN Pro estimates.
Produced in partnership with Live Nation, the Welcome America concert will be staged on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and broadcast in English on NBC10 for viewers to enjoy from home.
The concert will be followed up by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display over the parkway, beginning at 9:30 PM.
Thursday, June 19, at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the annual Juneteenth Block Party kicks off, celebrating 160 years of freedom. All are welcome to unite in celebration by enjoying the music and savoring delicious local eateries.
Welcome America will once against feature an r&b and rap-focused lineup combined with new events. America’s 250th birthday in 2026 is slated to be a summer of celebration with Philadelphia taking center stage—this year combines the best the city has to offer in the lead-up to next year’s festivities.
The 2025 festival will feature a concert, fireworks, block parties, complimentary museum access, and more, with continued focus on arts, culture, education, wellness, history, and performance.
Welcome America continues their commitment to inclusivity and showcasing all of Philadelphia’s cultures and will once against include a slate of programming in commemoration of Juneteenth. It will also include programming surrounding the 40+ year tradition of Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta, celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance, and music.
