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Philadelphia will see traffic impacts, road closures and parking restrictions as it prepares for the Wawa Welcome America festival — a weeks-long headliner of the city’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The multi-day festival, which will welcome visitors and residents from all over the nation and the world, features concerts, fireworks, neighborhood block parties and parades.
So, what traffic impacts and road closures can you expect over the next few weeks? And what events even are there? We’ve got you with the guide below.
Events & Closures
Thursday, June 25 & Friday, June 26 – Independence National Historical Park Stage Build
To prep for concerts at Independence National Historic Park, there needs to be a stage!
The stage build will affect the northbound traffic lane on Market Street between 5th and 6th Street on these days. You can expect disruptions and closures on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, June 26 – Kidchella at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
This fun, free music festival will offer everything from arts & crafts and treats to musical performances, playgrounds, and more. To prep, the city will close Reservoir Drive in front of Smith Playground from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
Saturday, June 27 – Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park
Dancing, music, family-friendly activities and Hispanic culture will be the centerpieces for this festival in the heart of the city. The festival runs from 2-9 p.m.
This will impact traffic around City Hall. You can expect the following road closures from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. that day:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 16th and 17th Street
- Arch Street between 15th and 16th Street
- 16th Street between J.F.K. Boulevard and Arch Street
Sunday, June 28: Gospel on Independence at Independence Hall
This musical event will highlight award-winning local artists, choirs and a headlining performance by Kirk Franklin. It is all happening with Independence Hall as its background. It will run from 7-9 p.m.
The following roads will be closed that day to accommodate:
- Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets will be closed from 6-9 p.m.
- Northbound traffic lane on Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- North sidewalk on Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets will be closed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1: Wawa Hoagie Day and US Air Force Heritage Band on Independence Mall
Come get your free Wawa Hoagies and celebrate local heroes during a performance by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America band starting at noon on Wednesday, July 1.
This event will cause the following road closures:
- Arch Street between 4th & 6th Streets from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 5th Street between Market & Race Streets from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 6th Street between Market & Race Streets from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Northbound traffic lane on Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- North sidewalk on Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets from 1-4 p.m.
Thursday, July 2: Red, White, and Blue To Do
This patriotic celebration event brings together museums, historic sites and businesses together for an all-day celebration of America.
The day starts at 7 a.m. with a giant recreation of the Liberty Bell – with over 250 people gathering at 5th & Arch Streets to make the shape. From 9-11 a.m., the official flag will be raised at the Betsy Ross House and museums and historic sites will open.
At 11 a.m., a patriotic parade will run from the National Constitution Center to Walnut and 3rd streets. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy family-friendly games, music and activities on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets (and onto Dock Street).
From 2-5 p.m., WXPN will host the Red, White & Blue Music Series featuring 28 Philadelphia groups performing free music sets at different sites throughout the Historic District. You can enjoy picnic seating and food trucks during the Red, White, & Rosé Picnic on Independence Mall from 5-7 p.m. after the concert.
The 7 p.m. Salute to Service features the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall with Queen Latifah as a special guest. Finally, end your night with the Independence Illumination Drone Show above Independence Mall – with lots of flag-themed imagery and patriotic animations.
Here are the traffic impacts for the day-long event:
- Arch Street between 4th Street and 6th Street will be closed from 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and 5th Street will be closed from 11 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade
- Walnut Street between 2nd Street and 4th Street will be closed from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 5th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street will be closed 12 p.m. on July 2 through 5 p.m. on July 3
- Market Street at 5th Street will be closed beginning at 11 a.m. until the parade passes
- Chestnut Street at 5th Street will be closed beginning at 11:15 a.m. until the parade passes
- 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dock Street between 3rd and Walnut Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Walnut Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets will be closed from 3 to 9 p.m.
- 6th Street between Arch and Market Streets will be closed from 3 to 9 p.m.
- Northbound traffic lane on Market Street between 5th & 6th Street will be closed from 9-11 a.m.
- North sidewalk on Market Street between 5th & 6th Street will be closed from 3-9 p.m.
Friday, July 3: Salute to Independence Parade
Head over to the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial Parade in the nation to see marching bands, elaborate floats, and elements representing all 50 states and U.S. territories at this celebration! The celebration will be big, and its traffic impacts will be to.
To prep for the parade, the following streets will be closed from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
- 3rd Street between Spruce Street and Arch Street
- 4th Street between Spruce Street and Arch Street
- 5th Street between Spruce Street and Arch Street
And beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade, the following streets will be closed:
- E. Market from 6th Street to 17th Street
- 7th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 8th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 9th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 10th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 11th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 12th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- 13th Street between Arch Street and Walnut Street
- John F. Kennedy Boulevard between Juniper Street and 17th Street
- N. Broad Street between John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Arch Street
- 15th Street between Cherry Street to Chestnut Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Arch Street and 20th Street
- 16th Street between Cherry Street and Chestnut Street
- 17th Street between Race Street and Arch Street
- 18th Street between Vine Street and Cherry Street
- 19th Street between Vine Street and Cherry Street
- 20th Street between Vine Street and Race Street
- Chestnut Street between 11th Street and 16th Street
Friday July 3: Philly POPS on Independence Mall
Enjoy a night of live orchestra, headlining performances, complimentary beverages and small bites and more at this Independence Hall event. The event runs from 7-9 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-served.
The following road closures and pedestrian impacts will go into effect:
- Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- 6th Street between Market Street and Race Street will be closed from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- North sidewalk on Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street will be closed from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 4: Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on Independence Mall
Finally, wrap up the Fourth of July celebrations on the day with special musical performances and guests from 10-11 a.m. on Independence Mall! Enjoy moving speeches, performances, and awards to get your Fourth off to a great start.
The following road closures will apply:
- Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- North sidewalk on Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street will be closed to pedestrians from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
You can find a full list of events associated with the festival at the Welcome America website. To stay up to date in real time, you can text AMERICA to 888-777.
