Wawa Welcome America has come to Philadelphia.
The big announcement revealing Kesha and NE-YO as headliners for the July 4th concert and fireworks was made on May 14, 2024. Festival organizers also used the announcement to reveal details of dozens of other free events taking place in Philadelphia this summer.
16 days of family fun is packed with great events. Here are his five big events to look forward to (starting Monday).
what: Free lunch announcement! One of the most anticipated events of the entire festival each year, Wawa celebrates local heroes with entertainment and free Wawa hoagies in Old Town. Approximately 25,000 Wawa Shorty Hoagies will be served.
It's not just the food.
“Guests will enjoy entertainment including performances by the Voices of Service, a singing quartet of veterans, as well as visits to the National Constitution Center, including a special exhibit on Wawa’s history that shows Philadelphia’s roots spanning more than 100 years. Free admission all day long,” says the Wawa Welcome America website.
when: Free hoagies will be available beginning June 27, 2024 at noon. (There is usually a line up in advance)
where: Independence Mall, 15 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
what: This annual two-day, family-friendly festival that celebrates Hispanic culture and tradition through food, dance, and music will return in 2024 at a new location. Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca and salsa star Huey Dunbar are scheduled to perform on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City this year, but the traditional mansion at Penn's Landing is under construction.
“While you’re there, be sure to dig into cultural cuisine at the Oasis Waterfront Food Market, supported by Philadelphia International Airport, and explore many other attractions, including Wellbeing on Wheels, which features complimentary health services provided by Independence Blue Cross. Explore vendors and activities such as screenings, health information, nutrition, and more,” festival organizers say.
when: The event begins on Saturday, June 22nd at 2pm and ends on Sunday, June 23rd at 8pm.
where: JFK Boulevard Bridge, 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103
what: The annual Juneteenth Block Party, held outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia, is the kickoff showcase for Wawa Welcome America, and this year the focus is on music: Rhythm of Liberation: Juneteenth. There will be a block party and an evening conversation featuring hip-hop legends.
According to festival organizers, “there will be live music, a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, activities for the whole family, and more.”
Kid 'n Play will host a “house party” on its outdoor stage hosted by WURD Radio's Tiffany Bacon and Andrea Lawful Sanders. Rich Medina spins the tune, and Selayah Nicole and Suede Lace also perform.
There will also be performances by Dance4Life and poetry by Kai Davis, the newly appointed Poet Laureate of Philadelphia.
In addition to the fun on stage, there will also be face painting for kids, mini sports, food trucks and a vendor village “to showcase a selection of Black-owned small businesses,” organizers said.
Plus, there will be free admission to the African American Museum and an evening of conversations featuring “an important conversation entitled 'Breaking the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics,'” the organizers said. said the person. The conversation, moderated by journalist Soledad O'Brien, will include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Philadelphia Mayor Cherrell Parker (scheduled) and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton.
when: June 19, 2024 from noon to 7:00 p.m.
where: 700 Block of Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
what: The gospel of independence is back at Wawa Welcome America at Independence Mall.
WDAS radio personality Patti Jackson hosted a performance featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Tamela Mann and said, “1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now faith, hope, love, these three things.'' But the greatest of these is love. ” the organizers wrote.
“We invite you to join us for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir, conducted by Austin Woodlin and Zach Williams. Created for This Dance Ensemble and 215-person… A gospel performer will make his debut.”
where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
when: June 30, 2024, starting at 7:00 p.m.
what: Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes joins the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Choir to perform “America the Beautiful.”
“We honor the veterans of every generation who have answered the call to protect this great land, and we are proud to call America 'home,' now serving in more than 140 countries around the world,” organizers said. We honor our soldiers.”
when: July 3, 2024, starting at 7:00 p.m.
where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
There are plenty of other events and free museums happening during the Wawa Welcome America Festival. Of course, the main event will be on his 4th of July, with his 4th of July concert featuring Kesha and her NE-YO, followed by a fireworks display on Ben He Franklin Parkway. .