WAWA WELCOME AMERICA IS BACK,
WITH JULY 4TH CONCERT AND FIREWORKS
MAKING THEIR RETURN TO THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARKWAY FOR 2022 FESTIVAL
Philadelphia’s city-wide Independence Day festival is back this year with free family-friendly events including: A Firework Display, the return of the Salute to Independence Day Parade, a Prime-Time July 4th Concert Starring Jason Derulo and Ava Max on the Parkway, Programming Designed to Commemorate Juneteenth; and many more exciting new additions this year!
Philadelphia (May 10, 2022) – Welcome America, Inc. announced today that the 2022 Wawa Welcome America Festival – Philadelphia’s annual July Fourth celebration – is returning, with the free July 4th concert, fireworks, and Party on the Parkway all making their full return to their home on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this year. The festival will feature an expanded lineup of free multicultural, multigenerational events throughout Philadelphia, and will culminate on July 4th on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a free concert starring Jason Derulo and Ava Max.
With a continued focus on arts, culture, education, wellness, history, and performance, the 2022 festival will feature beloved programming such as concerts, fireworks, block parties, complimentary museum access, Wawa Hoagie Day®, and more. Last year, Wawa Welcome America announced a significant expansion of the festival to include a new slate of programming in commemoration of Juneteenth. This year’s festival will again begin on June 19 and run until July 4. The expansion, in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, has been designed by AAMP to provide education and awareness of Juneteenth, and to explore the historical significance of and thematic ties between these two quintessential U.S. holidays.
The Fourth of July commemorations and celebrations will conclude on the evening of July 4 with the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert starring Jason Derulo and Ava Max. Produced in partnership withLive Nation, the concert will be performed in front of a live audience on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and broadcast in English and Spanish on NBC10 and TeleXitos, respectively, for viewers to enjoy from their homes. The concert will be followed by a large, public firework display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m. While fireworks light up the sky, DJ Ghost and Q102 will light up the airwaves with a DJ set fully synced to July 4th Fireworks display. NBC10 will broadcast the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on Monday, July 4, at 6 p.m., followed by the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert live from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during primetime in its entirety, followed by the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks courtesy of Wawa over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. NBC10’s coverage of the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, concert and fireworks will be simulcast from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, as well as COZI and TeleXitos from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The festival schedule and events can be found below and on welcomeamerica.com/events/.
WAWA WELCOME AMERICA 2022 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Juneteenth Block Party at AAMP— Celebrate the history, culture, and legacy of Juneteenth with the African American Museum in Philadelphia at its Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation. In partnership with Wawa, Welcome America, Inc., and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, AAMP will host a daylong, family-friendly outdoor festival that features a rich lineup of the region's best and brightest creative luminaries. Guests will enjoy live performances from international and local artists, a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, vendors, community partners, and food trucks, and hands-on activities including art-making, line dancing, and more! Courtesy of Wawa, AAMP will also offer FREE admission to the Museum.
Sunday, June 19, 11a.m.- 4 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 7th & Arch Street
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Unveiling at Project Home— SDG 16, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions is being unveiled at the Women's Building of Project Home on June 20 at 4pm. The work is a portrait of Thurgood Marshall painted by Russell Craig and it is sponsored by the Halloran Family Foundation. Project Home will be the recipient of the Global Philadelphia Association/Halloran Family Foundation Grant.
Monday, June 20, 4 p.m.
NEW! Rebuild Philadelphia Fishtown Pool Ribbon Cutting & Block Party—Each year, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation joins residents and city leaders to celebrate the opening of the City’s dozens of public swimming pools. This year, we are celebrating the ribbon cutting of the brand-new Francis Lederer Pool at Fishtown Rec (lovingly known as “The Swimmo” to locals), which is opening for the first time in 6 years! The Swimmo closed since 2016 due to major mechanical issues. Thanks to a $4mn investment from the Kenney Administration’s Rebuild program, the City’s historic investment in public spaces, the pool has been completely modernized and redesigned. The new Swimmo features a raised pool deck, brand new spraygound on site, modern lighting, public art, and changing facilities for pool guests. On June 21, residents will be able to take an inaugural jump into the brand new Fishtown pool! Neighbors near and far are invited to join in the celebration and enjoy live entertainment, games, food trucks, giveaways, and more!
Tuesday, June 21, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Location: Fishtown Recreation Center | Montgomery Ave & Moyer St
Philly @ The Movies: Rocky— Yo Philly! Join us on the famous steps for a fan-favorite. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a Philly centric night under the stars.
Thursday, June 23, 7:00 p.m., Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Wawa Community Brightening Day in honor of Police Athletic Leagues’ 75th Anniversary— Join Wawa for an official ribbon cutting and exciting unveiling of the refreshed Southwest PAL Center, beautifully transformed into a safe and welcoming facility thanks to associate volunteers who devoted a day of cleaning, gardening, painting and more! The surrounding community is invited to enjoy refreshments from Wawa and hear firsthand how the center represents a true legacy of the Wawa Welcome America festival and the lasting impact on our community!
Friday, June 24, Volunteer opportunities: 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Neighborhood First Look & Open House: 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Southwest PAL Center, 59th & Elmwood Ave
NEW! PNC Presents: Avenue of the Arts Block Party @ the Kimmel Cultural Campus—The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy live performances from local and world-renowned artists, including three-time Emmy Award-winning Bill Jolly, Rated Art, and Zo, featuring lead singer Gina Castanzo from NBC’s The Voice. Kids and kids-at-heart can slide down the 120-foot slide or zip across Broad Street on the 300-foot zip-line - both FREE of charge! Sip a cocktail at the Garces Beer Garden and grab a bite to eat from one of the many local food trucks or nearby restaurants. Get crafty with Mural Arts Philadelphia and participate in creating unique chalk art, then shop local vendors and snag free giveaways from festival sponsors. Head inside the Kimmel Culture Campus for high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and exclusive experiences, such as performances by cast members from Moulin Rouge! The Musical and other popular titles on the Broadway Series and an interactive dance workshop led by Teaching Artists from Disney Theatrical Group. Audience members will learn warm-ups and choreography set to music from The Lion King on Tour and Broadway!
Saturday, June 25, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Broad Street between Spruce & Locust
Motivation Monday presented by Independence Blue Cross—Independence Blue Cross, our Official Health and Wellness Partner, joins us to present a new, signature wellness event. The evening offers our community fun and engaging ways to come together and practice positive mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Guests can participate in fitness classes, explore local wellness offerings, and have the chance to enter-to-win exciting prizes.
Monday, June 27, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Eakins Oval | 24th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
In partnership with Independence Blue Cross and City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, 30 participants will have the opportunity to become certified Mental Health First Aid responders. Certified participants will receive 2 tickets to be front and center for the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Reserve your spot today by visiting: https://mhfaadult06252022wawawelcomeamerica.eventbrite.com/ and build upon positive mental well-being practices.
Red, White & Blueprint - Help Plan Philly’s Celebration of the Nation’s 250th in 2026—Philadelphia has always played a major role in hosting previous national anniversaries from 1876, 1926, and 1976, and soon to be 2026, with the 250th anniversary. With each one, special buildings or monuments were constructed as legacy projects such as Memorial Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Hosted by PHILADELPHIA250, the nonprofit leading the City of Philadelphia’s 250th plans, this free and family-friendly event invites the people of Philadelphia - especially its youngest residents - to help shape the programs and experiences that will serve as our city's legacy for the 250th and help build a stronger, more resilient city for all. PHILADELPHIA250 will be unveiling the semi-finalists for its Leave a Legacy grant program, a public call for community-sourced projects that will strengthen Philadelphia’s neighborhoods in 2026 and beyond. The event will feature live music, kid-friendly activities, 250th idea collection and more.
It's not too late to submit your idea to Leave a Legacy, the public call for project submissions—by the people, and for all people—through May 20, 2022. Selected projects will receive a portion of the PHILADELPHIA250 Leave a Legacy seed fund $125,000 supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and The Philadelphia Foundation.
To learn more about the Leave a Legacy public call visit:philadelphia250.us/leave-a-legacy
Tuesday, June 28, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive
Wawa Hoagie Day® — Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day Tributes to our Local Heroes, featuring 7-tons of FREE Wawa Hoagies served at Noon along Independence Mall, and a performance by the Six String Soldiers of The United States Army String Band. And, over 960 stores chainwide will celebrate Hoagie Day® in their local communities by building and donating more than 30,000 hoagies to local first responders and community heroes serving their neighborhoods – all in one day! The in-person event will take place at 5th & 6th Streets at Independence Mall. Hoagies served at noon!
Wednesday, June 29, 12p.m.
Our America Now – Set along Philadelphia’s iconic waterfront, this immersive experience brings to life pivotal moments of Indigenous, Black, LatinX, Asian, Immigrant, LGBTQ community rights, and women's history and tells the stories of influential individuals through diverse voices. Artists from Olive Dance Theatre and We The People Stage will use spoken word, dance, and song to portray personal and historical stories rooted in passionate expressions of freedom. Guests will be invited to be part of the performance by joining the storytelling stage hosted by Emmy-Award Winning content creator Thomas C. Knox. This event features DJs, food trucks, live artistic performances, and interactive activities, with a grand fireworks finale!
Friday, July 1, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Cherry Street Pier & Race Street Pier
Celebration of Community & Culture @ Esperanza Arts Center – Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant Latin cultures found across our city. Enjoy a festive block party style atmosphere complete with Latin food, music, and vendors, before heading inside the Esperanza Arts Center for performances by Argentinian pianist Emiliano Messiez and his quartet, and performances and dance lessons with members of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School. This event is presented by the Philadelphia International Airport and supported by Temple University.
Saturday, July 2, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Esperanza, Bristol Street between 3rd & 5th
PECO Go 4th & Learn—PECO presents an interactive series promoting local partners and education through dynamic, exclusive experiences and engaging activities.
- Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Sports, STEM, Music and More – Join us for a morning filled with sports fitness and educational programming that intersect the arts and sciences. Play soccer with the Philadelphia Union or join the Franklin Institute in a science experiment. Kids can drum to the beat with the West Powelton Steppers and Sixers Stixers, or chill out an listen to a pop-up story with the Free Library of Philadelphia and score a free book courtesy of Books in Homes USA. Plant some herbs from Burpee Gardening with Penn Food and Wellness Collaborative and learn about pollinators with the Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavillion. Kids will get a taste of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s summerlong art kids program with a hands-on art project, and much more! Penn Park at University of Pennsylvania, 30th & Lower Walnut Street
- Tuesday, June 28, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: A Cultural Journey – Follow the sound of ancient Chinese instruments to Franklin Square’s rendition of the Friendship Gate and discover dynamic performances, face painters, storytellers and more! Budding engineers learn about lantern-making with the Asian Arts Initiative and future gurus sharpen their concentration in a tai chi class. All the while tiny travelers frolic around the Franklin Square Fountain and larger-than-life lanterns as they dream of their future adventures amid the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival grounds. Children can also enjoy a free book giveaway courtesy of Books in Homes USA. Franklin Square, 6th & Race Street
- Thursday, June 30, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: A Great Debate – Leap into history and listen in to a debate for the ages. Young historians and discerning debaters are encouraged to play their role in discussing the stories of the past and how they influence the present on the very grounds our country was founded. On this day, history will come to life and children will have a chance to gain different perspectives from 18th century Philadelphians while learning about the early days of our nation at Independence National Historical Park. Children can also enjoy a free book giveaway courtesy of Books in Homes USA. Independence National Historic Park, Market Street between 5th & 6th Streets
Free Museum Days—Philadelphia’s most notable museums, cultural institutions, and attractions will open their doors free of charge, or, for an optional pay-what-you-wish donation, throughout the entire festival.
The full Free Museum Day Series includes:
Times per museum may vary.
- Sunday, June 19, 10 AM - 5 PM | African American Museum in Philadelphia courtesy of Wawa
- Monday, June 20, 10 AM - 2 PM | Historic Rittenhouse Town
- Tuesday, June 21, 9 AM - 5 PM | Museum of Illusions Philadelphia *pre-registration required; 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM| Wagner Free Institute of Science
- Wednesday, June 22, 11 AM - 5 PM | Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center (Pay What You Wish) *pre-registration required; 6 PM - 10 PM | Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site *pre-registration required
- Thursday, June 23, 10 AM - 6 PM | Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum; 10 AM - 4 PM | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts *pre-registration required
- Friday, June 24, 10 AM - 5 PM | Masonic Temple, Library and Museum; 10 AM - 8:30 PM | Rodin Museum (Pay What You Wish)
- Saturday, June 25, 10 AM - 4 PM | Arch Street Meeting House; 12 PM - 4 PM | Johnson House Historic Site (Pay What You Wish); 1 PM - 5 PM | Paul Robeson House & Museum
- Sunday, June 26, 12 PM - 5 PM | Neon Museum of Philadelphia (Pay What You Wish)
- Monday, June 27, 10 AM - 5 PM | Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion (Pay What You Wish)
- Tuesday, June 28, 10 AM - 5 PM | The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Pay What You Wish)
- Wednesday, June 29, 10 AM - 5 PM | National Constitution Center courtesy of Wawa
- Thursday, June 30, 9 AM - 4 PM | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum; 10 AM - 4 PM | American Swedish Historical Museum; 12 PM - 4 PM | Wyck Historic House, Garden, and Farm
- Friday, July 1, 10 AM - 5 PM | Penn Museum *pre-registration required and Faith and Liberty Discovery Center; 10 AM - 8:30 PM | Rodin Museum (Pay What You Wish); 11 AM - 4 PM | Powel House
- Saturday, July 2, 10 AM - 5 PM | National Liberty Museum, Stenton
- Sunday, July 3, 10 AM - 5 PM | Philadelphia Museum of Art (Pay What You Wish) and The Barnes Foundation *pre-registration required
- Monday, July 4, 10 AM - 5 PM | Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History | 11 AM - 4 PM Christ Church and Burial Ground
Art Kids Summer 2022 at The Philadelphia Museum of Art — Art Kids summer programming kicks off June 24 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offering families unique hands-on activities in a comfortable, playful, and imaginative setting through August 28. Enjoy art making in the Art Kids Studio, pop-up tours throughout the day, quiet mornings for sensory-friendly activities, and art activities on Friday Nights.
CONCERT & PERFORMANCES
Chill Moody Experience— Returning for their 5th year, the Chill Moody Experience features two music driven experiences, Girls.Like.nicethings & The Chill Moody Music Stage, presented by nicethingsMUSIC. The mission of the Chill Moody Experience is to "welcome America" to the sounds of some of Philly's brightest breakthrough talent and brands. Curated by Philadelphia Music Ambassador, Chill Moody. On Thursday, June 23, Girls.Like.nicethings takes the stage from 4PM - 9PM at the courtyard of East Market, 1100 Market Street produced in partnership with Nicethings and East Market & on Monday, July 4, The Chill Moody Music Stage.
Thursday, June 23 & Monday, July 4
The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall — Kicking off the first performance of their national tour here in Philadelphia, The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus presents “America the Beautiful,” a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country. We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America "home." Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on 5th Street outside of The Bourse Food Hall, guests are welcome to enjoy entertainment, food, a beer garden and fun before the start of the show.
The Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components. Founded in 1946 and 1957 respectively, these two ensembles combine to present joint concerts on their national tours. They have performed in all 50 states and 30 foreign countries for audiences totaling hundreds of millions.
Friday, June 24, 7:00 p.m., Independence National Historic Park, 5th & Market Streets
Gospel on Independence—Join us for a moving and uplifting performance starring gospel legend and Grammy Award-winning singer Yolanda Yvette Adams, alongside the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodland and Zak Williams, showcasing talented singers from across the city with a special performance by The Tenors. This year's performance, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, is an Ode to Freedom, celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Harriet Tubman. Limited seating available on a first-come first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. This event is presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® and in partnership with the Kimmel Cultural Campus. Beginning at 5 PM, enjoy tasty food selections and a beer garden from The Bourse Food Hall and a performance by Rev. R2 and Da’ Crew on 5th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets.
Sunday, June 26, 7 p.m., Independence National Historic Park, 5th & Market Streets
AAMP Summer Solstice White Party—AAMP’s Summer Solstice will welcome international recording artist and Philadelphia icon, Barbara Sheree, as host for a night of live music, performance, and improv. The night will feature the region’s best musical talent and will include a full band and a live DJ playing your favorite classics. Food and wine will be served.
Thursday, June 30, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 7th & Arch Streets
The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert & Waterfront Fireworks— The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will put on a patriotic, all-star concert followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront.
Saturday, July 2, 8:00 p.m., Great Plaza at the Delaware River Waterfront
POPS on Independence— The Philly POPS return to Independence National Historical Park in their 43-year tradition with POPS on Independence. Music Director David Charles Abell conducts the Philly POPS trademark celebration with a full orchestra. This year’s concert is presented with a soulful twist featuring frequent collaborator and Broadway star Ryan Shaw. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Beginning at 5 PM, on 5th Street outside The Bourse Food Hall, guests are invited for enjoy entertainment, food, a beer garden and fun before the start of the show.
Sunday, July 3, 7:00 p.m., Independence National Historic Park, 5th & Market Streets
JULY 4th FESTIVITIES
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, Presented by Freedom Mortgage and Supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA — Kick off Philadelphia’s premier celebration of July 4th where it all began – Independence Hall – with a patriotic ceremony celebrating those who make Philadelphia, the region, and our country a better place. The ceremony is televised on NBC10 and features special guests, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Mayor Jim Kenney’s Magis Award presentation, the reveal of the Wawa Foundation Hero Award winner and Freedom Mortgage’s Celebrate Freedom Award. Produced in partnership with the Office of City Representative.
Monday, July 4, live in person at 10:00 a.m. at Independence Hall, and broadcast on NBC10 at 6:00 p.m. and simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, as well as COZI and TeleXitos
About the Wawa Foundation Hero Award: The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization and its volunteers serving Philadelphia by providing services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and inspiring our youth. Submissions are being accepted through June 3 – For more information on The Wawa Foundation Hero Award terms and conditions or to submit an entry, please visit www.TheWawaFoundation.org.
Salute to America Independence Day Parade —The parade returns with a new route and dynamic elements from nine states that are sure to create a flurry of patriotism and red, white and blue. With Miss America 2022, Emma Broyles, as the grand marshal, guests will enjoy lavish floats, United States Military units, marching bands, cultural groups, dance performances, historical characters, and much more!
Monday, July 4, 11:00 a.m., East Market Street between 2nd Street and City Hall
About Emma Broyles, Miss America 2022: Not only is Emma the 100th Anniversary Miss America, she also represents the Korean-American community as the first Korean-American to earn the job of Miss America. Emma has earned over $110,000 in scholarships as a local candidate, Miss Alaska's Outstanding Teen, Miss Alaska, and Miss America to further her education goals.
Party on the Parkway — The Party on the Parkway is back, and the entertainment is non-stop! Get ready to be wowed with three performance stages – Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage, Chill Moody Music Stage and the Rumba 106.1 Dance Party. Enjoy a day-long party jam packed with entertainment, games, food trucks, giveaways and more! Kids can enjoy activities and fun at the PECO Kids Zone, along with a book giveaway courtesy of Books in Homes USA. And, before the concert begins, be sure to check in with PA Turnpike for a chance to win access to the front section of the July 4th Concert via the E-ZPass Fast Pass!
Monday, July 4 at 12:00 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Enter at 20th & Logan Square
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert— The festival culminates with a star-studded concert back on the Parkway, featuring performances by award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Derulo and multiple-platinum selling popstar Ava Max. The evening will open with a performance by the Philly POPS Big Band and end with a breathtaking fireworks display. Televised live during primetime in its entirety on NBC10 & simulcast from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, as well as COZI and TeleXitos from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free concert will also be live streamed on www.nbcphiladelphia.com and www.telemundo62.com and can be viewed on any screen – TV, iPad or tablet, smartphone, etc. Entry to Party on the Parkway and the July 4th Concert & Fireworks is free and tickets are not required.
The PA Turnpike is helping attendees get to the front section via the EZPass Fast Pass lane. At select events during the festival, attendees will have an opportunity to win tickets to the standing-room-only front section of the concert. Events include: Juneteenth at AAMP (6/19), Project Rebuild (6/21), The Oval (6/22), Philly @ the Movies: Rocky (6/23), U.S. Army Field Band Concert (6/24), Avenue of the Arts Block Party (6/25), Gospel on Independence (6/26), Motivation Monday (6/27), Go 4th & Learn at Franklin Square (6/28), The Oval (6/29), The Oval (6/30), Our America Now (7/1), Pershing's Own (7/2), POPS on Independence (7/3), Party on the Parkway (7/4).
Jason Derulo
Forward-thinking, genre-defying, and massively creative, Jason Derulo has staked his claim as one of the most dynamic forces on the global pop landscape. Since breaking through with his five-times-platinum single “Whatcha Say” and selling more than 200 million records worldwide, the award-winning singer/songwriter has turned out an unstoppable run of immediately iconic hits and collaborated with many of music’s greatest trailblazers, not to mention all-time legends like Stevie Wonder. His latest triumphs include emerging as one of TikTok’s most influential users, boasting the 11th overall biggest account on the video-sharing platform and the 4th most followed male. He continues to expand into unexpected territory by partnering with Z2 Comics to launch his own graphic novel. Having signed to Atlantic Records in early 2021, Derulo is now embarking on a bold new era in his ever-evolving artistry, proving his incredible power to stay ahead of the curve while perfecting the magic of making unforgettable pop songs.
Ava Max
Ava Max is ready to take her already extraordinary rise to the pinnacle of pop success to even greater heights with her first new single of 2022, “Maybe You’re The Problem.” With over 11B worldwide streams, an array of smash collaborations, and multiple RIAA gold and platinum certifications in the US alone, the first-generation Albanian American artist has fast proven a true pop superstar, hailed for her seismic voice, idiosyncratic high fashion mindset, and undeniable knack for cinematic, theatrical popcraft. 2018 saw Max make her explosive arrival with the blockbuster success of the RIAA 3x-platinum certified hit, “Sweet but Psycho.” Currently boasting more than 3.5B global streams, the track took the world by storm, spending three weeks in the top 10 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” while reaching #1 in more than 20 countries around the world and earning diamond certification in Brazil, France, Poland, as well as multi-platinum certification in 14 countries.
Monday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Enter at 20th & Logan Square
Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular — Courtesy of Wawa, the tradition of July 4th fireworks returns to the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. While fireworks light up the sky, DJ Ghost and Q102 will light up the airwaves with a DJ set fully synced to the July 4th Fireworks display. The complete fireworks spectacular will be broadcast live on NBC10 and TeleXitos.
Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
BROADCAST + STREAMING
As the exclusive broadcast partner, NBC10, Telemundo62, CoziTV, TeleXitos and all its digital platforms will bring Wawa Welcome America directly to people in their living rooms, backyards, or wherever they choose to celebrate. NBC10’s local, daily lifestyle show, “Philly Live,” will provide on-going coverage of the Wawa Welcome America Festival. Viewers will be able to enjoy these events on air and on their favorite digital device. NBC10 will broadcast the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on Monday, July 4, at 6 p.m., followed by the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert live from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during primetime in its entirety, followed by the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks courtesy of Wawa over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. NBC10’s coverage of the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, concert and fireworks will be simulcast from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, as well as COZI and TeleXitos from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free concert will also be live streamed on www.nbcphiladelphia.com and www.telemundo62.com and can be viewed on any screen – TV, iPad or tablet, smartphone, etc. Starting June 19, NBC10 and Telemundo62 will offer on-demand coverage of the events of the festival on the stations’ Roku and Apple TV apps. On July 4, the live broadcast of the festival will also stream on those apps, during the event. The concert will also be offered on the Peacock app and on LX.com. Comcast NBCUniversal is the presenting media partner of the festival providing exclusive service ranging from broadcast to communications.
PLAN YOUR TRIP—With 16 days of FREE fun, there are more reasons to stay over. Visitors can plan a fun and festive Fourth of July in Philly at visitphilly.com, featuring guides on patriotic happenings, fireworks displays, special concerts and more. They can extend the fun by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes free hotel parking (up to $100), two untimed tickets to the world-premiere Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute and a bed they don’t have to make.
SPONSORS MAKE IT ALL FREE!
The annual Wawa Welcome America festival is produced in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, and made possible by generous sponsors, including title partner Wawa, Comcast NBCUniversal and their local broadcast stations NBC10 & Telemundo62, Independence Blue Cross, Visit Philadelphia, and Live Nation.
Festival events and programming also made possible by The African American Museum in Philadelphia, PNC Bank, Freedom Mortgage, Pennsylvania Turnpike, PECO, Einstein Healthcare Network now a part of Jefferson Health, Pennsylvania Lottery, Philadelphia International Airport, the United States Army, PNC Arts Alive, Kimmel Cultural Campus, Temple Univeristy, iHeartMedia Philadelphia, East Market, The Bourse Food Hall, BMW of the Main Line, Sundance Vacations, Radio One, Nicethings Music LLC, Books In Homes USA, Avenue of the Arts, Independence National Historical Park, Global Philadelphia, Independence Visitor Center Corporation, The Philly POPS, the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Rebuild Philadelphia, Esperanza Academy Charter School, Pyrotechnico, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Historic Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Athletics, the Notary Hotel, Cashman & Associates, Chatterblast Media, and Defy.
QUOTES
Michael DelBene, President & CEO, Welcome America, Inc: “On behalf of Welcome America, we are thrilled that our festival is back this year, with the July 4th concert and fireworks making their return to the Parkway. We are honored to be able to give the people of Philadelphia and visitors to the city a way to celebrate in the birthplace of America. As always, we are grateful to the City of Philadelphia and our incredible sponsors for their support as we work together to deliver this tradition to Philadelphia for its 30th year.”
Mayor Jim Kenney, City of Philadelphia: “I am so excited that Wawa Welcome America is back on the Parkway and returning for its 30th year for a festival celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Philadelphia and everything our great city has to offer,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I want to recognize all the sponsors and the Welcome America team who ensured that the iconic festival endured, despite the past two very challenging years. The 2022 festival presents a new opportunity to come together and celebrate our city. We invite residents and visitors alike to join in the fun and see Philadelphia come alive with all of the exciting experiences showing off our city throughout the festival.”
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About Welcome America, Inc.
Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America, Inc.’s goal is to promote American history, education, and the City of Philadelphia as global tourist destination. Each year, Welcome America, Inc. produces Wawa Welcome America, a multi-day festival featuring art, culture, community engagement and entertainment - it is the nation's premier Independence Day celebration! Welcome America was founded in 1993, and celebrates its 30th festival in 2022. Visit www.welcomeamerica.com to learn more, and join the conversation at:
Media Contacts:
Kellianne DeBlase
Welcome America, Inc.
press@welcomeamerica.com
Emily Uliano
Cashman & Associates
emily@cashmanandassociates.com