Philadelphia's summer is set to sizzle with the return of the Wawa Welcome America Festival, a 16-day extravaganza celebrating freedom and liberty. This week, I touched down in Philly for the day to attend the highly anticipated press conference to celebrate what’s to come this summer from JFK Boulevard to Independence Mall.

The inspiring message from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was just the energy needed to kick off Summer 2024. As everyone responded to Mayor Parker's “One Philly a United City” call, excitement filled the air, and the lineup of performances was announced. 

The festival kicks off on June 19th with a Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, becoming a National holiday in 2021. Dedicated to this year’s theme, “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” attendees are invited to enjoy live music, vendors, and interactive experience. Admission to the African American Museum is free for all on Juneteenth. 

Free museum days continue on June 20th, with complimentary admission to The Independence Seaport Museum and The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, followed by The Print Center, Historic Rittenhouse, and Christ Church, the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church, on June 21st. Check out all of the free museum days, which continue throughout the entire festival, at july4thphilly.com. 

On June 21st, Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse will be filled with dancing kids of all ages as Kidchella 2024 kicks off featuring Emmy® Award winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots, and the Soundspace Performing Arts dance troupe. 

25,000 Wawa Shorti Hoagies will be enjoyed for FREE with the return of Wawa Hoagie Day on June 27th, following the Jefferson 200th Anniversary Block Party and Rocky Movie Night the same week. There is so much to explore during these 16 days! I, for one, am excited about the Avenue of the Arts Block Party on June 29th. 

July begins with the 150th Anniversary celebration of the Philadelphia Zoo, where guests can enjoy a family day of face painting, crafts, games, and an opportunity to explore their favorite animals for free. 

It all leads up to the finale on July 4th, which you won’t want to miss. The day will begin with a Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and the Salute to Independence Parade on East Market St at 11:00 a.m. 

As the sun sets, headliners Ne-Yo and Kesha will hit the stage on Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a remarkable firework display to follow. I'm just scratching the surface of what Wawa and the city of Philadelphia have in store this summer and the best part is it's all FREE and sponsored Wawa, so be sure to check out the full lineup below and at july4thphilly.com.

It’s shaping up to look like a fun summer!

Follow me on social media to see what other fun adventures I’ll be getting into @KrystleJBailey.