2016-07-01

The 4th of July is quickly approaching and that means the Wawa Welcome America! Festival -- 8 days of fun and festivities -- is about to kick off!

Here's your day-by-day guide to all the events happening during the patriotic celebration.

Wawa Welcome America! Kid Friendly Events

MONDAY June 27

Free Museum day at the Ben Franklin Museum: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wawa Foundation Announces 'Hero Award' Finalists

The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays geared towards visitors of all ages. 3rd & Chestnut Streets

Our Flag Unfurled Mural Dedication: 2 - 3 p.m.

Leon Bridges to Perform at Wawa Welcome America Festival

Join Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program and Philadelphia STYLE Magazine at the newly restored 'Our Flag Unfurled' mural at 500 North Columbus Boulevard.

Go 4th & Learn About Science Behind Pixar - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Franklin Square, 6th & Race Streets

Go behind the scenes and take a unique look at beloved animated films as the Franklin Institute brings Pixar to life!

Philly @ the Movies: Finding Nemo at Franklin Square - 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Watch a movie under the stars with a free screening of Finding Nemo. Children and adults will enjoy this fun-filled night.

TUESDAY June 28

Free Museum Day - Museum Without Walls

"A "multi-platform" interactive audio experience - available for free by cell phone, mobile app, audio download, or on the web - Museum Without Walls: AUDIO offers the unique histories that are not typically expressed on outdoor permanent signage."

Philly @ the Movies: The Legend of Tarzan Advance Screening

Be the first to see The Legend of Tarzan at an exclusive screening at the Perelman theater at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Sign up here to win tickets!

Philly @ the Movies: The Good Dinosaur at XFINITY Live! 5 - 8 p.m.

Bring the kids to XFINITY Live! for a screening of Disney Pixar's The Good Dinosaur! Kids will enjoy a themed menu along with activities and crafts.

WEDNESDAY June 29

Go 4th & Workout Like Rocky - 6:25 - 7:30 a.m. at The Steps at The Philadelphia Museum of Art

All ages and fitness levels are welcome to train like Rocky Balboa. Get up early and get your work out in for the day!

Free Museum Day at the Rodin Museum - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Learn about Rodin and his large collection of artwork with a variety of activities during this day at the Rodin Museum.

Go 4th & Read: Citywide Reading at ALL Free Libraries - 2 - 4 p.m.

Find your new favorite story at one of the 54 branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Click here to find the library closest to you.

THURSDAY June 30

Free Museum Day - National Constitution Center (Courtesy of Wawa) 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 5th & Arch Streets

Celebrate American history with exhibits at the National Constitution Center. Plus, you'll be able to "vote" for the next new featured Hoagie variety!

Philadelphia International Airport Special Exhibition - 10 - 11 a.m., Terminal A East

Travel through Philadelphia's Presidential Convention History from 1848 through 2016. Ticketed passengers only.

Wawa Hoagie Day - 12 - 1 p.m. Independence Hall

The annual Wawa Hoagie Day honors our troops and expands on Wawa's partnership with the USO. If you go, you'll get FREE Wawa Hoagies and enjoy speical appearances by Food Network Chef Robert Irvine and a performance by the USO Show Troops.

Go 4th & Learn About Music and Culture - 5 - 7:30 p.m. Mummers Museum 2nd Street and Washington Avenue

Learn about the history and art of one of the longest running traditions in our country! Feeling creative? Visit the costumer station or learn to strut!

Summer Mummer Concert - 8 - 10 p.m. Mummers Museum

The 2016 Champions, South Philadelphia String Band, take the stage for a free concert. Get your golden slippers ready!

Philly @ The Movies: National Treasure - 9 - 11 p.m. Penn's Landing

Watch as Ben Gates races through Philadelphia in search of the leendary treasure that is secretly mapped out on the back of the Declaration of Independence.

FRIDAY July 1

Free Museum Day at the African American Museum - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 701 Arch Street

Visit the African American Museum to experience the richness of African American heritage with galleries full of exciting history and art.

Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert at Penn's Landing - 8 - 9:30 p.m.

"As a part of the Neighborhood Concert Series presented by Wells Fargo, the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra performs a free concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display presented by Comcast NBC Universal & Pyrotecnico."

Wawa Welcome America! Waterfront Fireworks - 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy a fireworks spectacular light up the sky at Penn's Landing! The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY July 2

Free Museum Day - National Constitution Center (Courtesy of Wawa) - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 5th & Arch Streets

Celebrate American history with exhibits at the National Constitution Center. Plus, you'll be able to "vote" for the next new featured Hoagie variety!

U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own" Concert at Penn's Landing - 8 - 9:30 p.m.

"The United States Army Band, one of the nation's premier musical organizations, returns to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing for an evening full of music, followed by a patriotic fireworks display presented by Comcast NBC Universal & Pyrotecnico."

Wawa Welcome America! Waterfront Fireworks

Enjoy a fireworks spectacular light up the sky at Penn's Landing! The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY July 3

Free Museum Day - Philadelphia Museum of Art - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Discover artwork from around the globe at one of the most revered museums in the country.

Free Museum Day - Barnes Foundation (PECO Free First Sunday) - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The greatest private collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and early-modern paintings can be found at the Barnes Foundation. Visitors can enjoy talks, performances and activities through out the day.

Historic Philadelphia Block Party - 1 - 7 p.m. 5th & 6th Streets between Market & Chestnut Streets

The streets surrounding Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell transform into a block party our forefathers would approve, complete with food, music and fun for all ages!

POPS! on Independence at Independence Hall - 8 - 9:30 p.m.

"Enjoy a patriotic and entertaining performance by Music Director Michael Krajewski and the 65-piece Philly POPS orchestra featuring Broadway and opera hometown talents, Allison Blackwell and Justin Hopkins."

MONDAY July 4

Free Museum Day - National Museum of Jewish American History - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Enjoy educational programs and experiences that preserve and celebrate Jewish history in America!

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony - 10 - 11 a.m. Independence Hall

The City of Philadelphia invites residents and visitors to pay tribute to our great nation through inspiring remarks, patriotic music and a reading of the Declaration of Indpendence from notable guests including Mayor Jim Kenney and Hamilton's Leslie Odom, Jr.

Independence Day Parade - 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Reflecting the words of our Constitution, more than 4,000 participants including colorful floats, military, marching bands and cultural groups perform along the 1.2 mile long parade route.

Party on the Parkway - 12 - 4 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Celebrate July 4th with 10 hours of FREE fun! Different stages along the Parkway will feature performances by top local talent and food festivals and concerts will be happening around the city!

Wawa Welcome America! July 4th Concert - 5 - 10 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The concert kicks off with performances by Philadelphia's Leslie Odom, Jrl, Yazz the Greatest, Brotherly Love and more special guests followed by a high-energy celebration of the music of Gamble & Huff performed by The Sound of Philadelphia favorites The O'Jays, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes & The Intruders. The Philly POPS returns with the full 65-piece orchestra for a patriotic performance, with special guest performers.

Wawa Welcome America! July 4th Fireworks - 10 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Showcasing patriotism and significant movements in history through amazing musical works and powerful quotes from US leaders, this firework spectacular will be the perfect way to end our July 4th celebration!

For more information on all of the listed events, visit the Welcome America website.

Photo Credit: discover_phl/Instagram
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