Free fun: What's happening today during Wawa Welcome America festival (2024)

Wawa Welcome America has got you covered the summer of 2024 with 16 full days of free family fun in Philadelphia from Juneteenth to July 4th.

Get ready for all the upcoming free events that include:

• 🏛️ 40 chances to visit museums like The National Constitution Center, the African American Museum of Philadelphia and Cliveden House.
• 🎉 Several block parties, including Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta and the Avenue of the Arts Block Party.
• 🎤 Eight concerts featuring artists ranging from Kid 'n Play to LeAnn Rimes to Tamela Mann to Kesha.
• 🎆 And of course, four top-notch firework shows

All these events culminate on July 4th with celebration of independence on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring performances by music superstars NE-YO and Kesha before the city’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks show.

So, what's happening today? Here's your guide to the free Wawa Welcome America fun.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital Community Day

What: Come together with friends and family for an evening of fun at Cherashore Playground, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Guests will enjoy entertainment, free food -- including samples of Rita’s water ice -- giveaways, lawn games, vendors and a chance to learn about health care services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health.

When: June 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Cherashore Playground 851 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120

Free Museum Days: Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

What: Come to learn about some of the creatures making the Schuylkill River their home at the Fairmount Water Works. Collect a water sample at river’s edge and explore the micro-life in a drop of water. Try your hand at drawing some of the intricate and striking geometric designs of diatoms. Through hands-on activities, get to know the life of the freshwater mussel. Find out about our research on this important mollusk. It’s propagation season, so there is a possibility that we will be propagating mussels!

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Fairmount Water Works 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia PA 19130

Free Museum Days: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

What: Come to find a mixture of works across genres in our newest exhibition, “Artists as Cultivators.” You can expect to see our master painters, juxtapose stunning contemporary works and works on paper by Ruth Fine for our (Re)Focus participation. In this exhibition, you can expect to see notable artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Vanessa German, Charles Gaine, Arthur Dove, Horace Pippin, to name a few.

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Free Museum Days: The Independence Seaport Museum

What: The Independence Seaport Museum encourages visitors of all ages to discover Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections. Through award-winning exhibitions, guests will learn the connection the Delaware River has not only with the city but also with the region as a whole. Learn the story of the founding of the United States Navy (which happened in Philadelphia) in “Patriots & Pirates” and discover how the Delaware River is a crucial component for 15 million people in “River Alive!”

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Past events

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Rhythms of Liberation: Juneteenth Block Party and Evening Conversation

What: Join The African American Museum in Philadelphia for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture during their annual Juneteenth Block Party. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through music as we honor this year’s theme, “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” during Black Music Month. There will be live musical entertainment -- including a performance by Kid 'n Play -- a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, and activities for the whole family.

People gathered for the Juneteenth block party at the African American museum in Philly. Visitors were treated to vendors, live performances, music and more. June isn't only about Juneteenth but also Black Music Month. NBC10's Yukare Nakayama shares more from the event.

You can wrap up the event at night with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (tentative) and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, participating in the “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics” conversation moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien.

When: June 19 from noon to 7 p.m.

Where: Outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia at 7th and Arch streets

Free Museum Day: African American Museum in Philadelphia

What: Enjoy free admission to experience the richness and vibrancy of African American heritage and culture that come alive in four magnificent exhibit galleries filled with exciting history and fascinating art.

When: June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106