The 2025 Wawa Welcome America returns for another year in Philadelphia. The 16-day festival, including the annual Fourth of July celebration, will have fan favorites and traditions everyone knows and loves.

Welcome America, Inc. announced updates and new events for the festival on Thursday, including a partnership with the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the return of Philly Pops, Wawa Hoagie Day and much more.

Pops on Independence, a 40-year tradition, is officially back with the No Name Pops returning back to Philly Pops. This will be the first time they will perform under the new name on July 3, at Independence National Historical Park under newly appointed Music Director, Chris Dragon.

Something new this year is the block party on June 22, partnered with the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 26 [FIFA World Cup 26]. The block party will be outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. It will feature a beer garden, food trucks, entertainment, activities and more.

"From the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup to the broader celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Philadelphia's energy, passion, and pride," said Michael Harris, vice president of marketing and government affairs of the Phillies, in the release.

Ne-Yo and Kesha headlined the 2024 Wawa Welcome America festival. We don't know who will headline this year's festival yet, but an announcement is expected in May.

Fan-favorite events return at 2025 Wawa Welcome America

• Concilio's Annual Hispanic Fiesta: The fiesta has a new location this year: LOVE Park. One of the city's largest celebrations of Latino culture brings everyone from friends to family and visitors. The event, filled with live music, dance, food, and community engagement, will have the proceeds support Concilio's Scholarship fund.
• Annual Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum: Everyone is welcome to celebrate freedom and culture with Wawa Welcome American and Visit Philadelphia, the release said. The event will have Black-owned businesses to support with live music and food.
• Kidchella Music Festival: This free music festival for kids of all ages will have art stations, treats, giveaways and so much more. We couldn't forget about the kid-tastic fireworks display later at night, as children are urged to dance, play and create at this community celebration.
• Avenue of the Arts Block Party: In partnership with the Ensemble Arts Philly, the Avenue of the Arts Block Party will have entertainment from performers throughout our area and worldwide. Enjoy the event with performers, arts, food and more.
• Cherashore Pool Party: Family and friends can enjoy the season opening of the pool at Cherashore Playground with free food, lawn games, vendors, and entertainment. The pool party is hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital.
• Wawa Hoagie Day: Come by to honor heroes and snag a Wawa Shorti hoagie on Wawa Hoagie Day. The release said guests can enjoy entertainment and a free all-day admission to the National Constitution Center.
• Gospel on Independence: Enjoy a night of uplifting performances on Independence Mall with Independence Hall in the background with artists, choirs and musicians.  
• The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" Concert + Waterfront Fireworks: The all-star patriotic concert will have a fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront ahead of July 4.
• Celebration of Black Music Month + Fireworks: This celebration will have music, food, and fun activities at the Dell Music Center with a dazzling fireworks display, the release said. The event was Philly native Dyana Williams to celebrate Black Music Month, which the release said was actually founded in Philadelphia.
• Red, White, & Blue To-Do: The event will commemorate a day of "pomp and parade" with flag raisings, a block party, a patriotic concert on Independence Mall and of course, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade with red wagon floats.
• Salute to Service: The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus is back to honor soldiers and veterans at Independence Mall with musicians and artists in the Army.   
• July 4th Concert and Fireworks: The yearly celebration will have the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony outside of Independence Hall and after, the Salute to Independence Parade. Continue the patriotism with a star-studded concert and the ultimate fireworks show.