I never miss WAWA Hoagie Day. Philadelphians agree on a few things. We love Drum Elmo, the Phillie Phanatic, Gritty (mascots apparently), and we all love WAWA. Everyone can agree on WAWA. We celebrate year-round via daily coffee runs and food orders, but from Juneteenth to July 4th in Philly, we celebrate WAWA and America for over 2 weeks straight.
The 16-day WAWA Welcome America Festival is packed with free family friendly events and lots of Free Museum Days. I love the opportunity it allows us to be tourists in our own city, checking out museums all over the area on Free Museum Days. I visited the United States Mint for the first time last week, and wrote about it HERE. We enjoyed Kidchella again this year (as always), and tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/1) is a celebration of Philly’s proud hoagie heritage. WAWA Hoagie Day 2026.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGI
The first Hoagie Day was held in 1992. Then Mayor Ed Rendell declared that the hoagie is the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia”.
Plan to be outside the National Constitution Center tomorrow afternoon (7/1) for a free hoagie and lots more.
WAWA FREE Hoagie Day (7/1)5am
Beginning very early tomorrow morning, Wawa Associates will start to build 30,000 hoagies using 8 tons of ingredients.
7am
Miss America Cassie Donegon and Miss America Teen Tess Fern will be there to cheer on the WAWA Associates, and to honor WAWA’s MVP’s (Most Valuable Preparers).
10am-11am
The first 12,000 hoagies will be donated to the Police Athletic League , Philabundance, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center. Everyday heroes will be picking up hoagies to distribute to the charities.
12pm – FREE Hoagie O’Clock
Plan to be outside the National Constitution Center at noon. The remaining 18,000 hoagies will be served for free to the public on Arch Street between 5th and 6th.
Come For The Free Hoagie, Stay For The Performances and Competitions12:30pm
While you’re eating your hoagie, enjoy some entertainment. The hoagie building competition, “Hoagies for Heroes” is always a fun time, and again hosted by our sister station WMMR’s Preston and Casey from the Preston and Steve Show. They’re a blast and will help to host 2 “Hoagies for Heroes” matchups. The first matchup will be between Philly Police vs. Philly Fire. Then, watch as members of the Air Force Reserve and Army National Guard face-off for a great cause. Everyone’s a winner, as each of the 4 teams pick charities of their choice. WAWA will donate $3,000 to the charities of all 4 teams.
There will also be a $900,000 check presentation to the USO from the WAWA Foundation’s in-store fundraising campaign. The check will be given to the USO, and some cheer too. Look for QR codes to share a digital message of encouragement to service members while you’re there. The messages will be delivered to service members via USO locations around the world.
12:45pm
Enjoy a patriotic performance from Voices of Service.
1pm
The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band performs at 1pm.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGINeed to cool off?
It’s going to be hot tomorrow. Venture inside the National Constitution Center for some air conditioning with a side of American history. It’s free admission all day tomorrow from 10am -5pm at the National Constitution Center, courtesy of WAWA.
Oh! And for the mascot lovers among us, Wally Goose and the Shorti Hoagie mascots will be there too.