Extreme heat in the Philadelphia region this week is altering several Wawa Welcome America events. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s on Wednesday and over 100 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 4th.
As a result of the heat, the following changes were made to the remaining Wawa Welcome America events.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Wawa Hoagie Day
Wawa Hoagie Day – As part of Wawa Welcome America, Wawa is inviting Philadelphians and hoagie lovers from across the region to take part in its great hoagie tradition—Hoagie Day! This year will feature 30,000 turkey Shorti hoagies made with eight tons of ingredients, along with a celebration dedicated to honoring our military, veterans, fire and police, our everyday heroes, and The Wawa Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the USO. During the event, Wawa will distribute 18,000 free turkey hoagies to the public beginning at Noon!
11:45 a.m. – Hoagie Day Programming Kicks Off (Outside on Arch Street)
Performance by Voices of Service
Official Hoagie Distribution Begins!
12:00 p.m. – National Anthem by Miss America (Inside National Constitution Center)
Program Remarks and Recognition of USO
12:30 p.m. – “Hoagies for Heroes” Competition (inside National Constitution Center)
12:45 p.m. – Voices of Service (inside National Constitution Center)
1:15 p.m. – U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band performance
(inside the National Constitution Center)
Hoagie distribution on Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets in front of the National Constitution Center; Hoagies for Heroes Competition & other performances inside the National Constitution Center (2nd floor)
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Philadelphia Historic District’s Red, White, & Blue To-Do
Schedule of Events:
7 a.m. – Living Liberty Bell – The day begins with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell, gathering 250 people to form the shape of the famous bell on Independence Mall adorned in red, white, and blue. Participants include all 53 Miss America 2026 delegates and the current Miss America. 5th & Arch Streets
11:00 a.m. – Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade – kicks off at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, featuring 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Center, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning left onto Chestnut Street and ending at Carpenters’ Hall. NEW SHORTER ROUTE.
The All-American Block Party (11a-2p) – CANCELLED
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. WXPN Welcomes the Red, White, & Blue Music Series — Twenty-eight Philadelphia groups perform free street musical sets at 11 locations (some indoors, some outdoors) throughout the Historic District. This musical journey invites visitors to stroll from site to site and discover acoustic sounds from around the world woven into one celebratory afternoon. Each stop transforms the birthplace of American independence into an open-air concert hall, where listeners of all ages can find something that speaks directly to them, whether they are casual listeners, culture seekers, or devoted music lovers.
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Float Fest invites guests to an exclusive sneak peek of the spectacular floats before they roll through the streets in The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade on July 3. This immersive pre-parade experience gives attendees the opportunity to get up close to the artistry and creativity behind the celebration, snap photos, and experience the excitement before parade day begins. Enjoy food trucks and giveaways from our partners at Bank of America, as well as Philadelphia favorites like Herr’s, Sparkling Ice, and of course, Wawa.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Red, White, & Rosé Picnic – START TIME PUSHED TO 6 P.M. – On Independence Mall with picnic seating and food trucks along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.
7:30 p.m. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced and Wawa will recognize USO volunteers and announce a contribution to USO centers across its chain.
Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus with superstar Queen Latifah – START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8 P.M. – The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus returns on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® to Independence Mall with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. The concert will include the world premiere of Evident Truths, a newly commissioned work by acclaimed composer Nkeiru Okoye in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Featuring a headlining performance by Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP, SAG and Critic’s Choice award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, producer, label president, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah. The concert will also feature a special performance by Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan.
Independence Illumination Drone Show – START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 10 P.M. – a spectacular 13-minute drone show viewable from Independence Mall, where hundreds of illuminated drones create breathtaking great moments from the country’s 250 years with flag-themed imagery and patriotic animations in the night sky.
Friday, July 3, 2026
The National Constitution Center’s 38th Annual Liberty Medal Ceremony
Due to the City’s Extreme Heat Warning beginning Wednesday, and forecasts indicating a high probability of unsafe conditions for outdoor programming on July 3, the National Constitution Center made the decision to move the Liberty Medal ceremony indoors. The ceremony honoring His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will now take place inside the National Constitution Center beginning at 10:45 a.m. The Pope’s live virtual address from the Vatican will proceed as scheduled. Because of space limitations inside the Center, attendance at the ceremony will be limited to invited guests. The full program will also be streamed live on NBC10, the NBC10 app and the NBC10 streaming channel. The decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of guests, participants, staff, volunteers, and members of the media.
WHEN: Friday, July 3, 10:45 a.m. – noon
WHERE: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade – ROUTE CHANGE
This year’s celebration is the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration parade in the nation and will feature 250 exciting elements that represent all 50 states and U.S. territories. During the parade, see all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders showcasing their home state or territory through themed performances and visuals, in addition to an unforgettable lineup of 40+ marching bands,19 parade floats, military and special units, historic and cultural showcases, and more. Guests can enjoy the parade in official cheer zones along its route, or watch from home on NBC10. Cheer zones feature complimentary giveaways, fan experiences, and more, and can be found at 6th and Market Streets, between 11th and 12th on Market Street, and on the Northeast side of City Hall.
WHEN: Friday, July 3, 12 p.m.
WHERE: Independence Hall (Beginning at 5th and Chestnut Street) to Broad & Chestnut Streets
NEW ROUTE:
The parade starts at 5th and Chestnut Streets and travels West on Chestnut to 6th street, turns right and continues to Market Street where it turns left and makes its way down Market towards City Hall. At City Hall it will left onto South Juniper Street and end at Chestnut and Broad Streets.
Pops on Independence presented by Bank of America with Headliner Idina Menzel — START TIME PUSHED BACK TO 8 P.M.
See the Philly Pops and Idina Menzel perform to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America. The patriotic celebration will feature a headlining performance from multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel, live orchestral music, and festive cheer in the heart of the nation’s birthplace. Limited seating is available as well as lawn viewing.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a pre-concert block party, featuring food trucks and giveaways from Philadelphia favorites like Tastykake, Sparkling Ice, and of course, Wawa.
WHEN: Friday, July 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Independence National Historic Park at 6th & Market Streets on the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA