Fourth of July in Philadelphia: Street closures, SEPTA changes for Wawa Welcome America

PHILADELPHIA - After a pandemic pause, the Wawa Welcome America Festival is back in Philadelphia to help residents and visitors alike celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

Nearly two-weeks of events will culminate on Independence Day with the Party on the Parkway and free concert headlined by Jason Derulo and Ava Max.

Of course, no 4th of July celebration would be complete without a massive fireworks display. Wawa's Welcome America Firework Spectacular will start on the Parkway around 9:30 with an accompanying soundtrack by DJ Ghost.

MORE HEADLINES

• July 4th travel: Thousands of flights canceled Friday; more expected
• Pennsylvania lawmakers pass new limits on fireworks as July Fourth nears
• 4th of July: A by-the-numbers look at the American holiday

"Everyone is welcome we want everyone to come down we just want folks to be prepared," President and CEO of Welcome America Michael DelBene said.

Martin Luther King Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic until 5 a.m. July 5. Pedestrian and bike access will be allowed at MLK Bridge along the Schuylkill River Trail on July 4. However, viewing Welcome America activities from the bridge will be restricted.

Several other road and street closures have been put into place for the weekend and Independence Day.

Sunday

• North side of Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 5th Street between Chestnut Street and Market Street from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• 6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to noon

In preparation for the July 4th Concert and Party on the Parkway, the following road closure will be in effect beginning 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 until approximately 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5:

• Logan Circle
• Winter Street between 21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway

Monday

• 2nd Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street from 6 a.m.
• Chestnut/Market Street Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m.
• Market Street between 3rd Street to Front Street from 6 a.m.
• Front Street between Dock Street to Market Street from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade: 

• 3rd Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 4th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 5th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 6th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 7th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 8th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 9th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 10th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 11th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• 12th Street between Race Street and Chestnut Street
• JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
• N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
• S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
• E. Market from Front Street to City Hall
• 12th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
• 13th Street between Vine Street and Market Street
• Arch Street between 12th Street and Broad Street

SEPTA has also announced that Fourth of July service will run on a Sunday schedule for buses, trolleys, the Broad Street Line, Market Frankford Line, Norristown High Speed Line and Regional Rail.

Additional Broad Street Line and Market Frankford Line trips will be available for the fireworks. All Regional Rail service will be supplemented, as well as extended late night service after the fireworks.

For more information about the closures, including bus detours and other public transit routes, click here.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, is expecting an influx of visitors during the holiday weekend. The Philadelphia Police Department said it will have increased patrols to accommodate for the larger-than-normal crowds.