Grab a picnic blanket and a handheld device to tune into 50 free events, including family fun, nightly entertainment and a July 4th concert.

Philadelphia, Pa. (June , 2020) — Welcome America, Inc. and the City of Philadelphia announce 50+ free events will make up the reimagined 2020 Wawa Welcome America festival, taking place now through Saturday, July 4.

The 2020 festival will be entirely free and virtual, encompassing multicultural and multigenerational programming and highlighting Philadelphia’s diverse voices. With a lineup of concerts, online educational activities, behind-the-scenes experiences, cooking demonstrations, at-home crafts, virtual museum tours and more, the festival’s family-friendly programming will focus on arts, culture, education, wellness, history and performance.

All events will be viewable at welcomeamerica.com. The Celebration of Freedom Ceremony and the July 4th Concert will both be broadcast on NBC10.

The full festival schedule is available at welcomeamerica.com and on Facebook @WawaWelcomeAmerica, Instagram @July4thPhilly and Twitter @July4thPhilly.

 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

• July 4^th virtual tour of Independence Hall: A special guided tour of Independence Hall focuses on stories about the founding of the nation. Viewers get to see inside Independence Hall’s Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed, and the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. (Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.)
• Streaming concerts online every evening at 7 p.m.:
  • Hymns & Harmony in partnership with VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®: A gospel celebration featuring performances by Zak Williams and 1/Akord. (Sunday, June 28)
  • The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert:Presenting United We Stand | Music to Connect Us and featuring popular music, vocal arrangements and The 1812 Overture as the finale. (Monday, June 29)
  • Girls Like nicethings: A women-centered music and art event showcasing the talent of women and women-identifying creators, including Queen Jo, Suzann Christine, DJ Tati Mia and more. (Tuesday, June 30)
  • The United States Army Field Band: The musical ambassadors of the Army deliver patriotic favorites and spectacular performances during this virtual birthday party for America. (Wednesday, July 1)
  • Philadelphia Orchestra Performance: Featuring a special rendition of Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” Sousa’s “The Liberty Bell March” and a video tribute to the City of Philadelphia. (Thursday, July 2)
  • POPS Salute to Independence: Including a newly commissioned piece, “Fanfare for the Essential Workers,” dedicated to healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 crisis. (Friday July 3)
• July 4^th Concert, featuring CYNTHIA ERIVO and JASON DERULO and produced by Live Nation:
  • The festival culminates with a star-studded performance, featuring world-renowned Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Cynthia Erivo, alongside the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Also on tap: a high-energy set from American hitmaker, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter, producer, actor and dancer, Jason Derulo. Produced in partnership with Live Nation Philadelphia, the performance will air live on NBC10 from The Met Philadelphia without an in-person audience. (Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m.)
  • Preceding the concert is the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony Presented by Freedom Mortgage. Mayor Jim Kenney, The Wawa Foundation and Freedom Mortgage will present awards to those making a difference in the community. (Saturday, July 4 at 7 p.m.)
• July 4^th daytime entertainment schedule will be curated by Chill Moody of iHeartRadio’s

DAILY ONLINE PROGRAMS:

• Independence Blue Cross #MindPHL Wellness Corner: As the official health and wellness partner of Welcome America, Independence Blue Cross has created a six-part #MindPHL series of programming around exercise, art and music, nutrition, relaxation/stress reduction and connecting with friends and family. (8:30 a.m. daily)
• Free Museum Days: Nineteen of Philadelphia’s museums, cultural institutions and attractions will feature daily digital programming at 9 a.m. and throughout the day, including virtual tours, access to exhibits, educational discussions and activities. (9 a.m. daily)
• PECO Go 4th & Learn: Families can participate in daily, online interactive programming presented by the following partners: the Philadelphia Zoo, Penn Athletics and Penn Sports Medicine, The United States Army Field Band, Wawa Test Kitchen and Independence National Historical Park. (10 a.m. daily, except Monday, June 29 at 2 p.m.)
• Music Play Patrol: Kids can enjoy interactive, educational, musical fun using items from around the home. Rock out to the sounds of pots, pans, buckets, straws and more. (11 a.m. daily)

MORE FUN FESTIVITES:

• Wawa Hoagie Day^®: In its 28th year and for the first time ever in history, all 900 Wawa stores will participate in Wawa Hoagie Day, donating more than 45,000 hoagies to local community heroes and organizations. The community giving will take place in six states and Washington D.C. (Wednesday, July 1, 12:00 p.m.)
  NOTE: What’s a hoagie? See here.
• FIRST-TIME! U.S Army Esports Tournament powered by Nerd Street Gamers: In partnership with the United States Army and Nerd Street Gamers, gamers will be able to put their skills to the test during our first-ever esports tournament series. Lineup includes Fortnite, Super Smash and Rocket League 3v3. Free pre-registration is required on  welcomeamerica.com. (Wednesday, July 1-Friday, July 3, 6 p.m.)
• Founding Fathers’ Sunday Supper: Chef Walter Staib, author, Emmy Award-winning TV host, James Beard-nominated chef and culinary historian showcase recipes from the first celebration of independence. (Sunday, June 28, 5 p.m.)

About Welcome America, Inc.

Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3, non-profit organization engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America, Inc.’s goal is to promote American history, education, and the City of Philadelphia as global tourist destination. Each year, Welcome America, Inc. produces Wawa Welcome America, a multi-day festival featuring art, culture, community engagement and entertainment – it is the nation’s premier Independence Day celebration! Welcome America was founded in 1993, and celebrates its 28th festival in 2020. Visit welcomeamerica.comto learn more, and join the conversation at: