LL Cool J is headlining Wawa's Welcome America Festival
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LL Cool J performs at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella
Cool James is coming in hot — rap icon LL Cool J is headlining this year's Wawa Welcome America Festival.
Why it matters: The free festival is Philly's biggest summer party, and it's expected to draw more than a million visitors leading to America's 250th birthday bash next year.
Driving the news: Organizers on Tuesday unveiled the lineup for the festival, which stretches over 16 days with events leading to the July 4th concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- LL Cool J will be joined by Philly native and Grammy-winning artist Jazmine Sullivan.
What's new: The Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 are hosting a block party on June 22 outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
- The celebrations aim to amp up fans ahead of next year's World Cup and the MLB All-Star games in the city.
Zoom in: The festival includes free museum days at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Masonic Temple, Fabric Workshop Museum and Eastern State Penitentiary.
- Plus, the ever-popular free hoagie day on June 26!
Highlights:
June 19: The Juneteenth Block Party is a daylong celebration featuring live music, vendors, dance performances, food trucks and family-friendly activities at the African American Museum.
- The celebration, billed "Audacious Freedom," is headlined by Grammy-winning DJ Drama.
June 20: Kids can dance, play and create at the Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground. Musical performances include Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill and Jams for Junior Jawns.
- Guests can enter a ticket raffle for a chance to see Kidz Bop Kids at Freedom Mortgage Pavillion on Aug. 2.
June 21: The Avenue of the Arts is hosting a block party including book giveaways, a fashion show and performances from Painted Bride Project Space.
- For the grown-ups, there's a beer garden and wine from Chaddsford Winery.
June 24: Kids can cool off at the pool party at Cherashore Playground. Free food, giveaways and arts and crafts.
June 25: Celebrate our country's veterans at Vet Fest in the City Hall courtyard.
- Performances include Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics and DJ Queen Yaszy.
June 26: 25,000 free Wawa Shorti Hoagies are up for grabs for Hoagie Day at the Independence Mall. Stay for musical performances and free admission to the National Constitution Center.
June 27: Take in a soul-stirring gospel concert at Independence Mall, including an appearance from Grammy-nominated artist Marvin Sapp.
June 28: Latin culture is on display at the Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park. Performances from Los Pueblitos and Puerto Rican rapper Ivy Queen.
June 29: Philly music legend Dyana Williams will host a concert celebrating Black Music Month at the outdoor Dell Music Center. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.
July 1: Check out a free screening of "Independence Day" at Independence Mall. Bring your own chairs and blankets.
July 2: The U.S. Army Field Band puts on a free concert at Independence Park, followed by a performance by husband-and-wife duo, The War and Treaty.
July 3: The Philly Pops take the stage at Independence Mall under the new music director, Chris Dragon.
July 4: Celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States at the Salute to Independence Parade along Market Street.