What's happening today at Wawa Welcome America festival: Avenue of the Arts Block Party – NBC Philadelphia

Wawa Welcome America has got you covered the summer of 2024 with 16 full days of free family fun in Philadelphia from Juneteenth to July 4th.
Get ready for all the upcoming free events that include:
Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are
All these events culminate on July 4th with celebration of independence on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring performances by music superstars NE-YO and Kesha before the city’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks show. 
So, what’s happening today? Here’s your guide to the free Wawa Welcome America fun. 
What: “The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more!” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Ellsworth, Arato Brothers Band, Joshua Mitchell, The Sidleys, The Wild Hymns, Queen City, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more! Snap a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair, take a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley, showcasing local artisans, or peruse ‘Philly Fresh Market,’ where locally sourced delights await at our farmers market. Kids and kids-at-heart can immerse themselves in ‘Avenue of Amusement‘, filled with nostalgic carnival games and thrilling entertainment for all ages. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or enjoy the art of fashion with a free show from Philly Fashion Week.”
When: June 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: South Broad Street between Walnut & Pine Streets
What: “The United States Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own will put on a patriotic, all-star concert followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink,” WWA organizers said.
When: June 29 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
Where: Delaware River Waterfront 
What: Who’s the “Best Philly Storyteller?” 
“This season, these Philly storytellers wowed audiences with amazing stories never saying sorry for who they are,” WWA organizers said. “Now, it’s time for them to compete for $250 and bragging rights for the year! Join host Betty J Smithsonian and guest judge Lamarr Todd for a fun night filled with the best stories in Philly. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival.”
When: June 29 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
Where: World Cafe Live – 3025 Walnut Street
What: “The current exhibition, Sketching Splendor, explores how naturalists William Bartram, Titian Ramsay Peale, and John James Audubon made sense of nature’s complexities through their writings, drawings, and watercolors,” Wawa Welcome America says. “It highlights their approaches to capturing the natural world during a time of rapid intellectual, social, and political change.”
Click here for details.
When: June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: American Philosophical Museum 104 S. 5th St Philadelphia, PA, 19106
What: Take a trip back more than 200 years into Philadelphia’s Quaker history.
“Step inside this active Quaker meeting house to learn more about the stories of the people, the building, and the grounds of Arch Street Meeting House,” the WWA website says.
When: June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: Arch Street Meeting House 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: “The Masonic Temple opened in 1873 and contains artwork, frescos, stained glass, murals, and sculptures that connect Freemasons and non-Freemasons to an inspirational world of art, architecture, and history,” says WWA page.
A guided tour will be conducted of the building to the exhibit hall. Click here for more details. 
When: June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. 
Where: Masonic Temple of Philadelphia 1 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
What: “Join us as we celebrate Black Music Month, which was founded in Philadelphia. says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Hosted and curated by Philadelphia music legend Dyana Williams, this brand new celebration will feature multiple different expressions of black music, performed by some of Philadelphia’s most well-known and sought-after black musicians. Guests will be treated to incredible music, food, and cocktails concluding with a dazzling firework display under the stars at the iconic Dell Music Center.”
When: June 28 from  5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Where: The Dell Music Center 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132
What: Be a firefighter for a day.
“Located in historic Old City Philadelphia, the museum is housed in a renovated 1898 firehouse,” Wawa’s page says. “Fireman’s Hall Museum is one of the nation’s premier fire museums focused on the preservation of Philly fire history and promoting fire safety. Philadelphia is the birthplace of the first volunteer fire companies.”
Click here to plan your visit. 
When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Fireman’s Hall Museum 147 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: This museum is a blast from the past several different engaging exhibits.
Travel through the art of Africa to Mexico and even the Mediterranean while examining their cultural distinctions. In between your exploring, take adventures through the gardens and courtyards that are filled with seasonal foliage.
Online reservations are required for free admission. Click here for more details. 
When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: Penn Museum 3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
What: “Philadelphia’s only Victorian historic house museum, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, tells the stories of men and women in the period from the Civil War through 1900, using material culture and spaces to unpack this complex era,” Wawa Welcome America says.
Click here for more information. 
When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion 200 West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
What: Yo Adrian!
After being rescheduled because of stormy weather that was expected to pass through on Wednesday night, the Rocky Movie Night is happening tonight.
“Fans of all ages can again enjoy a free screening of the timeless classic, Rocky, on the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Guests are encouraged to come early to experience the new Rocky Shop and enjoy food and drinks from local food trucks and the pop-up beer garden produced by the Constellation Culinary Group,” says the Wawa Welcome America page. Free snacks will also be available courtesy of UTZ and Tastykake. 
“Immerse yourself in the spirit of Rocky by participating in one of two free 30-minute Rumble Boxing classes at the base of the steps. From first-time boxers to elite fighters, all are welcome, no matter their current fitness level. The two Rocky-themed free classes will offer an intense, dynamic shadow boxing & strength training workout set to old school favorites and new school beats.”
When: June 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
Where: Art Museum Steps 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
What: Wawa workers and volunteers will serve up about 25,000 Shorti hoagies, according to Wawa. Of those hoagies, 10,000 will be donated to Philabundance, the Veterans Multi-Service Center and Police Athletic League centers. The remaining 15,000 sandwiches will go to the general public.
“Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area,” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Guests can enjoy entertainment, including a performance by Voices of Service, a singing quartet of military veterans, along with free admission to the National Constitution Center all day – which includes a special Wawa History exhibit showing their more than 100 years of Philadelphia roots.”
When: June 27, 2024 at Noon
Where: Independence Mall 15 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: “The National Constitution Center is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theater, we bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages,” WWA website says. “Visitors will have access to our signature attractions, including the moving live performance of Freedom Rising, Signers’ Hall, and our newest exhibit on the First Amendment.”
Click here for more details. 
When: June 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: National Constitution Center
What: “Housed in a 19th-century stone mansion on six acres in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Woodmere offers a unique museum experience that centers on the art and artists of Philadelphia,” Wawa Welcome America’s page says. “Vibrant exhibitions explore the achievements and social ideas of Philadelphia’s artists in the broader context of American art.”
Two exhibits will be on display. Click here for more details. 
When: June 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Woodmere Art Museum 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
What: “Visitors will explore the first floor of the historic house – which was home to 9 generations of one Quaker family – and see rooms filled with some of the 10,000 objects they left behind from every period of American history,” Wawa Welcome America says.
Click here for more details. 
When: June 26, 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm 6026 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
What: “The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted to the creation, presentation, and preservation of innovative works of art.”, Wawa Welcome America says. “Your free admission experience includes two visionary exhibitions by recent Artists-in-Residence that present immersive, interactive, and deeply personal environments.”
Reservations must be made in advance. Click here for more details.
When: June 26 from noon to 6 p.m. 
Where: The Fabric Workshop Museum
What: “In honor of Jefferson’s 200th Anniversary, join us at the new Jefferson Plaza in Center City for an afternoon celebrating innovation and education with free family-friendly programming for all to enjoy.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Founded in 1824 as one of the nation’s first medical schools, Jefferson has grown to become a national global research university with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, and the region’s largest health system.”
When: June 25 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
Where: Jefferson Plaza 1115 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
What: “Stenton is one of the earliest, best-preserved, and most authentic historic houses in Philadelphia, the WWA site says. “Completed in 1730 as a country seat, plantation house for James Logan – Secretary to William Penn; merchant, politician, justice, scientist, and scholar – Stenton was home to six generations of the Logan family.”
Visit their website to register online and reserve a spot on the tour. Click here to plan your visit. 
When: June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Stenton 601 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
What: “Step into history at Belmont Mansion, where Founding Fathers like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison once walked,” the WWA site says. “Follow the footsteps of revolutionaries, including the close friend of Judge Richard Peters, Marquis de Lafayette. Uncover the hidden tales of Belmont’s role in the Underground Railroad, a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom from the Antebellum South.”
When: June 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: The Underground Railroad Museum at the Historic Belmont Mansion 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131
What: Feel like a “Revolutionary” while taking a stroll down this neighborhood.
“The mission of the Elfreth’s Alley Association is to preserve and protect the Elfreth’s Alley historic district while interpreting the contributions of everyday Philadelphians to our American story,” the festival website says. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum interprets the lives of people who lived and/or worked on this historic street over three centuries.”
Click here to plan your visit. 
When: June 25 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Elfreth’s Alley Museum 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: “Celebrate the opening of Monument Lab’s newest exhibition at the Declaration House at Independence National Historical Park.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. This block party will commemorate the unveiling of Sonya Clark’s The Descendants of Monticello with special performances and will showcase several historic and artistic organizations from the area, including the African-American Museum in Philadelphia, PhillyCAM, and more.”
When: June 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Declaration House 700 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: The Free Library of Philadelphia has so much history to share.
“The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity,” Wawa Welcome America’s page says. “With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve the flavors and traditions of our ancestors.”
Click here for more information. 
When: June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Where: Free Library of Philadelphia 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
What: This annual two-day family-friendly festival celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music is back in 2024, but with a new location. This year Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca and Salsa star Huey Dunbar are set to perform on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City since its traditional home at Penn’s Landing is under construction.
“While you’re there, be sure to delve into cultural cuisine at the Oasis Waterfront Food Market supported by the Philadelphia International Airport and explore the many vendors and activations, including the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring free health screenings, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways,” festival organizers say.
When: June 22 and June 23 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: JFK Bridge 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103
What: Grandeur on display.
“Historic Strawberry Mansion and the Committee of 1926 are pleased to announce a new special exhibit, opening April 20,” Wawa Welcome America says. “‘Framing Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Landmark Through Artists’ Eyes, 1842-2024’ aims to compile an overview of artistic depictions of the mansion featuring both new works and pieces pulled from the HSM archives.”
Guests have the chance to join hourly tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information. 
When: June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Where: Historic Strawberry Mansion 2450 Strawberry Mansion Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19132
What: “Laurel Hill Mansion welcomes families for a fun filled day of crafting – colonial crafts of tin punching, whirligig and more,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Guests will have an opportunity to try hand crafting guided by volunteer hosts and to take home a souvenir of their visit that they made.”
Guests can experience a tour of the historic house, garden and river view. Click here for more information. 
When: June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: Laurel Hill Mansion 3487 Edgley Drive Philadelphia, PA 19121 
What: This annual two-day family-friendly festival celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music. It is back in 2024 but with a new location. Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca performed Saturday while Salsa star Huey Dunbar was set to perform Sunday on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City since its traditional home at Penn’s Landing is under construction. However, Sunday’s concert was canceled due to weather.
When: June 22 and June 23 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: JFK Bridge 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103
What: Learn all about STEM.
“Join us in our museum for a family-friendly program that highlights the many strange and surprising stories from the history of science in the summertime!” says a post on the Wawa Welcome America page. “Take an up-close look at interesting items in our handling collection.”
Click here for more information.
When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Science History Institute 315 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: Experience one of Philadelphia’s National Historic landmarks.
“Much of the furniture and decorative objects in the Mansion were made by Philadelphia craftsmen for families in the area,” Wawa Welcome America says. “They will hear about the Coleman, Barclay, Franks and Wharton families who used Woodford as a summer retreat, and they will learn the stories of Phila, Azmin, Hagar, Greenwich, and Peter, enslaved Africans who worked as domestic servants for the Coleman and Franks families.”
Click here for more information. 
When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: Woodford Mansion Museum 2300 North 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132
What: Lemon Hill Mansion is a historic house museum highlighting Federal architecture and featuring spectacular views of the city of Philadelphia,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Lemon Hill Mansion was built by wealthy merchant Henry Pratt in 1800 as the centerpiece of his garden estate.”
Guests can enjoy free jazz music on the front lawn from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more details.  
When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lemon Hill Mansion Museum
What: The Paul Robeson House was the home of internationally renowned American bass-baritone concert singer, actor of film and stage, All-American and professional athlete, writer, multi-lingual orator, human rights activist and lawyer Paul Robeson from 1966 until 1976. The Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia is owned by the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. 
When: June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. 
Where: Paul Robeson House and Museum 
What: Celebrate Smith Memorial Playground‘s 125th birthday with the music of Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots and the Soundspace Performing Arts dance troupe.
This is about much more than just rocking out with your little ones. Come for the featured art stations, fun giveaways, pre-show activities and mouth-watering treats. Click here for more information.
When: June 21 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Where: Smith Memorial Playground 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
What: Take a trip back in time.
“Tour the 1707 Homestead, the first permanent home for the Rittenhouse family and the birthplace of David Rittenhouse,” Wawa Welcome America says. “The structure housed eight generations of the Rittenhouse family.”
Pre-registration is required. Click here for details.
When: June 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Where: Historic Rittenhouse Town 208 Lincoln Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19144
What: “The Print Center, a nonprofit gallery located in Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, encourages the growth and understanding of photography and printmaking as vital contemporary arts through exhibitions, publications and educational programs,” Wawa Welcome America says. “The Print Center is an international voice in print; our global outlook coincides with a strong sense of local purpose.”
Don’t miss a chance to visit their three exhibitions on view. Click here for more information. 
When: June 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Where: The Print Center 1614 Latimer Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
What: Known as “The Nation’s Church,” Founding Fathers like John Adams and George Washington went there while Revolutionary era worshippers included Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Betsy Ross, Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush and Francis Hopkinson.
Visitors have the chance to walk through the church and explore burial sites on the north and south sides of the churchyard.
Buy tickets through the front gates and click here for more details.
When: June 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Preservation Trust 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: Come together with friends and family for an evening of fun at Cherashore Playground, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Guests will enjoy entertainment, free food — including samples of Rita’s water ice — giveaways, lawn games, vendors and a chance to learn about health care services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health.
When: June 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Cherashore Playground 851 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120
What: Come to learn about some of the creatures making the Schuylkill River their home at the Fairmount Water Works. Collect a water sample at river’s edge and explore the micro-life in a drop of water. Try your hand at drawing some of the intricate and striking geometric designs of diatoms. Through hands-on activities, get to know the life of the freshwater mussel. Find out about our research on this important mollusk. It’s propagation season, so there is a possibility that we will be propagating mussels!
When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Water Works 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia PA 19130
What: Come to find a mixture of works across genres in our newest exhibition, “Artists as Cultivators.” You can expect to see our master painters, juxtapose stunning contemporary works and works on paper by Ruth Fine for our (Re)Focus participation. In this exhibition, you can expect to see notable artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Vanessa German, Charles Gaine, Arthur Dove, Horace Pippin, to name a few.
When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
What: The Independence Seaport Museum encourages visitors of all ages to discover Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections. Through award-winning exhibitions, guests will learn the connection the Delaware River has not only with the city but also with the region as a whole. Learn the story of the founding of the United States Navy (which happened in Philadelphia) in “Patriots & Pirates” and discover how the Delaware River is a crucial component for 15 million people in “River Alive!”
When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: The Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
What: Join The African American Museum in Philadelphia for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture during their annual Juneteenth Block Party. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through music as we honor this year’s theme, “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” during Black Music Month. There will be live musical entertainment — including a performance by Kid ‘n Play — a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, and activities for the whole family.
You can wrap up the event at night with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (tentative) and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, participating in the “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics” conversation moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien.
When: June 19 from noon to 7 p.m. 
Where: Outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia at 7th and Arch streets

What: Enjoy free admission to experience the richness and vibrancy of African American heritage and culture that come alive in four magnificent exhibit galleries filled with exciting history and fascinating art.
When: June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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