Everything you need to know about the One Philly: Unity Concert for America

*For the complete list of July 4th events and road closures, visit our 2026 Digital Resource Hub.

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the City of Philadelphia is hosting the One Philly: Unity Concert for America, a July 4th Concert and Fireworks celebration honoring our nation’s independence in the birthplace of America.

Attendees can explore the One Philly: Unity Concert for America story map on the City’s website to review important public safety information. The map helps members of the public find Parkway amenities such as entrances, misting stations and medical tents. It also indicates road closure maps for the Parkway area and Old City.

Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather, traffic, public safety, and event updates. Text “AMERICA” to 888-777 to receive free July 4th event alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.

Gates open at 3 p.m. | Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Concert begins at 5 p.m. | Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Fireworks begin at 11:45 p.m. | Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, The Roots, Meek Mill, Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge, Infinity Song, and more special guests will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and Philadelphia’s legacy as the birthplace of the nation with a star-studded performance for One Philly: Unity Concert For America, a six-hour live concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4 that will be hosted by Wanda Sykes and include appearances from Gillie Da King and Wallo267.

The July 4th Concert will be followed by a large, public fireworks display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway beginning at 11:30 p.m.

The inner lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th Street to Binswanger Triangle will close beginning Tuesday, June 30 at 6 a.m. These closures will remain in effect through Monday, July 6 at 6 a.m.

Please note: The outer lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will reopen on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 a.m. and will remain open until the full Parkway closure begins.

The following streets will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, beginning at 12 p.m.:

All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 6 a.m. on Friday, July 3, to 6 a.m. on Monday, July 6, unless otherwise noted:

Note: All cross traffic from 18th Street to 22nd Street will be open as conditions allow.

The following streets will be closed on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 4 a.m.:

Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:

Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.

L, B, T and Regional Rail will have special schedules with enhanced service to support the July 4 events happening throughout the city. Most Regional Rail lines provide additional inbound and outbound service before the fireworks; all Regional Rail lines (except Airport & Cynwyd) provide late-night outbound service from Jefferson, Suburban and William H. Gray III 30th St stations after the fireworks. All other services (D, M, and bus) operate on a Sunday schedule. Routes that do not have Sunday schedules will not operate.

SEPTA Ambassadors will be on-site at select major stations during the evening hours for crowd control and to provide directions after the July 4 FIFA match and July 4 Concert and Fireworks on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Look for them in blue labeled vests, as pictured below. Additional security personnel will also be available at select stations to assist you.

Check SEPTA’s website for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit NJTransit.com.

How to enter the Parkway events

The One Philly: Unity Concert for America is open to the public and free to attend.

Gates for the concert open at 3 p.m. Guests will be directed to enter the event venue at the secured entry point at the following location:

All guests must go through a security check upon entering, including magnetometers and bag checks.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid any traffic delays or heavy pedestrian traffic. The Parkway is general admission and occupied on a first-come-first-served basis.

The vicinity of the One Philly: Unity Concert for America July Fourth Concert & Fireworks (a boundary from at least 17th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and adjacent areas), will be secured and protected for a safe and fun celebration. Throughout the event, the City will provide enhanced law enforcement and emergency medical services to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the Fourth of July.

For the safety of event attendees and participants, unauthorized sUAS/drone usage is prohibited over crowds by the FAA. If you see a drone at an event, please report it to the nearest police officer with a location and description of the operator.

Know where to find law enforcement and medical help along the Parkway.

The Philadelphia Fire Department’s EMS Division will have medic teams spread across the Parkway at the following locations:

Call 9-1-1 if you are having a medical emergency or see someone who may be in need of medical attention.

Have important phone numbers memorized.

If you see something – say something!

These safety tips and more can be found in the Special Events Safety Guide.

With the potential for high temperatures, there is a risk of heat-related health issues. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided by taking simple precautions.

Attendees should follow all proper precautions to protect themselves and their families against the heat. All festival-goers should stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and excessive layers of clothing.

Water misting stations will be available at the following locations:

Consider the “Three L’s” Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear garments made of natural fibers like cotton.

For more tips on how to beat the heat, visit the City’s heat guide.

The One Philly: Unity Concert for America July 4th Concert and Fireworks is an accessible event and is dedicated to ensuring access to people of all abilities.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a wheelchair-accessible roadway that features flat surfaces and curb cutouts.

Portable toilets, including ADA-compliant units, will be available throughout the Parkway.

There will be multiple screens throughout the festival grounds for people to see the stage. Designated ADA viewing platforms will be located at:

Please refer to the One Philly: Unity Concert for America story map, which identifies these locations.

The following items are permitted at the festival:

Please note: all persons and/or their belongings are subject to search as a condition of entry into the July 4th Concert and Fireworks.

Keep possessions and bags with you always and do not leave them unattended.

For the safety of event attendees and staff, the following items are prohibited:

Parents or guardians should report a missing child to the nearest law enforcement officer, medic, or private security representative as soon as possible.

Public safety officials will coordinate the search for missing children with the full support of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Be sure to take a photo of your child before arriving at the festival. If separated, this will be very helpful for those searching for your child. It’s also recommended to have children memorize their parent’s cell phone numbers.

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is easily accessible via cycling and walking. Keep in mind that if a road is closed to vehicular traffic, it is also closed to cycling. Walking paths will remain open for pedestrians as conditions allow; however, please follow all posted signs, detours and traffic control devices.

RideIndego is an accessible and affordable way to get to and from the July 4th Concert and Fireworks with stations conveniently located along the Parkway. Download the official Indego App to check real-time bike and dock availability at any station. Visit the Google Play or Apple App Store and look for the official Indego App.

Cultural and historical institutions

The Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets, will host a 250th Birthday Celebration featuring 5,000 FREE patriotic cupcakes for guests to enjoy. This free, family-friendly celebration will include entertainment, activities, and special appearances. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with cupcake distribution beginning at 1 p.m.

Cultural institutions and museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will remain open and accessible throughout July 4th week. Visitors are encouraged to check individual institution websites for the most up-to-date hours, programming, and visitor information.

Holiday schedules for Parkway institutions will vary. The following institutions will be open on Saturday, July 4:

The following institutions will be closed on Saturday, July 4: