What to Know
- Philadelphia's 16-day Wawa Welcome America festival will come to a celebratory conclusion with a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Popstar Demi Lovato and rapper/actor Ludacris are headlining the 2023 July 4th concert.
- The days leading up to July 4th feature free hoagies, museum admissions, block parties, fireworks shows and plenty more music.
"Sorry Not Sorry," but fans of pop music and hip-hop are going to love the lineup for the 2023 Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert.
Pop superstar Demi Lovato and rapper (and actor) Ludacris will headline the free July 4th Party on the Parkway, NBC10 exclusively revealed Tuesday morning. 🎆 A fireworks display over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will wrap up the free festival on Independence Day.
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NBC10 exclusively revealed the July 4th concert lineup Tuesday morning. Full details about the July 4th concert and fireworks and about all 16 days of festivities for the Wawa Welcome America festival were then revealed Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11 a.m. in a music-filled event that wrapped up with fireworks.
"No Promises," but this July 4th concert is certainly going to be great as you shake your "Money Maker" all night.
Click here to watch NBC Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America live coverage
Get to Know Demi Lovato
Lovato is a Grammy-nominated musician, mental health advocate, actress and author who boosts more than 240 million followers on social media and more than 30 billion streams worldwide.
She has released eight albums, with each cracking the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 charts. Her latest release in 2022 debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, and Top Alternative Albums charts.
Lovato -- who is a Dallas, Taxes, native who now lives in Los Angeles -- has won MTV Video Music, Teen Choice Awards, People’s Choice, ALMA, Latin American Music and a GLAAD Vanguard awards over her career.
But she is about more than just her music: "As an advocate, Demi serves as Global Citizen’s official ambassador for mental health, with a special focus on vulnerable communities around the world," reads her bio.
Get to Know Ludacris
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is a three-time Grammy Award-winning musician known in many "Area Codes," a philanthropist, a businessman and an actor, known for his recurring role in the "Fast & Furious" movies.
Behind the mic, he has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide off many hit singles, including “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.” He has had five albums go platinum.
On screen, Ludacris has played "Tej" is several "Fast & Furious" films, including 2023's "Fast X." He was recently honored by "Fast" co-star Vin Diesel and fellow rapper/actor LL Cool J as Ludcaris' Hollywood Walk of Fame star was unveiled.
"As a father of four girls, his latest ventures fittingly include launching his educational platform devoted to the
enrichment of children called 'KidNation,'" according to his official bio. Part of those kid-oriented efforts include "Karma’s World."
He is also behind “Chicken-n-Beer” at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. And, in 2001 he launched The Ludacris Foundation that focuses "on helping the youth in his hometown of Atlanta," according to his bio. The group has partnered with No Kid Hungry and Feeding America.
Who's Opening the July 4th Concert?
New Jersey native and Philadelphia-rooted bassist Adam Blackstone will open the main event on July 4th.
"There's nothing like a good old July 4th BBQ, picnic and we're gonna make sure we bring that same energy out there on the parkway this year," Blackstone -- who has served as musical director for Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and many more -- said.
Security Measures for 2023 Party on the Parkway
Guests of the July 4th Parkway concert will enter through a single entrance at Logan Circle, Wawa Welcome America President and CEO Michael BelBene said at Tuesday's kickoff news conference.
"They will see an enhanced security footprint, including magnetometers, bag checks and additional security personnel," DelBene said.
Wawa Welcome America developed the new security plan with city officials "in an effort to create an event that will remain open and welcoming to all, but, at the same time, remain a safe space for all to enjoy," DelBene said.
The new measures will look to ensure the safety of patrons after stray bullets -- likely fired from up to a mile away --struck two police officers and sent attendees fleeing during the 2022 July 4th fireworks show.
What Else Is Happening During Wawa Welcome America?
From free Wawa hoagies to more music to free museum admissions to block festivals to so much more fun, there is so much free things to do over 16 days. Click here for a list of highlights from the event.
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