Wawa Welcome America returns for more patriotic goings-on

The birthplace of America deserves a warm-up to Independence Day as worthy as its history. Wawa Welcome America, an eight-day festival of free events beginning Saturday, June 27, leading up to the Fourth of July, offers a selection of entertainment that even Washington, Franklin and Jefferson would enjoy. Or be confused by.

Venture down the rabbit hole on Saturday, June 27, when the Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut St.) hosts an Alice in Wonderland-themed day of family activities from noon to 4 pm.

The entire community of Port Richmond at the Samuel Recreation Center (3539 Gaul St.) and beyond is invited to the neighborhood from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, for an afternoon of revelry, including food, music and games.

Hang out with one of our Founding Fathers on Monday, June 29 — sort of. The Franklin Institute (222 N. 20th St.) is offering free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in addition to fun and educational readings and book giveaways throughout the museum from 10 a.m. until noon.

Later in the evening on Monday, June 29, bring out the picnic blankets and bug spray for an 8:30 p.m. screening of Disney's Big Hero 6 in Franklin Square (200 N. 6th St.).

Give your wallet a continued break with free admission to the Philadelphia History Museum (15 S. 7th St.) from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, to get your fill on everything Phistorical.

Another movie night is set for Tuesday, June 30, with 2014's version of Annie at Dilworth Park (1 S. 15th St.) at 8:30 p.m.

Ring in July at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (701 Arch St.) with another day of money-saving fun on Wednesday, July 1. Yes, that's free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But if the outdoors is more your family's style, two hours of fitness-inspired entertainment will get your day going starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at Smith Memorial Playground (3500 Reservior Dr.).

Cool off with a screening of Rocky at where else but in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway) beginning at 9 p.m., also on Wednesday, July 1.

Free doesn't get old, does it? The National Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) welcomes families for no cost from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. Aside from the center's exhibits, like the brand-new "Speaking Out For Equality" display, families can create care packages for overseas troops. Grab lunch right on Independence Mall (Market St. between 5th and 6th Streets) for Wawa Hoagie Day where complimentary Wawa hoagies will be given out between noon and 1:30 p.m. Some big names will be in attendance like Mayor Michael Nutter, Food Network chef Robert Irvine, NBC The Voice's Matthew Schuler and the USO Show Troupe.

Close out the evening at either Penn's Landing (101 S. Columbus Blvd.) for an 8 p.m. concert from the Philadelphia Orchestra or a 9 p.m. screening of The Sixth Sense in Rittenhouse Square (210 W. Rittenhouse Square) on Thursday, July 2.

The major difference between an ordinary block party and a Liberty Block Party? The one taking place on Friday, July 3, occurs on historical streets, 5th and 6th between Market and Chestnut, and spotlights local food vendors and live entertainment. It goes down all day: 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

You may want to head out a little early to make it in time for the 8 p.m. start of the Philly POPS! Independence Day concert at Independence Hall (6th and Chestnut Streets). BYO lawn chairs — seating is first-come-first-served.

Wawa Welcome America concludes on the highest of notes with a full day of entertainment on Saturday, July 4. It starts at 10 a.m. with the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall (6th and Chestnut Streets) with speeches commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ protest and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 150th anniversary of the 13th Amendment. From there, the Independence Day Parade begins throughout Historic Philadelphia from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Elsewhere, the Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th St. to the Oval gets underway at noon with a stretch of food vendors, music and games. As the day winds on, once again the Roots return for the 4th of July Jam along with R&B crooner Miguel and country star Jennifer Nettles. Of course, the holiday will culminate with a massive fireworks show, concluding at 11 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.