Philadelphia’s July 4 to feature concert in different venue

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia’s annual celebration of the nation’s birthday returns this summer with the traditional July 4 free concert in a different venue but concluding as usual with a fireworks display over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Wawa Welcome America on Wednesday announced an expanded 2021 celebration following last year’s pandemic-spurred virtual-only festivities, with events beginning this year on June 19 to include the Juneteenth celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The July 4 concert headlined by Bebe Rexha and Flo Rida will take place at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts rather than on the parkway, but people will be allowed to gather on the parkway for the traditional fireworks display closing out the festivities.

The expanded celebration will also include free movie screenings and museum admissions, gospel and pops concerts, and other events.