A star-studded lineup featuring Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, The Roots and more is set to headline Philadelphia’s massive July 4 celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary.
City officials announced Thursday that the free 'One Philly: Unity Concert For America' will take over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday, July 4, bringing together fans for a six-hour concert celebrating American music, culture and community.
Additional performers include Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge and Infinity Song.
The event will be hosted by Wanda Sykes and will also feature appearances from Gillie Da King and Wallo267.
Hosted by the City of Philadelphia and produced by ESM Productions, the concert is being billed as potentially the largest free concert in the country. Executive producers include Scott Mirkin, Shawn Gee and Questlove of The Roots.
Mayor Cherelle Parker called the event “a historic homecoming” for many Philadelphia-connected artists.
“The One Philly Unity Concert For America will celebrate the soul of Philadelphia and the spirit of our nation on a truly global scale," Parker said. "There is no place to be other than Philly on July 4th."
Organizers described the concert as a nonpartisan celebration of unity and democracy timed to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.
Beyond the performances, the Parkway will feature immersive fan experiences and food vendors representing neighborhoods and cultures across the city.
Gates for the event will open at 3 p.m., with performances scheduled from 5 to 11:45 p.m. The night will conclude with a fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to produce some of the biggest live events in the world, and every experience has prepared us for a moment like this,” said Scott Mirkin. “Our goal is to deliver a production experience that feels both global in scale and deeply rooted in the spirit of Philly. From the live broadcast to the performances on the Parkway, we’re building something that we hope audiences in the city and around the world will never forget.”
