Kimmel Cultural Campus hosts FREE performances and family fun as part of Wawa Welcome America festivities

-Courtesy of the Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Kimmel Cultural Campus, in association with Wawa Welcome America and The Avenue of the Arts, will host a day of FREE festival-style performances and engaging activities on the Plaza stage under the soaring 150-foot glass roof, as part of the Avenue of the Arts Block Party. This celebration on Saturday, July 1 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. extends the outdoor festival vibe inside the air-conditioned Plaza with a lineup of Broadway cast appearances and celebrated local artists. The day includes family-friendly activities like corn hole, Disney’s The Lion King mask making and coloring station, and more. Plus, guests get a chance to win free tickets, merchandise, and exclusive giveaways! This is a FREE event. Tickets are not required to attend.

The lineup on the Kimmel’s Plaza stage includes:

• Let’s Rock Recess – A Family DJ Dance Party with Emcee Mighty Flipside and DJ Stan, featuring fun interactive games, dance contests, and prizes.
• Soulful line dance demonstration with The Parkside Experience featuring DJ Chris Blues and W.D.O.H. 
• A performance from cast members of Moulin Rouge: the Musical!
• A performance from a cast member of Disney’s The Lion King
• A performance from a cast member of Disney’s Frozen
• A soul-energizing performance from Philly’s favorite seven-piece brass-heavy band SNACKTIME

Courtesy of Garces Events, guests are invited to visit a pop-up beer garden in the south alleyway of the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Academy of Music on Broad Street, with additional concessions from Garces Trading Company at Kimmel. Concessions are themed around fan favorites, including pretzel dogs and snow cones. Plus, attendees can try the signature Moulin Rouge! The Musical cocktail: Lady Marmalade (an aperol spritz). Volvér will be open its normal Saturday hours.

“We love participating in the annual Wawa Welcome America festival tradition, hosting free performances on our stage as part of a huge backyard BBQ experience, complete with treats from Garces Events and kid-friendly fun,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “Plus, not only do we continue our support of the heartwarming Gospel on Independence concert this year, but we’re excited to join the Kidchella celebration, bringing Disney magic to our kids and kids-at-heart alike.”

“One of the things I love most about Philadelphia is the vibrancy and diversity of the city’s art scene, and this festival event on Broad Street in partnership with the Kimmel Cultural Campus is an expression of all the different cultures and traditions that make up our city,” said Michael DelBene, President & CEO of Welcome America, Inc. “Wawa Welcome America is a celebration of Philadelphia itself, so I am excited to see residents and visitors alike out and appreciating all the amazing talent, food, and culture our city has to offer.”

More about PNC Presents: Avenue of the Arts Block Party in partnership with the Kimmel Cultural Campus:
The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Lady Alma, Tara Hendricks, Seraiah Nicole, Princess Idia Gamble, American Dinosaur, Arato Brothers, Stella Ruze, and more! Take a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley and experience live art, including an art installation by Mural Arts Philadelphia artist Alexei Mansour. Head inside the Kimmel Center building for a preview of the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Broadway season with performances from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, and Disney’s Frozen and enjoy Let’s Rock Recess, a family DJ dance party with Emcee Mighty Flipside and DJ Stan Lee, featuring fun interactive games, dance contests, and prizes; along with a soulful line dance demonstration with The Parkside Experience featuring DJ Chris Blues and W.D.O.H. Plus, a soul-energizing performance from Philly’s favorite seven-piece brass-heavy band SNACKTIME.

Kids and kids-at-heart can slide down the 120-foot slide FREE of charge or experience one of the many interactive activations including Gabby on the Go!, a cat-tastic new experience full of fun free activities inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse, PNC Mobile Learning Adventure, and the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring free health screenings, wellness information and nutrition takeaways. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many local food trucks or nearby restaurants, shop local vendors, grab a Jove water, and snag free giveaways from festival sponsors. There is sure to be something for everyone at this day-long block party!

Additional information regarding the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ participation in the Avenue of the Arts Block Party to be announced at a later date. For the most up-to-date information about this FREE event, please visit www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.

For more info about the Avenue of the Arts Block Party and all other events associated with Wawa Welcome America, visit welcomeamerica.com.

Additional Kimmel Cultural Campus participation in Wawa Welcome America festivities:
On Friday, June 23 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., the Kimmel Cultural Campus is excited to participate in Wawa Welcome America’s Kidchella at Smith Memorial Playground. Kids of all ages can enjoy this music festival featuring Emmy® Award-winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope and Johnny Shortcake. Come early to enjoy the arts zone, art stations, performances, and food trucks. The main concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. Kidchella will feature a performance of the Academy Award-winning song “Let It Go” from a cast member of Disney’s Frozen, coming to the Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus in 2024. Also, while you’re there, be sure to check out Independence Blue Cross’s Well-being on Wheels for free health screens, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways.

On Sunday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m., the Kimmel Cultural Campus is once again acting as a supporting partner of the Wawa Welcome America Gospel on Independence performance. Taking place in Independence National Historic Park at 6th and Market Streets, join the crowd for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodlin and Zak Williams, showcasing the Six Singing Sista’s Ensemble and the Philly Remembers Choir with special performances by Treena Ferebee, the Generations, and the Eleone Dance Theatre. This year’s performance, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, pays tribute to the 160th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. For more info, visit welcomeamerica.com.