Live updates: Philadelphia celebrates July 4th and America's 250th birthday

The City of Philadelphia has released a list of road closures ahead of the many events taking place across the city to celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4.

The Wawa Welcome America Festival runs June 24 through July 4, bringing visitors from all over the country to celebrate these historic events in Philadelphia.

Festival events will include concerts on Independence Mall, fireworks, neighborhood block parties, Wawa Hoagie Day, free museum days and a parade featuring representatives from all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The City encourages residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors to plan ahead and stay informed about transportation impacts and event updates. To receive alerts, text AMERICA to 888-777.

See list of road closures HERE.

Train enthusiasts will be waiting along the tracks to watch a historic locomotive pass through our region.

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is chugging along the East Coast to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is chugging along the East Coast to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

It's the largest operating steam locomotive in the world.

RELATED: Big Boy 4014: World's largest operating steam locomotive coming to Philadelphia for America 250

The conductor will say "all aboard" in Jim Thorpe and then make stops in Reading and Pottstown Thursday.

The locomotive will then be on display at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia on July 4-5.

For the full schedule, visit the Union Pacific website. You can even track Big Boy along its tour online HERE.

Thursday is expected to be the busiest day for air travel during the July 4th holiday.

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles for the holiday.

The FAA says it will handle more than 52,000 flights Thursday, and TSA expects to screen more than 3-million passengers.

Some 93,000 of those passengers are expected at Philadelphia International Airport.

The majority of people are still expected to drive to their destinations.

RELATED: 4th of July travel expected to hit record high: Busiest days to fly and drive

History came to life as 250 people formed the shape of the Liberty Bell on Independence Mall Thursday.

History came to life as 250 people formed the shape of the Liberty Bell on Independence Mall Thursday

It is the beginning of a busy day of Fourth of July holiday celebrations, including a parade, in Philadelphia.