America's 250th celebrations in Philadelphia despite extreme heat | Live updates

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Last updated: Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:33PM GMT
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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The birthplace of the nation is celebrating the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday as festivities kick into high gear in Philadelphia.

However, extreme heat is forcing many event cancellations.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for the entire Philadelphia region. Temperatures in the city are expected to be around 100 degrees through Saturday.

For the latest forecast, visit 6abc.com/Weather.

Meanwhile, ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

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Jul 02, 2026, 5:00 PM GMT

List of fireworks in the Philadelphia area

There are dozens of July 4th fireworks displays happening across the entire Delaware Valley.

Philadelphia's will blast off a display fit for the birthplace of America around midnight on July 4, following the One Philly Unity Concert along the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Check out our full list to see where to find them in your neighborhood HERE.

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Jul 02, 2026, 3:48 PM GMT

Road closures for July 4th concerts, events in Philadelphia

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.

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Jul 02, 2026, 3:32 PM GMT

Big Boy 4014: Largest operating steam locomotive in world coming to Philly

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.

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Jul 02, 2026, 3:05 PM GMT

Thursday expected to be busiest day for Fourth of July air travel

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