Philly officials detail New Year’s Eve concert, America’s 250th birthday events

The United States of America is set to celebrate it’s 250th birthday next year and Philadelphia will be the epicenter of the celebration.

And, on Monday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker was set to join city officials to discuss what will be happening in the city during the upcoming year-long celebration, along with talking about the city’s plans for the first ever New Year’s Eve concert — featuring LL Cool J — and a fireworks celebration.

“Philly, I hope you are ready, because I am ready to ring in the new year rocking the bells right here in our great city of Philadelphia,” she said.

In preparing to detail the upcoming events, Parker said that the city will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the county “in a way that only our nation’s birthplace can.”

LL Cool J will headline a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, and, as detailed by Parker, he will be joined by special guests like the legendary DJ and Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grammy-Award winning musician Adam Blackstone, and hard rock band Dorothy.

Gates will open for the free show at 6 p.m. and the concert is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. that night.

A fireworks show will then take place over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at midnight.

“We want the city to feel the excitement, and quite frankly the potential of 2026 from the very beginning,” Parker said.

She also celebrated the fact that, USA Today readers recently voted the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade as the best holiday parade in the country.

“Our Mummer’s Parade! Some recognition of a tradition that’s uniquely Philly and proudly community driven,” she said.

And, she said, with so much planned for next year to celebrate America’s 250th birthday — from FIFA World Cup events to the MLB All-Star Game and other events — the city will be to focus of attention across the country.

With that, Parker said, the city expects an influx of visitors for the celebrations.

“Philadelphia is ready for you,” she said.

The Philadelphia Police Department will be ready for the upcoming events, as well, said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

He noted that police expect New Year’s Eve to be “a challenging two days for us.” But, he noted, the police are prepared for the events.

“We will have all of our assets out to make sure this event goes safely,” he said, noting that there will be a police presence on the ground, in the air and in the water along the Delaware River during the New Year’s Eve event.

For a full list of upcoming events for America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration — including information on FIFA World Cup events, the upcoming MLB All-Star Game and more — visit the city’s website, here.