Philadelphia to Ring in 2026 with New Year’s Eve Concert and Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced exciting plans Monday for the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration, unveiling a special event that could become a new tradition. In addition to the beloved fireworks show at Penn’s Landing, the city will host a concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to welcome 2026.
The headline act for the concert at the Philadelphia Art Museum will be rap legend LL Cool J. He will be joined by rock band Dorothy, Philly’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, and Technician the DJ. The event is being produced by ESM Productions, who will also manage the spectacular fireworks display on the Delaware River.
This year’s fireworks will be even more impressive, with three barges lined up in the water instead of just one, enhancing the experience for those watching from the waterfront. According to ESM Productions President and CEO Scott Mirkin, the capacity for the concert and surrounding area at Eakins Oval will be about 25,000 attendees.
Safety and Security Measures
The city will uphold standard safety procedures for the event. Gates will open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. Security checkpoints equipped with metal detectors will be set up at Pennsylvania Avenue and Spring Garden Street, as well as at the Binswanger Triangle.
Following the tragic events at New Orleans’ New Year’s celebrations last year, Philadelphia officials are prepared with heightened security. “It’s a challenging two days for us,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel during the Mayor’s press conference at City Hall. “I think that I’ve demonstrated across this city and across this nation, that we can take large events and make them safe.”
Additional safety measures will include bike police officers, sanitation trucks, and other resources similar to those employed at other major public events on the Parkway. Commissioner Bethel also emphasized the importance of public cooperation, warning concertgoers not to bring guns to the event so everyone can enjoy the show safely.
For official updates on the event, residents and visitors can text NYEPHL to 888777 to receive notifications regarding weather or any other important changes.
A Celebration to Kick Off America 250
Mummers joined Mayor Parker and other city officials to celebrate the excitement around the New Year’s Eve events, which will also kick off America 250 — the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration. Over the weekend, The Wall Street Journal named Philadelphia the best place to visit in 2026, highlighting its reputation as a top New Year’s celebration destination.
“Philadelphia has firmly established itself as a New Year’s celebration destination,” Parker said. “Most recently, with our Mummers Parade being named the best holiday parade in the country—a recognition of a tradition that is uniquely Philly and proudly community-driven.”
USA Today recently awarded the Mummers’ Parade No. 1 in the Best Holiday Parades category as part of their Top 10 Readers Choice Awards, an accolade that Mayor Parker described as making her “giddy.”
Braving the Winter Weather
While the city will follow most standard procedures for New Year’s Eve celebrations, shifting the concert from summer to winter presents new challenges. Attendees are encouraged to bundle up for the evening’s festivities.
Mayor Parker, who admitted to not being a fan of the cold herself, said she is working with her team to provide heat lamps for the crowds to help keep everyone warm. LL Cool J, who had previously canceled a July Fourth performance in support of striking District 33 municipal workers, did not request additional compensation to perform in colder conditions, according to the mayor.
Looking Ahead to 2026
“New Year’s Eve is so much more than just a countdown to midnight,” said Michael Newmuis, the city’s 2026 Director. “It’s a countdown to a year that will elevate our great city and our nation. For Philly, 2026 is a year of progress, pride and possibility.”
Newmuis added, “Over the past year, the question I’ve heard most often is, ‘How can I get involved in Philadelphia’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday?’ Well the answer is quite simple: show up and participate. We have plenty of opportunities to do so, starting on New Year’s Eve.”
For those who prefer the venues and fireworks at Penn’s Landing, shows will be held at 6 p.m. and midnight. Multiple barges will stretch down the Delaware River to create an unprecedented spectacle. In a historic moment, the “sister of the Liberty Bell” will be moved from St. Augustine Catholic Church to Cherry Street Pier to ring in the semiquincentennial.
Mayor Parker expressed enthusiasm about the city’s new offerings: “I’m just excited because this is a first for the city. Just hearing people say, ‘Philadelphia has never done this before.’ We are at war with the status quo, and this is an administration and a team where we stretch ourselves and our ability to see our potential. The hope is that it goes so well that we say, ‘Well, this may become something that the city of Philadelphia works to do every year.’”
Stay Connected
Stay informed and connected with all the latest updates on Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and America 250 festivities by subscribing to The Philadelphia Tribune.
—
**Community Guidelines Reminder**
– Keep it Clean: Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually oriented language.
– Turn Off Caps Lock: Avoid USING ALL CAPS.
– Don’t Threaten: Threats of harm will not be tolerated.
– Be Truthful: Do not knowingly spread false information.
– Be Nice: No racism, sexism, or degrading comments of any kind.
– Be Proactive: Use the ‘Report’ link on comments to flag abusive posts.
– Share With Us: Feel free to share eyewitness accounts or history behind articles.
—
**Additional Note on Health Equity**
Dr. Chris T. Pernell, Director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, recently highlighted concerns over cutbacks in funding and research dedicated to Black maternal healthcare, emphasizing the need to address unresolved health disparities that have not improved over time.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philly-releases-plans-to-ring-in-250th-year-of-nation-s-anniversary-with-fireworks-ll/article_174a0ded-5478-4642-92b8-251919b383b5.html
