Philadelphia is gearing up for a grand celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on July 4. This free, six-hour spectacular, open to the public, will take place at the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The star-studded lineup promises an unforgettable experience, featuring an array of acclaimed artists including Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, The Roots, and Jill Scott.

The concert will be hosted by the charismatic Wanda Sykes, adding another layer of entertainment to the event. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Our Fourth of July concert is a historic homecoming for many of our City’s brightest stars.” She emphasized the collaborative effort to unite the vision of the mayor’s office and city leaders with the global broadcast and production of Scott Mirkin, alongside the musical legacy of The Roots and Live Nation Urban, to create an event that celebrates the soul of Philadelphia and the spirit of the nation on a truly global scale.

The impressive roster of performers is further rounded out by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge, and Infinity Song, with anticipation for special guests to make cameo appearances throughout the evening. The production behind this monumental event is spearheaded by executive producers Questlove, Scott Mirkin, and Shawn Gee.

Scott Mirkin shared his perspective on the significance of the event: “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to produce some of the biggest live events in the world, and every experience has prepared us for a moment like this.” He described it as an incredible honor to help create a celebration for America’s 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the country’s story. Mirkin’s goal is to deliver a production experience that feels both global in scale and deeply rooted in the spirit of Philly, ensuring that audiences in the city and worldwide will never forget the live broadcast and performances.

Attendees can look forward to gates opening at 3 p.m. ET, with the show slated to kick off around 5 p.m. ET. The festivities will culminate in a dazzling firework presentation, lighting up the Philly skyline just shy of midnight ET, bringing the celebratory night to a spectacular close. Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera, one of the headliners, has been teasing new music, indicating exciting projects on the horizon, as mentioned in an interview where she stated, “I’m working with amazing people, and it feels more creative and inspiring than ever right now.”