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The 11-day Wawa Welcome America! festival will once again include Wawa Hoagie Day, a sensational celebration of one of Philadelphia\'s favorite sandwiches. (Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America)

Wawa Welcome America continues this week with Wawa Hoagie Day, Wednesday, June 29 from noon-2 p.m.

This year, the event has a patriotic twist. Ed Rendell, in place of Mayor Nutter this year, will join Philadelphia police officers and firefighters, members of the USO, members of the Pennsylvania National Army Guard and Pennsylvania Nation Air Guard, Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers across the Philadelphia region in serving a 4.5 ton hoagie on Independence Mall in front of the Independence Visitor’s Center.

The sandwich will be built in the morning and served at the afternoon celebration. The event will also feature a troops letter writing station and a variety of hoagie-centric activities including a charitable hoagie building competition between Philadelphia police and firefighters and members of the Pennsylvania Armed Guard and the Pennsylvania Air Guard.

Wawa Hoagie Day returned to Philadelphia last summer after a 10-year hiatus. The original Wawa Hoagie Day took place in 1992 at City Hall, with a 500-foot hoagie that was served free to the public.

This year’s event promises even more pop, with its delicious salute to some of the men and women that deserve it most.

Wawa Hoagie Day
When: Wednesday, June 29, noon-2 p.m.
Where: Independence Visitor Center Lawn, 1 N. Independence Mall West
Cost: Free
More info: www.welcomeamerica.com

Previously: Wawa Hoagie Day Returns June 29, Featuring A Gigantic 4.5-Ton Hoagie Served On Independence Mall

Little known fact: City Hall houses a locally sourced art gallery, the latest exhibition of which is on display now. (Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC)

The Department of Alternative Affairs may sound like something from a science fiction film, but don’t expect to find men with black suits and Ray Bans skulking through the office corridors.

Instead, Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy will be bringing you an effusion of artists from local artist collectives Extra Extra, FLUXspace and Little Berlin, all based out of Kensington.

From June 24 through July 29, City Hall will change into a more colorful summer wardrobe, as the Art Gallery in Room 116 transforms into a hotbed of collaboration, inspiration and artistic education.

The Art Gallery at City Hall, or “Art In City Hall” program, launched in June 2010, dedicated to featuring work by arts and cultural organizations from the Philadelphia region. Exhibitions have ranged from off-the-wall furniture design to an exhibition of art and documentary photography inspired by City Hall’s French Second Empire architecture (part of PIFA).

Admission is free!

The Department of Alternative Affairs at City Hall
When: June 24-July 29
Where: Room 116 in City Hall, East Portal Market Street Entrance
Cost: Free
More info: www.littleberlin.org

The Mann Center has hosted sensational headliners in summers past, from Herbie Hancock to Arcade Fire to MGMT to members of the Grateful Dead, but Bob Dylan’s upcoming performance may be one of the most coveted Mann Center concerts ever.

The iconic singer-songwriter Dylan and his band will be performing live at the Mann Center as part of his 2011 U.S. Summer Tour, with special guest Leon Russell, on Wednesday, August 17. Tickets, sure to go fast, are on sale now.

Fun fact: Dylan’s most recent studio album Together Through Life debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 list, making Dylan (age 67 at the time) the oldest artist to ever debut at No. 1.

The Mann Center’s summer series is packed with knockout shows, but this one in particular is bound to deliver.

Bob Dylan at the Mann Center
When: Wednesday, August 17, 7:30 p.m.
Where: 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $29.50
More info: www.manncenter.org

Wawa Welcome America's free, week-long outdoor movie screening series, Philly At The Movies, gets underway this Monday, June 27.
(Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Wawa Welcome America isn’t just about the fireworks and the concerts and the food.

Philly at the Movies, the annual outdoor screening series that’s part of the Wawa Welcome America July 4th celebration, returns beginning this Monday, June 27 with a nightly film through Friday, July 1.

Check out the schedule:

• Best in Show
Monday, June 27, 9 p.m.
Piazza at Schmidts, 2nd and Hancock Streets

• Fame
Tuesday, June 28, 9 p.m.
Dell East, North 33rd Street & W. Dauphin Street

• Rocky
Wednesday, June 29, 9 p.m.
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• The Devil Wears Prada
Thursday, June 30, 9 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square, 225 S. 18th Street

• Hairspray Sing-Along
Friday, July 1, 9 p.m.
Love Park, 15th and Arch Streets

Nothing like an alfresco film to celebrate summertime!

Wawa Welcome America Philly at the Movies
When: June 27-July 1
Where: Locations vary
Cost: Free
More info: www.welcomeamerica.com/philly-at-the-movies

“Thanks to everyone in Philly for a great 6 yrs. What a great city and an awesome place to play.” – Former Flyers Captain Mike Richards on Twitter yesterday after being traded to the L.A. Kings

According to ESPN, Richards, who was a first-round draft pick of the Flyers in 2003, had a total of 133 goals and 216 assists in 453 career games with the Flyers.

We’re sad to see him go, but glad to see he still has love for Philadelphia!

At right, a Richards-specific With Love Letter custom-made for the Flyers’ exciting Stanley Cup playoff run in 2010.

[MRichie18/Twitter]

With all the Wawa Welcome America festivities that are taking place in the area over the next couple weeks, smaller events are sure to get lost in the shuffle. However, don’t let Albert Yee’s new photography show, “Hands That Feed Us” be one of the things that gets misplaced in a heap of other happenings.

Yee is a Philadelphia-area photographer who has spent the last few years deeply entwined in the local food scene (thanks to his work with Reading Terminal Market’s Fair Food Farmstand). This show will features photographs of local farms, farmers, dairies and cheesemakers, and is a must-see for anyone who wants to expand their understanding of just where the food we eat comes from. His work feels very much like our Philly Homegrown campaign.

This show is being hosted by Gravy Studio & Gallery, which is located on Sepviva, between Susquehanna and Dauphin in Fishtown. The photos will be up all month, with a kick-off reception being held on Friday, July 1 (First Friday) from 6:30 – 10 p.m. The Fair Food Farmstand and Flying Monkey Bakery are both donating snacks, so there should be plenty of inspiration for both the mind and the belly.

Hands That Feed Us
When: Friday, July 1, 6:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Gravy Studio & Gallery, 2122 Sepviva
Cost: Free
More info: www.gravystudio.blogspot.com

Wawa Welcome America begins with a bang tomorrow, June 25, with the first of three sets of spectacular fireworks, along with a concert by the legendary Aaron Neville. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

Wawa Welcome America is officially here!

Taste of Philadelphia kicks off the eleven-day July 4th celebration this evening, continuing through Sunday with food from 25+ restaurants and food trucks, cooking demos and live music.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 25, is the first round of free fireworks, complete with a live concert from the legendary Aaron Neville. The music starts at 8 p.m.; the fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.

Bonus: if you’re down in the Historic Philadelphia area early and looking for something to do, hours for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell are extended to 7 p.m. this week, through July 4th. And from 5-7 p.m., tickets are not required!

Check out our top picks for places to watch the fireworks:

• Penn’s Landing: The concert takes place at the Great Plaza (closest intersection is Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Streets), so the Great Plaza is one solid option. Other good spots at Penn’s Landing are anywhere along its southern stretch, from Dock Street to South Street.

• The brand-new Race Street Pier: This is going to be an amazing spot to watch but we recommend you get there early, as it’s probably going to fill up fast. Also keep in mind that alcohol, BBQ and glass containers are not permitted at the Pier.

• Washington Avenue Green: Another new park on the Delaware River Waterfront, at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd, formerly Pier 53.

• Independence Seaport Museum: Watch the fireworks from the Seaport’s balcony; tickets are just $5 after 5 p.m.

• Hyatt Regency Philadelphia: Keating’s River Grill is hosting a Summer Kick-Off Party that coincides with the fireworks. Note: you’ll need a $25 voucher to watch the fireworks from Keating’s (unless you’re a hotel guest), which you can use towards your food and beverage bill. Order $5 margaritas and pina coladas all day and night long.

• Village Belle: Watch the fireworks from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace; Chef Lou Campanaro will be grilling outside from 6-10 p.m.

• The Philadelphia Belle: Celebrate America’s birthday from 40 feet above the water. Enjoy an All-American BBQ & Fireworks Cruise. Board at 7 p.m.; cruise from 7:30–10:30 p.m., Adults: $65; children: $44; Kids under 3 cruise FREE. Tickets are still available online.

• Spirit of Philadelphia: Set sail on the Spirit of Philadelphia for a Fireworks Dinner cruise, with prices starting at $80, including Grande Buffet, DJ bar and unsurpassable views. Board at 7 p.m. and cruise until 10:30 p.m. Book online.

• SugarHouse Casino: The riverfront walkway at the casino will become a festive spot to watch the fireworks. SugarHouse hosts “Jammin’ on the River” Saturdays from 4:30-8 p.m. Tomorrow night features local Tony Terell.

• Penn Treaty Park: Penn Treaty Park’s seven acres of open green space and clean picnic areas provide a great vantage point from which to watch the fireworks.

• Wiggin’s Park: Across the river in Camden, you can get an equally spectacular view of the fireworks from Wiggin’s Park, located near Adventure Aquarium (which closes at 5 p.m. tomorrow) and the Battleship New Jersey. It’s free and open to the public.

• Battleship New Jersey: The Annual Battleship Blast fundraiser launches at 4:30 p.m., with a cocktail reception and dinner (a delicious barbecue, featuring lobster, steak and chicken teriyaki) at 5:30 p.m. and spectacular views of the fireworks show around 9:30 p.m. Entertainment by the Harmony Show Choir complements the experience. Tickets ($200) are still available; call call 1 (866) 877-6262 ext. 127.

Stay tuned for a more detailed guide to watching the July 4th concert and fireworks.

Wawa Welcome America Fireworks and Concert, Round One
When: Saturday, June 25, Aaron Neville concert at 8 p.m., fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: www.visitphilly.com

The cast and crew of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are in town shooting scenes for the hit FX comedy’s upcoming seventh season.

Yesterday they were spotted at 7th and Sansom; today we hear they’re filming near Fitler Square.

If you don’t feel like staking out a spot all day to catch the action live, reference our It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia itinerary for a two-day, two-night guide to experiencing Philadelphia as an It’s Always Sunny castmate.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Itinerary [Visit Philly]

It's a huge summer weekend, including Wawa Welcome America's Taste of Philadelphia, the Wyck Community Food Festival, Clark Park Music and Arts Festival, Manayunk Arts Festival and more. (Photo credits: top and bottom right by J. Smith for GPTMC, bottom left courtesy Manayunk Development Corporation)

Wawa Welcome America officially kicks off today with Taste of Philadelphia, the summer food festival to beat all summer food festivals. Our thorough festival guide is all you need to make your plan of attack; you’ve got tonight, Saturday and Sunday to tackle the 25+ restaurants and food trucks, plus beer tents, chef demos, live music and more!

The Wawa Welcome America eleven-day July 4th celebration continues tomorrow night with the first round of fireworks and concert (Aaron Neville!) at Penn’s Landing. But there’s plenty going on this weekend beyond ringing in the Fourth; check out the annual Manayunk Arts Festival or Clark Park Music and Arts Festival, which should be especially festive as the park just opened last weekend after a nearly year-long hiatus.

Sunday brings outdoor movies with The Awesome Fest at the Piazza at Schmidts, plus a great chance to take in multiple exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Here’s our guide to what’s going on this weekend:

Friday, June 24

Taste of Philadelphia (Fri, Sat, Sun) ** Wawa Welcome America

Wyck Community Food Festival

Martinis On The Portico at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

RISE for HIV/AIDS: Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar’s 50th Fundraiser

Third Street Habit Summer Sale and Breakfast (Fri, Sat)

Summer Kick-Off Parties at Keating’s River Grill (Fri, Sat)

Mummies of the World at the The Franklin Institute

Friday Night Lights

Fridays in Fairmount

Saturday, June 25

Round 1 of Wawa Welcome America Fireworks and Concert: Aaron Neville at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing **Wawa Welcome America

PHLASH Carousel Days

Phillies Red Goes Green eCycle Event

GPTMC Casting Call at the Independence Visitor Center

Clark Park Music and Arts Festival

Mac The Bike: A Mac-N-Cheese Bicycling Tour

40th Street Summer Series: Sun Ra Arkestra and Elegant Cavaliers

Manayunk Arts Festival (Sat, Sun)

Brown Betty Dessert Boutique Summer Block Party

Three Potato Four Barn Sale (Sat, Sun)

BYOD Brunch at Square 1682

Our guide to watching the fireworks ** Wawa Welcome America

Sunday, June 26

Next to Normal at the Academy of Music — Closing Day!

Health for Sale: Posters from the William H. Helfand Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

4th Annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival — Closing Day!

Unsettled: Photography and Politics in Contemporary Art at the Perelman Building

The Awesome Fest at the Piazza at Schmidts

Night Market will be back, and better than ever, in Mt. Airy this August. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

The super popular Night Market, an outdoor evening bazaar featuring some of Philadelphia’s best food trucks and other local food vendors plus local music, is upping the ante with a Mt. Airy edition coming Thursday, August 4.

This third Night Market installment will be a veritable street fair, closing down Germantown Avenue between Sedgwick and Mt. Airy Avenue for an evening of delicious food, great music and vibrant celebration of Philadelphia’s local food community.

Head over to Philly Homegrown for more great images of Night Markets past, plus bottomless information on all things local food.

Night Market: Mt. Airy
When: Thursday, August 4, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Germantown Avenue between Sedgwick and Mt. Airy Avenue
Cost: Free
More info: www.nightmarketphilly.org

Third Night Market to Coming to Roost in Mt. Airy on Thursday, August 4 [Philly Homegrown]