Road closures and other details announced for free New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and city officials have released new details about the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
This event will kick off the nation’s 250th birthday celebration as 2026 begins.
The first-ever free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will feature LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, and more.
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Eakins Oval, with the fireworks display at midnight.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. and no tickets are required.
The city says all guests must enter at Binswanger Triangle, located at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search.
Fireworks will be launched over the Delaware River as they usually are to ring in the New Year. But this year, fireworks will be launched from three barges rather than one, expanding the viewing area for the show.
The following details about public safety, road closures and parking restrictions were also released by the city on Monday:
Public Safety
For the safety of event attendees and participants, unauthorized drone usage is prohibited over crowds by the FAA. If you see a drone at an event, please report it to the nearest police officer with a location and description of the operator.
Attendees should never leave bags or other items unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity, or item (backpack, package, container, etc.), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.
For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.
Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details. Text “NYEPHL” to 888-777 to receive free alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.
Road Closures
Below are the street closures for the upcoming New Year’s Eve Concert and Fireworks.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The following streets will be closed starting at 8 a.m. until approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, unless otherwise noted:
-Benjamin Franklin Parkway inner lanes from 20th Street to Eakins Oval
-Benjamin Franklin Parkway outbound outer lanes from 22nd Street to Eakins Oval
-Eakins Oval (all lanes)
-Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
-23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
-MLK Drive from Sweet Briar Drive to Eakins Oval
-Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m.)
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, unless otherwise noted:
-Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Fountain Green Drive
Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31 to approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, unless noted otherwise:
-Lemon Hill Drive
-Sedgley Drive
-Waterworks Drive
-Poplar Drive
Note: Additional closures may be implemented by the Philadelphia Police Department based on conditions in the interest of public safety. These additional road closures would be implemented at 6 p.m. and reopened immediately following the event:
-Spring Garden Tunnel
-I-676 Off-Ramp at 22nd Street
-I-676 On-Ramp at 22nd Street
-I-76 eastbound Off-Ramp at Spring Garden Street
-22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
-21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Parking Restrictions
The above-listed streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones. Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Additional “No Parking” zones include:
-2200 – 2300 Park Towne Place (north side)
-2200 Pennsylvania Avenue (south side)
Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Public Transportation
Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.
Check SEPTA’s website, septa.org, for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on December 31, visit njtransit.com.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
