Science History Institute Presents Historical Fireworks, Pop-Up Museum, Fun Giveaways, and More at Wawa Welcome America’s Philly Fair 250
Join us June 20 and 21 in Fairmount Park for a family-friendly celebration that will bring history to life.
As Philadelphia takes center stage for America’s 250th birthday, the Science History Institute is proud to join Wawa Welcome America for Philly Fair 250, a multiday celebration taking place in Fairmount Park’s Centennial District. Produced in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, this free event will bring history to life through a mix of culture, cuisine, music, fireworks, and hands-on experiences.
Free Pop-Up Museum & Activities
Visit the Institute’s pop-up museum on Saturday, June 20 (2–8pm) and Sunday, June 21 (2–6pm), where we will be showcasing our new exhibition, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks, with a series of interactive games, family-friendly activities, and fun giveaways, including free diffraction glasses and light-up fans.
Historic Fireworks Show
Saturday evening will transport audiences back in time with a historically inspired fireworks display featuring temporary architectural set pieces that will burst and explode with shimmering and dazzling color and performance. This rare show is a reimagining of a cross-cultural pyrotechnic tradition that delighted crowds for centuries, but has since fallen out of practice. Sunday night will culminate with an aerial fireworks show that we are more familiar with today. Fireworks will begin at 9:15pm both nights.
Other Cultural Experiences
In addition to learning about the history and science behind the sparkling spectacle of fireworks with the Institute, some of Philadelphia’s other top cultural institutions will also feature interactive exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly activities, including the Please Touch Museum, National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia Zoo, Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Mural Arts, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Shofuso House, Fairmount Park Conservatory, Philadelphia Museum of Art, American Swedish Historical Museum, Free Library of Philadelphia, and Painted Bride.
Live Music & Family Fun
Philly Fair 250 visitors can also take a hot air balloon ride, swing on a trapeze, try cuisine from food trucks representing the original 13 colonies, collect stamps in a PHL Passport from the Philadelphia Airport, and enjoy musical performances by Gerald Veasley’s “Unscripted Jazz Series” and Pink Sweat$. Young guests can dive into Kids World, while attendees 21+ can purchase cocktails in the beer garden. Free treats and drinks (while supplies last) will also be available from Wawa, Herr’s, Rita’s Italian Ice, MadeGood Granola Bites, and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. Other highlights include giveaways and experiences from Bank of America, Independence Blue Cross, Jefferson, Sesame Place, and Netflix House Philadelphia.
Know Before You Go
Please note that the historical fireworks show on Saturday, June 20 at 9:15pm will be a more intimate, up-close experience from the ground. The set pieces will be installed and ignited at the Welsh Fountain in Fairmount Park.
Parking is limited! We recommend taking public transit. The 38, 40, 43, and 64 SEPTA busses all stop within walking distance of the site. The PHLASH bus will also be running and bike parking is available.
Support
Major funding for the Science History Institute’s participation in Philly Fair 250 is provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, with additional support from W. R. Grace & Co.
About Flash! Bang! Boom!
Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks explores the origins of fireworks and the science behind them—from the way they are made, designed, and tested, to how they are sold and ultimately launched into the sky. This sparkling new exhibition is our contribution to America’s nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Major support for Flash! Bang! Boom! has been provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, Maria Maccecchini/Annovis Bio, and Kenan & Andrea Sahin/CAMX Power, with additional support from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Laurie Landeau Foundation LLC & Lew Gasorek, Dan Adams & Manon Cox, Chris Alafi/Bering Capital, Barry Arkles & Janine Black, Peter Bernstein & Ala Hamilton-Day, Cynthia Cai, Michael DeSimone & Susan Hughes, Kathleen Egan & Rod Ferguson, the Fireworks Foundation, Freedom Integrated Energy and Chemical Company, David Martin, Fred & Kimberley Middleton, Mike Oeth, Louise Palmer & Stephen Salzer, Christopher D. Pappas, Margaret H. Rakowsky, Eric Rugart, John Spears, Cheryl Teich, and Fredric & Elizabeth Weber.
Featured image: Gouache painting of C.T. Brock & Co.’s Crystal Palace Fireworks, ca. 1890. Dupee Fireworks Collection, Brown University Library
More News
Science History Institute and Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie Name William R. Newman Winner of 2026 Franklin-Lavoisier Prize
The science historian will be honored for his contributions to the history of alchemy on October 7 in Philadelphia.
Science History Institute Joins ArtPhilly’s Citywide Festival with Unique Museum Tour
What Now: 2026 features artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren, who will tell the history of the climate crisis through the Institute’s collections.
Institute Launches New Museum Tours, Including Touch-Based Program for the Visually Impaired
Unique learning experiences for students, adult clubs, and special groups highlight the science behind minerals, textiles, and fireworks.