Road closures announced for Philadelphia New Year's Eve concert, fireworks
Philly's Free NYE Concert: Preparation Underway
Philadelphia is preparing to ring in 2026 with a bang, featuring a first-ever New Year's Eve concert and the largest fireworks display the city has ever seen.
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia will ring in the new year with free fireworks and a concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway headlined by LL Cool J.
The city has announced road closures and parking restrictions surrounding the event that will take effect on New Year's Eve.
When does the concert start?
What we know:
The free New Year's Eve concert will start at 8 p.m. with performances by LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy, and Technician the DJ.
Fireworks will light up the Philadelphia sky at midnight.
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Free New Year’s Eve concert in Philly with LL COOL J announced
It’s official, LL COOL J will help Philadelphia ring in the new year as the city and Mayor Parker announced a free New Year’s Eve concert will occur on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Preparations for the big night
City leaders are pulling out all the stops for New Year's Eve.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel emphasized the comprehensive security measures in place.
"You will see very much the same posture you see for the events we have on the parkway," said Bethel. "We'll have eyes in the skies as well as our helicopters will be deployed."
Economic impact and safety measures
The city anticipates a significant economic boost from the celebrations, and for that to continue in 2026.
Jennifer Nagle, Vice President of External Affairs and Special Projects at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlighted the economic significance. "New year's isn't just a celebration. It's an economic engine," said Nagle.
Dominick Mireles, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, assured that safety plans are well-rehearsed, and a collaboration with state, local, federal, and regional agencies.
"We have some pre-designated triggers and plans God forbid we find ourselves dealing with something," said Mireles.
Mayor Cherelle Parker is advocating for heat lamps at the concert to combat the cold, urging attendees to plan accordingly. To stay informed, residents can text "NYEPHL" to 888-777 for alerts.
Road closures
Local perspective:
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.
- 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
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
What we know:
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.