Annual Wawa Hoagie Day outside the National Constitution Center (Credit: Wawa Welcome America)
PHILADELPHIA – There's an old saying that "there's no such thing as free lunch."
Well, Wawa begs to differ.
Maintaining a company tradition, Wawa is once again giving away free hoagies in celebration of its signature event, Wawa Hoagie Day, scheduled for next Thursday, June 26, at noon outside the National Constitution Center on Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets in Independence Mall .
This beloved Philly tradition has run annually since 1992, when then-Mayor Ed Rendell officially named the hoagie the "Official Sandwich of Philadelphia," and has grown into one of the largest local pre–Fourth of July fanfare events.
To kick off this year’s 16‑day Wawa Welcome America festival, the event will serve thousands of Wawa Shorti hoagies—complete with iconic Pennsylvania-made chips and cookies—at no cost to all guests .
Attendees will also enjoy free entertainment, including performances by groups like the Six String Soldiers, and complimentary admission to the National Constitution Center.
The event’s impact extends beyond simple indulgence, although for everyone who takes advantage of the free Shorti, that's exactly what it is — but Wawa collaborates with Philabundance and other nonprofit partners, distributing thousands of hoagies to food-insecure individuals, including veterans and families.
In 2024 alone, 25,000 hoagies—weighing in at 7 tons—were given away, with 10,000 earmarked for community-focused distribution . Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens emphasized that Hoagie Day is "about uniting our community, spreading positivity, and saluting those who serve."
As Wawa Hoagie Day coincides with National Hoagie Day and precedes the Fourth of July, it has become a cherished Philadelphia rite of summer, blending free food with local pride, public service, and family-friendly entertainment.
Quick Facts:
What: Wawa Hoagie Day – free Shorti hoagies, chips, cookies
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Where: Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in Independence Mall
Extras: Live music (Six String Soldiers), free National Constitution Center admission, charity distributions
For more details on events surrounding Fourth of July in Philadelphia, visit the Wawa Welcome America website.
