LL Cool J to Headline Free New Year’s Eve Celebration in Philly

The holidays just got a little brighter!

Don’t call it a comeback. Hip hop icon LL COOL J is ringing in the new year with the city of brotherly love in a major way, headlining a free New Year’s Eve concert on Philadelphia’s iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, NBC Philadelphia reports. The outdoor celebration is set for Wednesday, Dec. 31, and marks the city’s first-ever New Year’s Eve concert on The Parkway as Philadelphia kicks off celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The night is stacked with talent and hometown pride. Legendary DJ and Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff will hit the stage alongside Grammy Award-winning musician Adam Blackstone and hard rock band Dorothy, setting the tone for a genre-spanning celebration that reflects the city’s rich cultural legacy. Gates open at 6 p.m., the concert begins at 8 p.m., and a fireworks show will light up the sky at midnight as the city officially welcomes 2026.

“Philadelphia is thrilled to welcome everyone to our vibrant city as we celebrate New Year’s Eve and kick off the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. This free concert and fireworks showcase the incredible spirit of our community and the cultural legacy that Philadelphia embodies,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. “We are honored to have LL COOL J as our headliner, bringing his unmatched talent and energy to The Parkway, with special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone and Dorothy. Join us for Philly’s first-ever New Year’s Eve outdoor concert as we kick off 2026 in America’s Birthplace—this is truly the place to start our celebration of this historic anniversary!”

For LL COOL J, the moment carries extra meaning. The hip hop legend was originally set to headline the 2025 Wawa Welcome America concert on the Parkway on July 4th, but stepped away the night before in solidarity with members of AFSCME District Council 33 who were on strike at the time. Jazmine Sullivan also withdrew from that performance in support of the union. The workers later reached a new contract with the city, ending a strike that had impacted trash pickup and other services across Philadelphia. Now, LL is back to finish what he started.

“Philly, don’t call it a comeback. We’ve got unfinished business. Shout out to the Mayor for the invitation! Meet me on the Oval this New Year’s Eve as we bring in 2026—live,” LL COOL J said.

Born James Todd Smith and based in Queens, New York City, LL COOL J, which stands for Ladies Love Cool James, is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in hip hop history. A pioneer of commercial rap success in the 1980s and a flagship artist of Def Jam, he has released 14 studio albums across five decades, beginning with his 1984 debut, Radio, and most recently, The Force in 2025. His career includes multiple platinum and gold albums, top ten Billboard Hot 100 singles, and timeless records like Rock the Bells, I’m Bad, I Need Love, Around the Way Girl, Mama Said Knock You Out, and Hey Lover.

Beyond music, LL has built an equally impressive legacy in film and television, with roles in Krush Groove, Deep Blue Sea, Any Given Sunday, SWAT, and more. He starred in the 90s sitcom In the House, hosted Lip Sync Battle, and spent years leading NCIS: Los Angeles. His impact has been recognized at the highest levels, including two Grammy Awards, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, and a historic induction as the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors in 2017.

As the clock counts down and fireworks soar above the Parkway, Philly is set to welcome the new year with a living legend, a powerful lineup, and a celebration rooted in culture, resilience, and joy.

Cover photo: LL Cool J to Headline Free New Year’s Eve Celebration in Philly/Photo credit: CBS TV/LL Cool J/Instagram