Philadelphia has a big year coming up: in 2026, not only will the birthplace of American democracy be engrossed in America250 celebrations, but FIFA World Cup games and quarterfinals will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in June and July, and the MLB All-Star Game is set for Citizens Bank Ballpark next summer.
Tickets to these events are highly coveted – and expensive – but the City is partnering with its museums, businesses, restaurants, organizations and attractions to offer a variety of family-friendly activities to celebrate each of the milestones, and many are free.
“It’s active and exciting” for visitors and residents, Maita Soukup, vice president of Experience and Engagement for the Philadelphia Visitor Center, said during a recent announcement about the festivities. “We want you to be a tourist in your own backyard.”
Starting with a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Philly will have 52 weeks of “firsts,” noting milestones that first took place in the city. For example – Philly is home to the country’s first zoo (Philadelphia Zoo), first volunteer fire company (Union Fire Company, co-founded by Benjamin Franklin), first Slinky (it was invented by a naval engineer in 1943 in a Philadelphia shipyard) and first bubblegum production. Philadelphia has the first American flag designed by Betsy Ross, the first reading of the U.S. Constitution, and the first commercial public Girl Scout cookie sale.
Fifty-two podcasts are planned, in addition to 4-foot No. 1 sculptures placed around the Old City District, Saturday activations at different sites, scavenger hunts and social media contests.
“It’s a fun, great way to celebrate our civic pride,” said Vince Stango, executive vice president and COO of the National Constitution Center.
For the Fourth of July, Philly will celebrate early on Thursday, July 2, the date John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail that the nation’s independence was going to be celebrated with fireworks, a parade and pomp and circumstance, said Lesly Attarian, vice president of development for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. There will be a flag raising at the Betsy Ross House, a parade with Radio Flyer wagons turned into floats rolling along Independence Mall, and a block party at City Tavern. Family Days will be held at the National Constitution Center so kids can help create the floats. More free activities include live music throughout the city, picnics and a drone show.
And for more at the NCC, Stango said the museum is currently undergoing a 5-phase renovation of its main exhibit gallery, and Phases 2 and 3 will open next year to celebrate the past while thinking about the present day. Free sponsor days will be open to families and school groups throughout the year.
Other museums around town, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Science History Institute, Arch Street Meeting House and Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, will announce activities soon.
Once Upon a Nation will hold a free storytelling program, with 13 benches spread throughout the historic district where you can meet historical figures who will talk about the impact of the founders of our country. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Franklin Square in the summer. And some of the 300 independent businesses, restaurants and hotels are expected to offer promos, discounts and possibly gift cards.
“We want to make our city and neighborhoods vibrant,” Attarian said.
For continuing updates, visit the websites for Philadelphia Visitor Center or Historic Philadelphia.
Read More:
Your Family’s Guide to Celebrating America’s 250th — From NJ to PA and Beyond
The Best Things to Do in Philly—Whether You’re There for a Day or the Weekend
The Best Free Things To Do in Philadelphia With the Kids
Movie Magic in Philly: Franklin Institute Opens Universal Theme Parks Exhibit
