This year, the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding. The American Revolutionary War was fought between April 1775 and September 1783, though the war for independence wasn’t “formalized” until the next year, when the Second Continental Congress, right here in Philadelphia, passed the Lee Resolution for Independence on July 2, and adopted the Declaration of Independence at what is now known as Independence Hall on July 4, 1776. Philadelphia’s unique place of honor in American history centers the celebration of this milestone in our streets, squares, and parks.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations promise to be the party of a lifetime. Or at least, one not seen in at least 50 years. Throughout 2026, institutions and organizations around the Greater Philadelphia area are marking the semiquincentennial with art installations, theater, exhibits, performances, storytelling, and much more. Each week, The Philadelphia Citizen is highlighting events that exemplify what we stand for: good citizenship, civic engagement, and the celebration of everything that makes Philly the greatest city in America.

For literally everything happening around our semiquincentennial, check out Visit Philly’s comprehensive list: A Once-In-A-Lifetime-Year: Philly’s Signature 2026 Events.

Celebrating the semiquincentennial February 12 through February 19

CAN YOU DO 250,000 THINGS FOR 2026? Philadelphia Zoo is challenging everyone to help it complete 250,000 Actions for Animals before the end of 2026. You may already be doing these things in your neighborhood if you’ve been keeping up on your things to do each week to make a better city, but there are more ideas here for you to make the world a better place for us and them, many of them at the Zoo. 

COME TO OPENING DAY FOR A NEW INTERACTIVE HISTORY EXHIBIT. The National Constitution Center is hosting a special Presidents Day weekend opening on February 13 for America’s Founding, an interactive exploration of the drafting, ratification, and adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. $2-$19.95

CELEBRATE THE FIRST ORGANIZED CALL FOR FREEDOM. On February 14 from 11am to 1pm, the African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts a Firstival to celebrate the first American abolitionist society, launched in Philadelphia in 1775. Hear storytellers recount the society’s origin story. Free; registration is required. 701 Arch Street

CATCH A COMMISSIONED SOLO VIOLIN PERFORMANCE.  Penn Live Arts’s America Unfinished series continues with Johnny Gandelsman: This is America February 14 at 7:30pm Christ Church and February 15 at 3pm at Prince Theatre. Gandelsman’s This is America is an ever-growing collection of commissioned works by U.S. composers that reflect on society’s rupture and disconnection. $55. 20 N. American Street and 1412 Chestnut Street

SPEND PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND AT THE MUSEUM. The Museum of the American Revolution has planned a series of hands-on demonstrations, discovery carts, pop-up talks, crafts, and more for Presidents Day Weekend 2026 so you can discover lesser-known stories of our presidents. February 14, 15, and 16, from 10am to 5pm. $14-$25. 101 S. 3rd Street

ATTEND THE FESTIVAL OF MANY COLORS OPENING RECEPTION. Come to the Mummers Museum February 17 from 6:30 to 9pm for the Festival of Many Colors Opening Reception featuring a panel discussion with leaders of the Mummery, Caribbean Carnival and Carnaval de Puebla traditions moderated by WHYY Bridging Blocks plus refreshments and entertainment. The Mummers Museum Festival of Many Colors is an event series combining three Philadelphia traditions of bright colors, costumes, and public celebration to mark the semiquincentennial. Free, register here. 1100 S. 2nd Street

ONGOING THINGS TO DO TO CELEBRATE THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL

CREATE A BADGE. Are you looking for a neat new profile pic? Something current to tack onto your email signature? How about a cool Philly themed window-decal (while supplies last?) Visit Philadelphia’s Make a Custom Badge has you covered. Check out mine above. Free. 

LEARN ABOUT THE NATIVE PEOPLES WHO LIVED HERE BEFORE US. The Penn Museum celebrates the first Americans with an expansive new gallery, Native North America. Long before colonists from Europe began settling in what would become America, Indigenous civilizations thrived. This exhibit explores their political, religious, linguistic, and artistic self-determination. Museum Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. $14-$23. 3260 South Street

VIEW THE ICONIC WORK OF SAM MAITIN. We the People: Sam Maitin features banners, prints, and more from the celebrated muralist, painter, graphic designer, and community activist on exhibit at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts through February 21 during box office hours: 11am to 4pm Monday through Friday. Free. 3680 Walnut Street

ATTEND A NEW EXHIBIT ABOUT INDEPENDENCE. Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s is on view at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania through April 24. Learn how the make-up of who is an American has changed since the American Revolution. Free. 1300 Locust Street

FOLLOW THE DECLARATION’S JOURNEY. The Museum of the American Revolution presents The Declaration’s Journey, an exhibit exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. The exhibit is open to the public through January 3 2027 daily from 10am to 5pm. $14-$25. 101 S. Third Street

MORE THINGS YOU CAN DO