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 June 4 through June 11

CELEBRATE THE BIGGEST FLAG DAY IN 250 YEARS. The Betsy Ross House celebrates the semiquincentennial Flag Fest June 5 through 14. For 10 days they’re hosting free, family-friendly living history, hands-on activities, music, crafts, and special events between 10am to 5pm, including a Firstival on June 6 from 11am to 1pm. See the full schedule of events here. Free. 239 Arch Street

GET A TOUR OF THE FREE LIBRARY’S EXHIBIT ON THE FREEDOM TO READ. Come to Parkway Central Library June 5 at 10am for a Curator-Led Tour: Book Complaints and the Defense of Intellectual Freedom, covering literary controversies through cultural shifts and historical events. The exhibit is on view through August 29. Free. 1901 Vine Street, Dietrich Gallery

WE KEEP HEARING AMERICA IS GOING TO THE DOGS BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. From June 5 to June 7 between 11am and 4pm daily, the American Kennel Club Celebrates USA 250 at the Navy Yard. Top canine athletes and handlers combine dog sports with our patriotic birthday party featuring food trucks, a kids’ zone, Meet the Breeds, and more. Free. Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad Street

LEARN HOW THE REVOLUTION ALMOST CAME TO BRITAIN. The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Danielle Allen | Radical Duke on June 9 from 7 to 8pm. Allen, a Harvard professor, explains how a renegade English Duke and Thomas Paine almost brought the American Revolution to Britain. $5. 1901 Vine Street

EXPERIENCE AN ALTERNATE HISTORY ADVENTURE. Pig Iron Theatre Company’s Barrymore Award–winning sci-fi adventure Franklin’s Key returns to the Plays & Players Theatre stage June 11 through June 28 with late morning, afternoon and evening performances. Gear up for America’s 250th with an adventure starring Ben Franklin. $39-$80. 1714 Delancey Street

CELEBRATE BICENTENNIAL QUEER DEFIANCE. William Way LGBT Community Center presents This Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976/2026, a new exhibit reframing the Bicentennial as a flashpoint for GBTQ+ activism, protest, and cultural resistance in Philadelphia and featuring the work of three local artists. On view at Huddle Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6pm June 11 through July 3. Don’t miss the opening reception June 11 from 6 to 9pm. Free. 338 Brown Street

ONGOING THINGS TO DO TO CELEBRATE THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL

SEE A COMEDY ABOUT BEN FRANKLIN BEING A DAD. LanternTheater Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of Lloyd Suh’s Franklinland, an endearing comedy of father son conflict with revolutionary consequences, open for afternoon and evening performances through June 7 at St. Stephen’s Theater. $25-$48. 923 Ludlow Street

DON’T ASK ‘WHAT NOW.’ Let ArtPhilly answer that question with What Now? a five week arts and culture fest featuring over 30 experiences looking back at the last two-and-a-half centuries of American life and asking, “What now?” On view through July 2 at venues city wide. Some events are ticketed, free-to-$26. Various locations

SEE A NEW EXHIBIT FROM LOCAL ARTISTS CELEBRATING THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL. InLiquid presents Future/Past/Present, a new multimedia exhibition on view from May 29 through July 11 Featuring works by seven Philadelphia-area artists reflecting on how we evolved as a nation and what we may become. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1400 N. American Street

EXPERIENCE SOME RADICAL AMERICANA. Philadelphia-based ceramic artist, activist, and educator Roberto Lugo’s solo exhibition American Crib: What’s Happening? opens at The Clay Studio as part of their citywide semiquincentennial initiative, Radical Americana. American Crib is an immersive celebration of Lugo’s culture and upbringing in Philadelphia. On view through July 16, gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11am to 5:30pm and from 11am to 5pm on weekends. Free. 1425 N American Street

VIEW MISSION-BASED PRINTSHOP ARTWORK. America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print brings together more than 30 artists from six mission-based printshops to explore civil rights, social justice, racial equality, and political engagement through contemporary art at The Print Center. The exhibition is open through July 25. Gallery hours are 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday. Free. 1614 Latimer Street

TOUR HISTORY IN GERMANTOWN. Historic Germantown’s 26 Walking Tours in 2026 run through the end of June. These guided tours are limited in size, but there is a waiting list if you can’t sign up for your favorite historic site in time. $34. Meets at Lovett Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue

EXPLORE BLACK AMERICAN HISTORY AND IDENTITY. The Barnes Foundation presents Freedom Dreams, a multimedia exhibition by Black artists that deconstructs race, gender, and class in American history. On view through August 9. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. $5-$30. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

VIEW YOUR VISIONS OF LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence is an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians who were asked to share their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition at the Parkway Central Library is part of Printmaking by the People, Philadelphia’s largest 2026 public art and community engagement project inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The exhibit is open through August 2026. Free. 1901 Vine Street

SIT DOWN FOR SOME STORYTELLING. Historic Philadelphia proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches. Professionally trained, costumed interpreters deliver 3- to 5-minute stories filled with historical insights and facts from eight (mostly) outdoor benches all summer until September 7. Free. Various locations in Old City

KICK OFF SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL SUMMER AT THE DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT. Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest is open for the season with Roots of Resilience, an exhibition of bold and beautiful flags created by international artists celebrating Philadelphia’s immigrant history, on view through September 7. The park is open 7 days a week from 11am to 10pm and until 11pm Friday and Saturday. Free. 301 S. Columbus Boulevard

TAKE A FREE TOUR JAWN. Philadelphia250 is celebrating the semiquincentennial neighborhood by neighborhood all summer long with Neighborhood Jawnts.  All tours begin and end at the Independence Visitor Center and run most mornings and afternoons Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Free; registration is required. 599 Market Street

VISIT THE NEW INDEPENDENCE EXHIBIT AT HSP. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s new exhibit Paths to Independence, 1765–1787 explores the development of the independence movement in the colonies in the decade before the Revolutionary War. Opening May 7, viewing hours are 10am to 4pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1pm to 7pm Wednesdays. Free. 1300 Locust Street

SEE A NEW PHILLY HISTORY (AND FUTURE) EXHIBIT AT THE PARKWAY CENTRAL LIBRARY. Philadelphia For the People explores the infrastructure, parks and public art, and more in the City of Brotherly Love’s development by and for the people. Opening May 2 and on view through January 2, 2027 from 9am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday in the Second Floor West Gallery. Free. 1901 Vine 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. 3rd Street

EXPLORE THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The American Philosophical Society’s These Truths: The Declarations of Independence tells the story of America’s founding through early Declaration printings and treasured artifacts. Open April 10 through January 3, 2027. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free, donations welcome. 104 S. 5th Street

VISIT A SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION AT THE BARNES. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an installation of 11 new works by the American artist Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians) at the Annenberg Court on the Barnes grounds explores and interrogates the American experience and its histories. Sky Hopinka: Red Metal Dust at the Barnes opens March 21 and will remain on site until January 18, 2027. Hours are Thursday through Monday from 11am to 5pm. Get some inspiration for your own public art. Free. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

VISIT AN EXHIBIT ABOUT A VITAL FREEDOM. The National Liberty Museum explores the freedom of assembly through iconic events, people, and artwork in its new exhibit The Forgotten Freedom: America at 250. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday from 10am to 5pm. $8-$15. 321 Chestnut Street

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

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. 

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. 

LEARN THE ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACY. The Mütter Museum marks the nation’s 250th birthday with a new special exhibition embracing the College as “the birthplace of American medicine.” Revolutionary Botany examines the origins of the American pharmacy and American botanical medicine. On view through 2026 Wednesday through Monday from 10am to 5pm. $2-$20. 19 S. 22nd Street

SEE THE LATEST EXHIBIT AT INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM. Opening March 20, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America will examine the immediate aftermath of the Revolutionary War from an economic standpoint as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations. Museum hours are 10am to 5pm daily, closed Wednesday. $18-$33. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard

LEARN HOW GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK. The National Constitution Center opens Governing the Nation, a new permanent gallery, on May 15 at 10am. Explore the checks and balances of our three branches of government and how the Constitution has been interpreted, contested, and applied across American history. Free-$19.95. 525 Arch Street

MORE THINGS YOU CAN DO