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 celebrations are much more than parades, music, and fireworks on the Fourth of July. 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 August 13 through August 20

THIS FIRSTIVAL IS SO MONEY. The fledgling nation’s first national mint was established right here in 1792. Commemorate with a Firstival August 15 from 11am to 1pm at the Philadelphia Mint. In addition to the free public tour, visitors can join family-friendly activities and a chance to win a prize! Free. 151 N. Independence Mall East

YAR, EARN YOUR SEA LEGS! The Museum of the American Revolution presents Revolution at the Library: Life at Sea! August 15 at noon at the Andorra Library. Learn what life on a privateer ship was like, meet some of Philadelphia’s most famous Revolutionary sailors, learn how to fire a cannon, and help create a tall tale from the high seas. I know this sounds rad, but it’s designed for kids aged 6 to 12. So, just bring them and it won’t be weird. Free. 705 E. Cathedral Road

MEET BETSY ROSS. Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) proudly hosts A Visit with Betsy Ross at LAMP August 18 at 5pm. An interpreter from the Betsy Ross House will discuss her life, including her vision loss. This program will be accessible for patrons with low vision! Please call 215-683-3213 to reserve your spot for this event. Free; space is limited, reservations are required! 1500 Spring Garden Street, Suite 230

LET’S TALK BLACK LITERATURE. On August 19 at 2pm, the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library hosts the latest event in the Free Library’s partnership with Luke McGowan-Arnold and Maurice Rippel’s Rough Drafts podcast, Black American Identity in Contemporary Literature, a discussion on Black literature’s constant grappling with the American identity. 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway

DEVOTE AN ENTIRE WEEKEND TO HIGH TREASON! Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center, and National Treasure Hunt Celebrate Philadelphia’s National Treasure Weekend August 20, 21 and 22. Movies on the Mall is showing National Treasure (2004) and National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) over two nights with special introductions from director Jon Turteltaub and free popcorn. Carpenters Hall is hosting two Heist Nights led by Aubrey Paris and Emily Black, creators of the National Treasure Hunt podcast, book, and tour, who will also be recording an episode of their podcast live with Jon Turteltaub. See the full schedule of events here!

PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITS, AND MORE ONGOING THINGS TO DO TO CELEBRATE THE 250TH

SNEAK INTO INDEPENDENCE HALL. It’s ok, they’re in on it. Independence After Hours invites guests inside the historic landmark for an evening tour away from the crowds followed by a cocktail at a nearby watering hole. Tours are held Saturdays at 5pm through August 29 and depart from Independence Visitor Center. $145. 599 Market Street

CELEBRATE THE CREATIVE SPIRIT OF THE CENTENNIAL FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL. A diverse group of artists, designers, and storytellers born in 1976 whose work reflects the culture, creativity, and experiences that have shaped the city over the past 50 years are featured in the new exhibit, Born on the Bicentennial: Philadelphia Artists of 1976 at Cherry Street Pier, opening with a reception from 5 to 7pm August 7 and on view through August 30. Free. 121 N. Columbus Boulevard

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

TAKE A MINIATURE TOUR OF 18TH-CENTURY PHILADELPHIA. Now through September 3, Morris Arboretum & Gardens presents Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly, a new colonial theme for its signature model train that runs along a third of a mile of track. It’s handcrafted, it’s immersive, and it’s spectacularly detailed. And you can walk under the trestle bridge! $2-$22. 100 E Northwestern Avenue

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

LET FREEDOM RING. The next installation in the Delaware River Waterfront’s public art series this summer is at the entrance to the Cherry Street Pier, where artist Paul Ramírez Jonas has erected a giant bell visitors can ring to play the final note of “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” Let Freedom Ring will be on view through September 27. Free. 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

GET INTO THE SPIRIT(S) OF 1776. Through September 30, over 30 hotel bars citywide are on the Spirit of 76: The Philadelphia Cocktail Trail, offering up themed cocktails and mocktails to celebrate our founding. Even cooler, if you register with Visit Philadelphia and check in as you make your stops along the trail, Visit Philadelphia will donate $2.50 to PHL Cares for each participant check-in (up to $5000). Pay as you go. Check the interactive map for participating locations

LEARN HOW THE MEDIA COVERED THE REVOLUTION. In celebration of America250, The Free Library hosts Evening Editions 250, a unique opportunity to see how local press covered the fight for independence every other Thursday from 2 to 4pm. Free. 1901 Vine Street, room 214. 

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 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

APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY AND HISTORY OF SACRED PLACES. Now through December, Founding Faiths: Historic Sacred Places Celebrate America’s 250th opens the doors to 17 historic churches and synagogues and invites visitors to learn their stories and their role in the Revolutionary era. Free-$100. Various locations.

REVISIT THE 1876 EXHIBITION. The first World’s Fair in North America was held in Philadelphia, attracting millions of visitors. The Centennial Exposition of 1876: Recreated on Market East allows you to experience that event at the historic LITS building now through December Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Free, donations appreciated. 8th and Market Streets

PICTURE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION THROUGH ART. Open now at the Michener Museum through January 10, 2027, The Crossing: Picturing the American Revolution showcases new perspectives on the legendary vision of Washington Crossing the Delaware first painted by Emanuel Leutze in 1851. Works by local, national, and international artists commemorate the 250th anniversary of what might be the most significant event of the Revolutionary War. $0-$15. 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown

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

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