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 October 15 through October 26

SEE A WORLD PREMIERE SATIRE ABOUT AMERICAN “PROGRESS.” Philadelphia immersive theater company Applied Mechanics and the Christ Church Preservation Trust present the world premiere of RUN BEN RUN, a surreal satire of the stories America tells about itself using drag, choreography, pastiche and an absurd original script. Open through 18 with performances at 2 and 7pm. 16.30-154. 20 N. American Street

EXPLORE EARLY DRINK IN PHILADELPHIA WITH SPIRITS OF INDEPENDENCE. Visit four historic houses for four historic drinks in this installment of the Spirits of Independence – Hill-Physick House – Madeira in Colonial America October 16 from 6:30 to 8pm. Learn the history of Madeira from experts and taste some while you’re at it. This event series sells fast, so keep an eye on the upcoming tour dates! $81.88. 321 South 4th Street

ANCHORS AWEIGH! Commemorate the First U.S. Navy & Marine Corps, established right here in Philadelphia in 1775 with a Firstival at Arch Street Meeting House October 17 from 11am to 1pm, featuring storytellers, giveaways, music, and family-friendly activities. Free. 320 Arch Street

ATTEND THE CULMINATION OF AN INTERDICIPLINARY PUBLIC ART AND ENGAGEMENT PROJECT. After two years of field research, listening sessions, and relationship building, in Puerto Rico and with residents, artists, and culture workers of Norris Square, a neighborhood long at the heart of Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican population, Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz and partner organizations Norris Square Neighborhood Project and Taller Puertorriqueño cap Vámonos Pa’l Monte October 17 from 10am to 4pm with a four-mile processional performance from Center City to Norris Square followed by a short film capturing the artists’ and participants’ creative journey throughout the life of the project, developed by filmmaker Jon Kaufman. Free. Procession begins at 599 Market Street.

BE IN OUR REVOLUTIONARY ERA. On October 17 and 18 from 10am to 5pm, the Museum of the American Revolution presents Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1776, a living history experience that brings you back to the fall of 1776 in the heart of the Revolution. Check out the daily schedule of events here. 14-25+. 101 South Third Street 

KICKOFF READ THE REVOLUTION FOR 2026-2027. The Museum of the American Revolution presents Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Adam Jortner starting at 6pm October 20. Enjoy a cash bar, featured artifacts, and a fascinating talk from Dr. Jortner on his new book, A Promised Land: Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and The Birth of Religious Freedom, followed by a Q&A. Signed book copies will be available, and this event will also be livestreamed! 10-25. 101 South Third Street

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

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN GRASSROOTS ARTISTIC EXPERIMENTATION. Through November 15, Philadelphia’s network of artist-run spaces, DIY venues, and community-based initiatives hosts Collective Futures, a collaboratively organized project bringing together more than 40 independent spaces and organizations across the city through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public programs citywide. Many events are free; locations citywide.

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. 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

SEE AN EXHIBITION THAT ASKS HOW WE DEFINE FREEDOM IN THE 21ST CENTURY. Regional contemporary artists reflect on the shifting meaning of freedom today in the new exhibit at St. Joseph’s Frances M. Maguire Art Museum, Evolving Freedoms: Exploring Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, open  through December 13. Public gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Free; donations are appreciated. 50 Lapsley Lane, Merion

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

SEE A NEW EXHIBIT ABOUT FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. The National Constitution Center’s newest exhibit Pennsylvania’s Founding: How a City and a Colony Shaped America’s Civic DNA, shares the story of how Pennsylvania and Philadelphia helped shape the ideas that would become the foundation of America. Open through January 3, 2027. National Constitution Center hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm.  $2-$14.95. 525 Arch Street

SEE THE CHANGING FACES OF INDEPENDENCE. The Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1900s examines the experiences of immigrant and migrant communities in Pennsylvania during the decades surrounding the 150th and 200th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence. It’s on view at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania through January 8, 2027. Visitor hours are 10am to 4pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 1pm to 7pm on Wednesdays. The exhibit opens with a reception October 1 at 5pm, register to attend here. Free. 1300 Locust 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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