It’s finally here, Philly! The 250th anniversary of America’s Independence is being celebrated right here, and we have a lot of things to do. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Wawa Welcome America rolls out events, parties, and discounts at our museums and galleries all week until the big Unity Concert for America and fireworks on the Parkway.

The The Philadelphia Visitor Center, Shoprite, and Independence Visitor Center are throwing a birthday party for the U.S. with cupcakes! America 250 is burying a time capsule, the Philadelphia Freedom Band performs at the Museum of the American Revolution, and Red, White, & Blue to Do returns with a day of festivities and the parade.

The Sound of America brings a rocking Ben Franklin to life at FringeArts, Our roving Master Magician Robert Malissa performs a live show before heading overseas with his talents, and BKFC’s Liberty Brawl comes to Xfinity Mobile Arena.

A new exhibit on faith opens at Eastern State Penitentiary, Parks on Tap comes to Schuylkill Banks, and the Navy Yard welcomes guests to a new park at Pier 1

The World Cup wraps up this week, and it has been a great time for the city and our thousands of international guests. GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!

• • • • Things to do this week
      • Things to do this weekend
      • Ongoing things to do

Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY

Wawa Welcome America, Parks on Tap, magic show, The Sound of America, faith exhibit at Eastern State Penitentiary, Red, White, & Blue To Do, Pier 1 at the Navy Yard, BKFC’s Liberty Brawl

CELEBRATE JULY 4 FOR LIKE, SEVERAL WEEKS. This year’s Wawa Welcome America Festival has kicked off with block parties, guest speaker events, free movies and museum days, and concerts, culminating in the big July 4 concert and fireworks on the Parkway. Events are city wide, some are ticketed but many are free. The full schedule is here. Free-$25+. Locations citywide. 

CATCH THE BEST BEN FRANKLIN MUSICAL EVER. The New Ben Franklin Rock Musical (A True Story!) The Sound of America opens July 1 through August 1 at FringeArts. This epic rock musical about Philadelphia’s most famous resident doesn’t end at curtain call. Attendees are treated to a 5-minute musical walking tour of historic Philadelphia led by the show’s Benjamin Franklin. All royalties for this production go to Teen Cancer America, a partner of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. $60-$76. 140 N. Columbus Blvd 

DRINK BEER ON THE RIVER. Parks on Tap comes to Schuylkill Banks  July 1 to July 5 from 4 to 10pm (noon to 10pm Saturday and Sunday). The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 4300 Silverwood Street

SEE THE NEWEST EXHIBIT AT EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY. Freedom through Faith: Judaism at Eastern State and Beyond opens July 2 as part of the historic site’s A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future program for the semiquincentennial. The new exhibit showcases how religious freedom was represented and practiced at America’s first penitentiary. Museum hours are 10am to 5pm daily and through August 1, Saturdays from 6 to 9pm. $10-$21. 2027 Fairmount Avenue

FULFILL JOHN ADAMS’S WISH. Red, White, & Blue To Do takes over our Historic District July 2 with a full day of concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and more. The Pomp & Parade kicks off from the National Constitution Center at 11am, and the brand-new Independence Illumination Drone Show lights up at 9pm. Free. Various locations

COME TO THE OPENING OF A NEW WATERFRONT DESTINATION. Join the Navy Yard July 2 from 11am to 2pm for a welcome event to celebrate the opening of Pier 1 Park with food trucks, ice cream, merch giveaways, and a peek at the on-site Little Free Library. Free. 5200 S. Broad Street

MAKE THE CASE FOR MAGIC. Philly’s award-winning magician Robert Malissa is prepared to demonstrate the ancient and mysterious art of deception July 2 and 3 at 7pm at Arden Theater’s Hamilton Family Arts Center with A Case for Magic: For Lovers of Magic and Their Ambivalent Friends. This is your chance to catch him before he heads to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August. $22.80-$34.20. 62 N. Hamilton Street

SEE SOME FIGHTS. BKFC’s Liberty Brawl is coming to Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 3 at 8pm. Nine bare knuckle fights are lined up on the main card with free fights TBA. $56-$216. 3601 S Broad Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Unity Concert for America, time capsule, birthday party at the Visitor Center, Philadelphia Freedom Band

ATTEND THE BIGGEST PARTY IN AMERICA. We are celebrating our country’s 250th birthday the only way: in the city in which it was born at The City of Philadelphia’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America July 4 at 3pm. The concert features live musical performances by Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Meek Mill, Jordan Davis, The Roots, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kathy Sledge, State Property, Seal and more, and is hosted by Wanda Sykes. more, followed by fireworks at 11:45pm. Free. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

BE THERE FOR A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION HISTORIC EVENT. On July 4, 2026, the America 250 Time Capsule will be ceremonially buried at Independence National Historical Park, where it will remain sealed for 250 years. Check out what’s in it here. Free. Independence Mall near the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets where the future Join or Die sculpture will be erected.

GO TO AN AMERICA BIRTHDAY PARTY. The Philadelphia Visitor Center, Shoprite, and Independence Visitor Center will host Birthday Party in the USA July 4 from noon to 3pm complete with 5000 patriotic cupcakes, entertainment, activities, and special guests: former Miss Philadelphias! Free. 599 Market Street

ATTEND A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE FOR DECLARATION DAYS. On July 5 at 11am The Museum of the American Revolution hosts the nonprofit LGBTQIA+ community Philadelphia Freedom Band at the Museum Plaza for a free performance to close out its Declaration Days events. Free. 101 South Third Street

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

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 through July 3. Don’t miss the opening reception June 11 from 6 to 9pm. Free. 338 Brown Street

OPEN WIDE FOR SOME SOCCER! Philadelphia hosts six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 global soccer tournament at Lincoln Financial Field from June 14 through July 4. If you weren’t lucky enough to snatch tickets, there’s also the 39-day FIFA Fan Festival taking over Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, featuring one million square feet of World Cup celebration and free admission. $180-$1500+. One Lincoln Financial Field Way

SEE A TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL ABOUT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH. Arden Theatre Company presents Dear Evan Hansen, open through July 5 with 2pm and 7pm performances. The six-time Tony Award-winning contemporary musical tells the story of a young man struggling with depression and anxiety. Expect mature themes and strong language. $37-$76. 40 N. 2nd Street

IMPACTED BY PARKINSON’S? Barnes Create & Connect is a free workshop series for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners supporting connection through art and creative expression held select Saturdays April through June from 10am to noon. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Free; registration required. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

VIEW A NEW EXHIBIT ON THE ART AND HISTORY OF AMERICAN FURNITURE. Open through July 26 at The Museum for Art in Wood, BA Harrington’s exhibition Suite Américaine brings to life the history of American furniture making through the lens of a contemporary feminist imagination. Museum hours are Wednesdays Through Sundays from 11:30am to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street

HANG OUT AT READING TERMINAL.  The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson opens with a celebration June 8 at 11:30am and stays open daily from 11am to 7pm until August 2. Reading Terminal’s expanded pedestrian-friendly space welcomes live music, local vendors, sponsored activities, and a Molly Malloy’s bar. Pay as you go. 1100 block of Filbert Street

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

DON’T MISS THE 200-FOOT LONG DRAGON. You’d think that’s impossible, but you will if you don’t hit the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, open through August 16 from 6 to 11pm nightly. In addition to the spectacular light displays, there’s food, fountain shows, and live performances. $16-$29. 200 N. 6th Street

SIP IN CENTER CITY. Philly’s “favorite happy hour’ Center City SIPS begins June 3 and continues every Wednesday through August 26. Dozens of bars and restaurants are offering exclusive discounts weekly from 5 to 7pm: $8 cocktails, $7 wine, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. Select locations will offer 15 percent off dinner after 7pm. Pay as you go.

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 sharing 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

KICK OFF SUMMER ON THE WATERFRONT.  Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest are open for the season. Enjoy roller skating, outdoor boardwalk games and rides, mini-golf, and great food and drinks seven days a week through September 1 (and later for Spruce Street Harbor Park). Pay as you go. 101 and 301 S. Columbus Boulevard 

SEE 1,000 WORKS OF ICONIC AMERICAN ART. Whispered about among art aficionados for years, the Middleton family’s (yes, those Middletons, who own the Phillies) massive, dating-back-150-years collection makes it public debut at two venues, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA is open Thursdays through Sundays only). A Nation of Artists is on view from September 5. $10-$30. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 128 N. Broad 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

SEE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A UNIQUE EXHIBIT. The Franklin Institute’s new Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition explores theme parks through the lens of Universal’s greatest attractions like Jaws, NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World, and more. Open through September 7, museum hours are 9:30am to 5pm daily with added evenings Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8pm. $23-$65. 222 N. 20th Street

NEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO SIPS? Fishtown TAPS takes place every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm through September 29, offering a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, along with appetizer specials to neighborhood favorites across Fishtown. Pay as you go. Various locations throughout Fishtown.

SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall through October 16. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes. Free. Various locations. 

VIEW SELECTIONS OF JESSIE KRIMES’S WORK. Mural Arts Philadelphia and The Fabric Workshop and Museum present Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts, on view through November 1. Museum hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free, donations suggested. 1214 Arch Street

FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season May 15 with tours at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and off-beat Old City locations on the tour. Philly Magic tours also partners with local charities on passes and group outings for fundraisers and free tours for deserving school classes. $32.40. Tours meet behind the Bourse near 4th and Ranstead streets

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 

LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY