PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In 2026, Philadelphia will be a focal point of celebration all year for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Gov. Josh Shapiro came to town Tuesday to join city officials in announcing a raft of events — some coming as early as this summer.
“Tourism doesn’t just happen once every 250 years,” Shapiro said. “It’s an ongoing effort.”
Organizers of the nation’s Semiquincentennial know they can’t cut corners with a Philadelphia party. That’s why some events are happening sooner rather than later.
In October of 2025 the Navy and Marine Corps will celebrate 250 years.
Officials announced a series of TED Talks about democracy to take place in Philadelphia from July through November.
And starting this year, in fulfillment of founder John Adams’ prediction, Philadelphia will celebrate July 2 — the day the Continental Congress voted to sever ties to Great Britain — with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do.
Adams, the second president of the United States, wrote, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,”
July 4 is the day the Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.
“This gives us a chance to celebrate Philadelphia, to celebrate Pennsylvania, to celebrate this inclusive, tolerant place that we have strived to build,” the governor said.
Of course, in 1776, not everyone in the United States was free. It would take another 87 years before slavery was abolished. That’s why, in 2021, Philadelphia expanded its Fourth of July celebrations to include Juneteenth.
2026 will also be a banner year for major sporting events in the city. Lincoln Financial Field will host a FIFA World Cup match on July 4, 2026. Wells Fargo Center will host March Madness that year. And America’s birthplace will host America’s favorite pastime with the MLB All Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.
“We are ready to show off this city and the commonwealth to the world,” said Shapiro.
The governor says all the action will boost the local economy and give visitors a taste of Philly’s best.
“We’re going to have fans from all over the world coming here to Philadelphia,” he said.
“They’re gonna learn something about our nation. They’re gonna eat great food. They’re gonna sleep in wonderful places. They’re going to have an awesome mass transit system to get around on.”