2026

2026 permanent changes

While Philly's marquee events are over, some improvements the city made for 2026 are here to stay

Ahead of the semiquincentennial, here's a look back on life in Philly in 1776

Philadelphia 1776 2026 celebration.jpg

Philly could earn up to $4 back for every $1 spent on 2026 events, controller says

Summer 2026 tourism investment

City unveils 22 Liberty Bell replicas that local artists designed to pay tribute to Philly neighborhoods

bells unveiling 2

Philadelphia Flower Show to dig into the history of gardening in America

Entrance Garden 2 PHS

Continental Army encampment site in Bucks County receives grant for repairs

Washington Crossing House grant

Replica Liberty Bells to tell the stories of 20 Philly neighborhoods in 2026

Glen Foerd bell

Independence Hall to close for two months for renovations to prepare for 2026 festivities

Independence Hall closing 2026

Herr's holds chip contest for America's 250th birthday, featuring flavors that embody freedom, liberty and unity

Herr's 2026 contest

Committee says picking 52 Philly-based firsts for yearlong 2026 event was tough, but it's 'proud' of its final list

52 weeks of firsts

Philadelphia Zoo is adding a 110-foot Ferris wheel ahead of 2026

Zoo Ferris wheel

Philly to open LGBTQ+ visitor center in the Gayborhood ahead of 2026 events

Philly Pride Visitor Center

Germantown to offer pass that gives access to 9 historic neighborhood sites

Germantown One Pass

Philly airport shares its plans to spend $500 million on upgrades ahead of 2026

state of the airport 2025

Philly's 2026 plans include walking tours, block parties and Liberty Bell replicas

Parker 2026 beautification

18th-century tavern in Camden begins inside restorations to turn into American Revolution museum

Benjamin Cooper Tavern restoration

Franklin Institute theme park exhibit, opening in 2026, will let visitors build roller coasters

Franklin Institute exhibit

Phillies owner John Middleton's art collection to be on display at show opening next year

Jasper John's Flag painting.jpg

Family-Friendly

Citizens Bank Park to host block party to rally fans for 2026 MLB All-Star Game and World Cup

Phillies Block Party

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stops by City Council, pledges $1 million to Philly and says 'Go Birds!'

Giovanni Infantino.jpg

Philly will host an event every week in 2026 to mark a different historic first — from the zoo to the Slinky

52 weeks firsts philadelphia

Portal in LOVE Park will be back online in 'a matter of days' and then move elsewhere in Philly

Portal new location

250 new cherry blossom trees to be planted in Philly ahead of city's 2026 semiquincentennial celebrations

Cherry blossoms

DJ Jazzy Jeff creates Philly theme song for the 2026 World Cup

Looking ahead to Philly's busy 2026, leaders allocate $45 million for planning, beautification and security projects

Lemon Hill FIFA 2026 budget

Just In

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Openings and closings: Poe teases a new sandwich joint and a consignment store is coming to Manayunk

Poe's Dev. Roundup

Upcoming events in Philly

Stock Philly Skyline in Summer

Philly reports its first West Nile Virus cases of 2026; here's how to avoid mosquito bites

west nile virus 2026 mosquito

Christmas Village shoppers no longer will be allowed inside booths

Christmas Village accessibility

A 'spectacular' nurse

IBX Sunshine Award

5 Sixers thoughts: Mike Gansey talks Jaylen Brown trade and LeBron James signing amid transformational summer

Gansey 8.7.26