Philadelphia 250

Block Party Mayor Parker

The city wants to turn your block party into a celebration of America's 250th birthday

Flashlight tours and crafts headline Family Fun Night at Constitution Center

Flashlight Tours Constitution Center

Another 250 cherry blossom trees are nearly all planted in Philly, just in time for the annual festival

Cherry blossom trees

Philadelphia 250

Pope Leo XIV to deliver speech on America's founding ideals as part of Philly's July 4th celebrations

Pope Leo XIV

76ers, Comcast pause demolition of Market East buildings, allowing for summer pop-up shops

Market Street Summer

Philadelphia 250

175 years ago, the world's first medical college for women graduated its inaugural class in Philly

Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania

Brew N’ History Tour will bring beer and Revolutionary stories to Christ Church Burial Ground

Burial History Tour

The Museum of the American Revolution will turn spring break into two weeks of interactive history

Visitor poses in The Declaration's Journey selfie station

Philadelphia 250

Old City's reenactors charm tourists with tidbits of American history. But first they undergo a weekslong training course

Benstitute actor training

LGBTQ+ visitor center to help tourists plan itineraries, purchase tickets and find destinations

LGBTQ visitor center

President Trump gives nod to Philly's history during State of Union address focused on economy, immigration

Trump state of the union

Carpenters’ Hall adds monthly food tastings to after-hours whisky tours

Whisky Tour #3.jpg

Will the 'Trump slump' in U.S. tourism continue in 2026 and keep World Cup fans away?

Tourism FIFA trump

Philly Phlotilla will bring 100 kayakers to the Schuylkill for America250 celebration this summer

SRG Paddlers Philly Phlotilla

Philadelphia 250

In 1688, a group of immigrants in Germantown drafted the first petition against slavery in America

first slavery petition

Philadelphia 250

Victory Brewing is making a beer for America's 250th birthday

Victory 250

Black History Month

African American Museum plans special events for Black History Month

Lottery for Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run runs Feb. 1-13

2023_Broad_Street_Run_file_4.original - Edited

Eastern State marks America’s 250th with yearlong ‘A Time for Liberty’ series

Eastern State - A Time for Liberty

A fireworks history exhibition is coming to Old City for America’s 250th

Science History Institute - Fireworks

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is offering a $500 behind-the-scenes tour of areas usually closed to the public

Philadelphia Zoo - Rhinos

Philadelphia 250

The first professional basketball league formed in Philly in 1898, but the game didn't look anything like it does today

NBL sculpture Philly

Philadelphia 250

Philly invests $11.5 million for graffiti removal, murals and landscaping ahead of 2026 events

tree-of-life mural

LL Cool J, who dropped out of Welcome America, to perform free New Year's Eve concert on the Parkway

LL Cool J NYE Concert

Philadelphia 250

U.S. Mint releases new coins for America's 250th anniversary. Will they become prized among collectors?

2026 coin liberty bell

New book series highlights untold stories and unsung heroes that helped shape Philly region

penn press books

Board a battleship or watch a maritime procession to mark 250th anniversary of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps

Military 250

Think you know about the Declaration of Independence? This July 4 quiz may humble you.

Independence Hall Quiz

Six-story art project to open in former Manufacturers' National Bank building in Old City in 2026

Ministry of Awe

Just In

Must Read

Mayor Parker proposes increase to rideshare tax to fund schools

School district funding

Spring Blooms returns to Longwood Gardens

Flower Garden Walk at Longwood Gardens

Children's Health

Fast fashion clothing may put children at risk of lead exposure, study finds

Lead Clothing Dye

Mahershala Ali to play a DEA agent on the next season of 'Task'

Mahershala Ali Task

NCAA Basketball

Villanova men slip to 8-seed in NCAA Tournament, women a 10-seed

Villanova-basketball-march-madness-mascot_031526