Semiquincentennial

2026 permanent changes

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

New documentary, '1776 Seconds,' examines Philly life during America's 250th birthday

City Hall 1776 Seconds

Officials shorten Salute to Independence parade on July 3 over concerns about heat wave

salute to independence parade

America's 250th birthday yields tons of collectibles, but their future value may be hard to gauge

America 250 Collectibles

Contents of America’s Time Capsule revealed ahead of July 4 burial at Independence Hall

America250 time capsule

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

Philadelphia 1776 2026 celebration.jpg

Over 30 Philly hotels to host 'cocktail trail' for America's 250th birthday

Cocktail trail Philly

Philadelphia 250

Historic Union Pacific steam train to visit Philly for Fourth of July

Union Pacific Locomotive

Philadelphia 250

Smith Memorial Playground is collecting letters from kids for a time capsule that won't be opened until 2076

Smith Playground time capsule

Check out these 17 exhibits at Philly museums that honor America's 250th birthday

The Declaration's Journey

Philadelphia 250

Franklin Field, the country's oldest collegiate stadium, has been at the forefront of innovation for 130 years

Franklin Field 1926

Semiquincentennial

City launches app, grant program and business guide to help navigate events around 250th anniversary

Philly 2026 app

Philadelphia 250

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

Block Party Mayor Parker

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

LGBTQ visitor center

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

Summer 2026 tourism investment

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

Trump state of the union

Philadelphia 250

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

Victory 250

Copy of Declaration of Independence from July 1776 to be sold this spring

Declaration Auction

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

bells unveiling 2

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

Greyhound bus terminal in Center City to reopen by May after Parker signs renovation bill

Greyhound station reopening

Continental Army encampment site in Bucks County receives grant for repairs

Washington Crossing House grant

Wall Street Journal names Philly the world's top place to visit in 2026

Philly WSJ 2026

Philadelphia 250

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

2026 coin liberty bell

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

Glen Foerd bell

Philly is looking for a semiquincentennial poster. Here's how to submit a design.

Semiquincentennial poster

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

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

Philly Pride Visitor Center

Philly wants people with disabilities to enjoy 2026 celebrations, but critics say work must be done to ensure access

Disability accessibility 2026

Ahead of America's 250th anniversary, C-SPAN turns its focus to the nation's founding and its progress

C-SPAN Independence Hall

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

Germantown One Pass

Gloria Dei Episcopal Church to restore bell with ties to 1776 celebrations of America's independence

Gloria Dei Bell restoration

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

Parker 2026 beautification

Early Declaration of Independence copy to be displayed at Museum of American Revolution

Declaration of Independence copy

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

Military 250

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

Benjamin Cooper Tavern restoration

The Roots to perform at Dilworth Park on July 18 as Phillies start countdown to 2026 MLB All-Star Game

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

Ahead of 2026 celebrations, Philly again seeks vendor for LOVE Park flying saucer

LOVE Park Saucer

National Constitution Center to open two new galleries ahead of America's 250th birthday

Constitution Center Galleries

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Film crews are shadowing SEPTA police officers for A&E docuseries that will air next year

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