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The countdown is over.

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026 — a little thing called the Semiquincentennial —  Philadelphia is all in, delivering a year unlike any other.

Watch history unfold in real time at the larger-than-life FIFA World Cup 26 and the action-packed MLB All-Star Game.

Discover one of the world’s greatest collections of American art at A Nation of Artists, and celebrate the power of live performance during Art Philly: What Now.

Reflect on America’s milestone while reimagining its future at TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, and experience the nation’s premier Fourth of July bash, Wawa Welcome America.

Be immersed in the 250-year pursuit toward a more perfect union at The Declaration’s Journey, and see a brand-new attraction come to life at the First Bank of the United States — open to the public for the first time in 50 years.

In short: There’s no place on Earth like Philadelphia in 2026.

We’re not the only ones saying it. Editors from Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, CNN, BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, and more all have Philly on their shortlist of places around the world to travel to in 2026.

This is a once-in-a-generation moment. You won’t want to miss it.

HIGHLIGHTS
Highmark Mann 50th Anniversary Shows
Through June 18, 2026Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Mark the Semiquincentennial with four celebratory performances by titans of Philly arts and culture.
ArtPhilly:
What
Now
Through July 2, 2026
A multidisciplinary arts and culture festival makes all of Philly a stage with over 30 original projects.
Universal Theme Parks:
The
Exhibition
Through September 7, 2026The Franklin Institute
Peek behind the curtain of Universal's iconic parks with eight immersive exhibits and 100+ original artifacts.
52 Weeks
of
Firsts
Through December 26, 2026Locations Throughout the City
Honor Philly’s groundbreaking inventions and firsts all year long.
2026 Lineup by Mural Arts Philadelphia
Through 2026
“We the people” celebrate the 250th with art projects, a community parade and iconic new murals.
The
Declaration's
Journey
Through January 3, 2027Museum of the American Revolution
Trace the history of the document that swept the globe, igniting over 100 independence movements worldwide.
A Nation
of
Artists
Through mid-2027Philadelphia Museum of Art & Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Three centuries of American art history are on display in this expansive new art exhibition.
TED Democracy Philadelphia:
Founding
Futures
June 13, 2026Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
A full-day program exploring democracy and what it means to modern society.
FIFA World Cup 26
and FIFA
Fan Festival
June 14 - July 4, 2026
The world’s most electrifying sporting event heads to South Philly.
Wawa
Welcome
America
June 19 - July 4, 2026
Philly’s spectacular Juneteenth to July Fourth celebration gets supersized.
First Bank of the United States
Opens July 1, 2026First Bank of the United States
The historic site reopens for the first time in 50 years with two brand-new exhibits.
MLB All-Star Game
and
All-Star
Week
July 10-14, 2026Citizens Bank Park
The Midsummer Classic returns to Philly for the first time since 1996.
Rocky
Fest
December 2026
Go the distance with an only-in-Philly celebration of America’s favorite underdog.
National Constitution
Center
Gallery Openings
Now OpenNational Constitution Center
History comes to life in a brand-new way with rare artifacts and new galleries.

A Comprehensive Guide to Special 2026 Events in Philly

For a comprehensive roundup of special events for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, click the image below:

A graphic that reads A Comprehensive Guide to America's 250th Anniversary Events & More in Philadelphia

Where to Find Philly Visitor Centers in Summer 2026

To find permanent outposts and pop-up hubs offering restrooms, water, gifts and more, click the image below:

Visitors gather at information counters inside Philadelphia’s Independence Visitor Center, where staff assist guests with trip planning and tickets. Bright signage for Independence National Historical Park and local attractions hangs above the spacious, sunlit lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Getting Around: Tips for Navigating Philadelphia

With so much happening across Greater Philadelphia in 2026, we put together a quick guide to help you get to all the biggest events.

Start here for quick info and then use the rest of the guide to learn the best ways to see the city on foot, by bike, via public transit and more.

SEPTA City Hall Station near Dilworth Park

Join the Celebration: Become a Phambassador

All this awesomeness can’t happen on its own. The Philadelphia Visitor Center and Visit Philadelphia (that’s us!) invite anyone who loves the city to share their Philly pride with the world as a Phambassador.

Throughout the year, Phambassadors volunteer at Philly’s biggest events, plus get exclusive access to special events, a passionate community of fellow Philadelphians and plenty of other perks.

 

See All Content About 2026 in Philadelphia

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Come for Philadelphia. Stay (Over) for Philly.

It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!

Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.

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