Red, White & Blue To-Do Brings All-Day Festivities to Philly on July 2

What to Expect for 2026

Since Philadelphia’s inaugural Red, White & Blue To-Do three years ago, museums, historic attractions and other businesses around Philadelphia’s Historic District have come together annually to celebrate on July 2.

This year’s July 2 celebration promises to be the biggest yet, kicking off at 7 a.m. with non-stop action until 10 p.m. Throughout the day, explore Historic District museums offering special programming: like a scavenger hunt at Independence Seaport Museum; colonial chocolate making at the Betsy Ross House; and a special appearance by Wonder Woman at Franklin Square.

Here’s a run-down of the day’s activities:

Living Liberty Bell

7 a.m. | Independence Mall

The day kicks off with 250 people — including Miss America and all 53 Miss America delegates — gathering on Independence Mall to form the outline of the Liberty Bell.

Flag Raising

9 a.m. | Betsy Ross House

The bells ring as the official flag raising at the Betsy Ross House (with Betsy herself) signals that museums have opened and the party has begun.

  — Photo by Shoot from Within Photography

Visit Historic District Attractions

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | From the Delaware River to 7th Street, and from Vine Street to Lombard Street

See special activations and enjoy extended hours at several local museums and attractions throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District. Pop into a museum or attraction and see what’s going on!

Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade

11 a.m. | Beginning at the National Constitution Center

At 11 a.m., a big parade leaves from the National Constitution Center, featuring 13 fun and festive wagon floats — each fully decked out with iconic Philly landmarks and patriotic flair — plus drill teams and cultural dance performers.

The parade winds its way through the Historic District, passing the Independence Visitor Center, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and ending on Chestnut Street between 3rd Street and 4th Street.

WXPN Welcomes the Red, White & Blue Music Series

2-5 p.m. | At 11 indoor & outdoor locations in the Historic District

The afternoon transforms the Historic District into a free street music festival, with local musicians creating an acoustic, neighborhood-wide concert, featuring 28 Philly-based bands and music groups spread across 11 museums.

Expect a diverse array of music, from drumlines, jazz and choir to traditional Irish, Puerto Rican and West African music.

Locations include:

• African American Museum in Philadelphia (701 Arch Street)
• Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch Street)
• Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street)
• City Tavern (138 N. 2nd Street)
• Elfreth’s Alley (126 Elfreth’s Alley)
• Franklin Hall (427 Chestnut Street)
• Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (419 S. 6th Street)
• Museum of the American Revolution (101 S. 3rd Street)
• National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street)
• National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut Street)
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (101 S. Independence Mall East)

Red White & Rosé Picnic

6 p.m. | Along Arch Street, between 5th Street and 6th Street

The evening brings a bevy of food trucks — including favorites like Cluck and Gills, Hardy Funnel Cakes and Philadelphia Tropical Treats — inviting everyone to picnic on Independence Mall’s great lawn in a new-for-2026 event.

Independence Illumination Drone Show

10 p.m. | Above Independence Mall

New for 2026! The day wraps up with the dazzling Independence Illumination Drone Show filling the skies over Independence Mall with a 13-minute patriotic red-white-and-blue light show.