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Held in Philadelphia during the United States’ 250th birthday, TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures represents a global homecoming to the birthplace of modern democracy.
For more than four decades, the TED stage has spotlighted ideas with the potential to change the world. This summer, Visit Philadelphia and TED Democracy return to the place where the Great Experiment began to explore a vital question: What will we build together over the next 250 years?
Whether you’re a Philly local or joining us from afar, this high-profile event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts promises a transformative experience during a pivotal moment in American history.
Translation: You won’t want to miss it.
During the day-long event, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will host some of the world’s brightest thinkers — inspiring speakers who will challenge your perspective, spark your imagination and inspire you to take action.
As America turns 250, this event is designed to do more than look back. It will help move us forward.
Be in Philadelphia on June 13, 2026 for the dawning of democracy’s next chapter.
In addition to 15-plus brand-new TED Talks inside Marian Anderson Hall, here’s a taste of what else you can expect during this day-long event.
Beyond the stage, you’ll encounter a series of hands-on experiences brought to life through collaboration with premier partners. These immersive activations are designed to awaken your curiosity and challenge how you see the world. Prepare to be inspired as you explore the boundaries of what is possible today alongside the people and organizations helping to shape our tomorrow.
Built-in breaks throughout the day give you time to think through and talk through ideas between three 90-minute sessions on the main stage. During the morning kickoff, lunch and the afternoon break, the plaza becomes a central gathering spot filled with local food and drink.
Use this time to explore the venue, settle into a quiet corner or check out curated activations, live performances and bonus programming on the PEW Spotlight Stage (more on this below). Wherever you land, these breaks are designed for reflection, conversation and meaningful connection.
During scheduled breaks in the plaza, the PEW Spotlight Stage offers short, engaging moments that complement the presentations on the official speaker stage. Expect live interviews, brief musical performances and other pop-up programming designed to add energy and perspective throughout the day.
— Photo by S. Ramoes for Visit Philadelphia
Enjoy a curated food program that brings Philly’s flavors into the venue and onto your plate. We’re partnering with top local chefs and vendors to offer tastings, pop-ups and quick bites throughout the day. The menu is designed to accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences, so everyone can dig in.
TED Democracy Philadelphia is a full-day experience that will tackle big, complex ideas. We know that can feel like a mental and emotional workout. The Restore Lounge will offer a peaceful haven to unplug, unwind and recharge.
Not all great ideas come from the stage. Some ideas require the type of immersion, dialogue and deliberation that define a healthy democracy. The Discovery Sessions are curated, intimate experiences designed to meet you where you are, inviting you to expand your perspective through workshop-style action or deep-dive conversations. In these small group gatherings, you’ll move beyond being just a listener to becoming a co-creator of civic innovation.
Because these sessions are designed for true intimacy and high-impact dialogue, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sign-up information will be shared with ticket holders closer to the event date.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Wrap up the day during a two-hour closing reception featuring food and drink, live music, performances, and plenty of time to talk. The evening blends energy and ease, giving attendees space to reflect and connect.
Dance if you so desire, keep the conversation going or meet someone new before heading out — a relaxed finale designed to carry the ideas of Founding Futures off of the stage and into the real world.
Eager to dive in a little early? Kick off your experience the night before the speakers hit the stage during The Founding Tables, a series of small hosted dinners at standout Philadelphia restaurants. Taking place at neighborhood gems and well-known destinations, the dinners center on a specific theme and are guided by a local thought leader.
These dinners are exclusive to TED Democracy Philadelphia attendees, limited in size and require separate registration. Space is first come, first served. Register early to be among the first to access tickets when they go on sale.
Doors will open at 9 a.m. Please allow ample time for parking, clearing security and checking in at the box office.
You’re free to come and go into the venue as you see fit. Within the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall, each TED Talk is being filmed for a global audience, so we will observe closed-door sessions.
That means entry to and exit from the theater is permitted only during the brief transitions between speakers to ensure the best experience for our guests and film crew.
To ensure a smooth entry, we recommend bringing only small personal items. Large backpacks or luggage are not permitted.
Most attendees will opt for “smart casual,” something that makes you feel confident but is comfortable enough for a full day of discovery.
We recommend comfortable shoes for exploring the space during breaks.
Yes, every talk delivered will be professionally captured as part of the official TED Democracy archive.
While the live experience is exclusive to our attendees, these world-changing ideas will be shared with a global audience on TED.com in the months following the event.
As an attendee, you are part of the “live studio” energy that makes these recordings so powerful!
By joining us, you are part of our live studio audience. While the cameras focus primarily on the speakers, you may appear in wide shots of the theater or in B-roll footage capturing the day’s energy.
Through a partnership with the American Library Association, we’re working with libraries across the nation to host TED Democracy LIVE satellite events in all 56 American states and territories.
While there is no public link for home viewing, your friends and family can join the conversation at a participating library. A complete list coming soon.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is wheelchair-accessible from both its east (Broad Street) and north (Spruce Street) entrances.
Entrances are at sidewalk level (no steps). Ramps and/or level floors enter every level of Marian Anderson Hall.
A curb cutout on the corner of Broad Street and Spruce Street allows for access from the sidewalk. For additional accessibility information, click here.
Please visit the Kimmel Center website for directions to the nearest parking garage.
The Kimmel Center is located on Broad Street and is incredibly accessible via SEPTA. We highly recommend using public transit to skip the Center City traffic.
Via PATCO (From NJ): Take the High-Speed Line to the 15th/16th & Locust Street Station. From the exit, walk one block south to Spruce Street and you will see the Kimmel Center’s iconic glass rooftop on the left.
These intimate, themed dinners take place the evening before the event on Friday, June 12. Because they are limited in capacity and hosted at off-site restaurants, they require a separate ticket.
Keep an eye on your inbox for an exclusive booking link after registering for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures.
Visit Philadelphia is collaborating with the American Library Association (ALA) to find libraries in every state to host TED Democracy LIVE — a livestream version of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures.
These livestream events will increase access to groundbreaking TED Talks to amplify community involvement, foster local engagement and inspire conversation around democracy throughout the country.
To learn more about this initiative, click here.
Visit Philadelphia is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city, including its role as the birthplace of modern American democracy. We are committed to making Philadelphia the most welcoming and inclusive city in the U.S. for visitors and residents.
The TED Democracy and Visit Philadelphia partnership, a series of events focusing on the future of democracy from 2024 to 2026, was created to align with the cultural conversations that will take place as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
Our goal is to offer attendees a thought-provoking and educational experience that respects individual views and beliefs, all while honoring the spirit of dialogue our founding fathers practiced nearly 250 years ago here in Philadelphia.
Visit Philadelphia does not participate in political campaigns, nor support or oppose candidates for public office. We expressly disclaim any statement, or inference, of endorsement or opposition of any political candidate at any TED Democracy event, whether made by its speakers, participants or otherwise.
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