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The United States isn’t the only one getting ready to celebrate its 250th birthday.
Both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps are honoring the same milestone — albeit a little earlier — with a massive bash planned in Philadelphia, the city where both services were born.
Events around the Navy’s anniversary take place October 9 to 16, 2025, followed by the Marine Corps’ celebration on November 7-11, 2025.
During The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration in Philadelphia, residents and visitors can look forward to commemorative ceremonies, parades, parties, flyovers and exhibits centered on Old City and the Historic District.
Here’s a quick day-by-day rundown of scheduled events.
Parade of Ships
Historic, replica and active Navy ships — representing every major U.S. conflict from the American Revolution to today — fill the Delaware River harbor to kick off the event, culminating in a ceremonial welcome and traditional Blessing of the Fleet.
Watch parties will be held at various locations, including The Navy Yard and Penn’s Landing.
The public can tour many of the ships from October 9 to 15, 2025, as they will be docked at Penn’s Landing and along the Camden waterfront.
USS Cruiser Olympia — Photo courtesy Independence Seaport Museum
Innovation Pavilion: Small Business Day
This three-day event celebrating the spirit of innovation within the maritime, defense and manufacturing sectors kicks off on the Delaware Riverfront with a free high-technology and small business showcase, exploring breakthrough tech from leading innovators. Registration is required (Cherry Street Pier, noon to 4 p.m.).
WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution
Join WHYY for a special free public screening of the new docuseries from award-winning documentarian Ken Burns. Stick around after the show for an exclusive conversation between the filmmaker and WHYY Fresh Air’s Terry Gross. Registration is required (Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 7 p.m.).
A Marine Walks Up to the Pearly Gates
A Philly Fringie Award finalist, A Marine Walks Up to the Pearly Gates returns for an extended run to honor the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. From the American Revolution to the war in Afghanistan, fallen Marines arrive at heaven’s door to confront their pasts across the centuries in an exploration that’s haunting, hopeful and immersive. Tickets are required (Yellow Bicycle Theater, 1435 Arch Street – Floor 2, select dates through Sunday, November 9, 2025).
Navigating the Past: Histories of the US Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part One
Leading American history scholars host a special two-day conference exploring all 250 years of the US Navy & Marine Corps. The conference kicks off with a deep dive into the maritime forces’ role in shaping the nation between 1775 and 1850. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required (University of Pennsylvania’s Kislak Center at the Van Pelt Library, 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. [SOLD OUT]).
Innovation Pavilion: Supplier Development Day
Industry leaders, high-ranking naval officials, panelists and bestselling authors gather on the Delaware River waterfront to network and explore the trends shaping the future of American manufacturing and defense. Tickets required (Cherry Street Pier, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
14th Annual Army-Navy Cup
It’s an all-military academy rivalry soccer double-header at the home of the Philadelphia Union in Chester as the Cadets take on the Midshipmen, with the women up first at 4 p.m., followed by the men at 7 p.m. Tickets required (Subaru Park, 4 p.m.).
Innovation Pavilion: Workforce Development Day
Learn about the ship-building and maritime industries and workforce opportunities within those spaces through hands-on demonstrations and displays, including ones featuring a 60-foot submarine and the Build Submarines NASCAR car; career exploration experiences; and student programming. The event is free and open to the public (Cherry Street Pier, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Navigating the Past: Histories of the US Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part Two
This conference delving into the history of the US Navy and Marine Corps continues aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Day two focuses on the modern legacy and evolution of the military branches with discussions led by expert historians. Registration is required (Battleship New Jersey, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Navy-Temple Football
Catch the 19th rivalry matchup between the Naval Academy Midshipmen and Philly’s only FBS program, the Temple Owls, dating back to 1988. Tickets are required (Lincoln Financial Field, 4 p.m.).
Navy 250 Gala
Snag tickets to a grand celebration — open to the public — with naval leadership overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the Navy was born. Tickets are required (National Constitution Center, 6 p.m. [SOLD OUT]).
Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Military vehicles — potentially including helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes — are slated to be on display all around Independence National Historical Park (Independence Mall, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025).
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.5-Mile Run
On your mark, get set, hut! This rain-or-shine run kicks off with a 7:45 a.m. pre-race opening ceremony before runners take off at 8 a.m. Free to attend, registration is required to participate (Navy Yard, 7 to 10 a.m.).
St. Mary’s Mass and Commodore Barry Wreath Laying
Laid to rest at Old St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Old City, naval general Commodore Barry has inspired troops both past and present. Celebrate the life of the Revolutionary War officer during this special service (St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, time 10 a.m.).
All Veterans Reunion Picnic
The public is invited to join veterans from all armed services, their families and the community for a free party with picnic food, live music, food competitions judged by British Royal Navy Veteran and Food Network celebrity chef Robert Irvine, activities for all ages and special ceremonies honoring veterans. RSVPs are recommended (Independence Mall, noon to 5 p.m.).
Victory at Sea Concert
Enjoy a free, public star-studded patriotic concert following the picnic, featuring special guest Patti Labelle and a performance from the United States Navy Band, and followed by an aerial sound and light show. RSVPs are recommended (Independence Mall, 6 p.m.).
— Photo courtesy United States Navy Band
Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Join servicepeople and city officials alike as Philadelphia commemorates the milestone anniversary with a special Navy flag raising in the heart of the city (City Hall, 8 to 9:30 a.m.).
Thanksgiving & Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Church
Honor and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty at a free public ceremony near the site where the first Navy ship was commissioned (Christ Church, 10 a.m.).
Flyover by The Blue Angels
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will take to the skies for an area-wide flyover to close out the Navy’s celebration (viewing at Independence Hall, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.).
— Photo courtesy Blue Angels
Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade
The Navy salutes young people on the path to military service — including Naval Academy midshipmen and students from ROTC, NROTC and JROTC — with a two-hour parade through Center City from 20th Street to Independence Hall (John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
Navy 250th Commemoration
This special event honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding with remarks from public officials (Independence Hall, 12:30 to 2 p.m.).
Leadership Summit & Conversation with Navy & Marine Corps Leaders: Launching the Next 250 Years
Looking toward the future is just as important as remembering the past. Celebrate the legacy of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with like-minded attendees and hear from senior Naval leadership about what the next 250 years of service could hold (The Union League, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon Performances
Founded in 1798, the United States Marine Band isn’t just the country’s first military band; it’s America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization, period. And the Marines’ Silent Drill Platoon — known for its synchronized drill movements and uncompromising precision — teams up with “The President’s Own” band for a set of unforgettable performances. Free and open to the public (Independence Mall, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., through Wednesday, October 15, 2025).
Fireworks Over the Delaware
Stars and streaks of red, white and blue light up the sky as a star-spangled fireworks display closes out the weekend. The free fireworks show — soaring above a fleet of illuminated historical ships — includes music and cannon salutes (Penn’s Landing and the Camden Waterfront, 6 to 8:20 p.m.).
The Tun Legacy Tour
Step into history with the debut of The Tun Legacy Tour, a new experience tracing the story of The Tun and the birth of the Continental Marines. This accessible two-hour bus/walking tour visits sites like Independence Hall, The Tun historical marker and the burial grounds of prominent Marine Corps figures. Tickets are required and all guests receive a commemorative gift (tours starts on 2nd Street, between Market Street and Chestnut Street, 1:30 p.m.).
Welcome Dinner at the Independence Seaport Museum
Dig into maritime history with a casual welcome dinner featuring Philly favorites like cheesesteaks, Crab Fries, Tastykakes and local brews. The dinner includes a talk by The Tun Legacy Foundation president Pat Dailey on the history of The Tun and William Penn. Plus, guests can roam the museum to learn all about waterfront history, traditional boatbuilding and more. Tickets are required (Independence Seaport Museum, 5 p.m.).
Marine Corps 250th Celebration on the Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise
Join Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum Jr. for a three-hour dinner cruise on the Delaware River. Enjoy a welcome reception, a full buffet and dessert station, DJ setlists and dancing, and a reading of the Commendant’s Message (featuring a birthday cake ceremony). Tickets are required and all guests get a commemorative gift (Spirit of Philadelphia, 4:30 p.m.).
Midnight Champagne Breakfast
Stay up late and be among the first to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps with 18th-century breakfast fare (like smoked sausage and slapjacks), historical reenactors and a midnight champagne toast in the neighborhood where the Marines were founded. Tickets are required, and guests get transportation to participating hotels and a commemorative coin (Museum of the American Revolution, 11 p.m. [SOLD OUT]).
Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant
Pay your respects to the brave man who gave the U.S. Marine Corps its start. This public ceremony at the historic Arch Street Meeting House honors Samuel Nicholas, the founder and “First Commandant” of the U.S. Marines. Note: The ceremony is free to attend, but space is limited (Arch Street Meeting House, 9 a.m.).
Marine Corps Commemoration
It’s the Marine Corps’ turn to celebrate its own 250th anniversary in a special ceremony that includes comments from military and public officials. The commemoration is free and open to the public (Second Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street, 10:30 a.m.).
100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
The public is invited to one of the Marine Corps’ most cherished traditions, held in the same ballroom where Commandant John A. Lejeune first hosted the event exactly 100 years ago. Tickets are required (Bellevue Hotel, 6 p.m. [SOLD OUT]).
Veterans Day Ceremony
This ceremony aboard the Battleship New Jersey honors America’s veterans and the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps with a special Veterans Day tribute and ceremonial cake. The ceremony is open to the public with the purchase of Battleship New Jersey tour tickets (Battleship New Jersey, 11 a.m.).
Starting now and running throughout 2025, several local museums host special exhibits which highlight the history, legacy and contributions of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Among these are:
Small but Mighty!: Models, Toys and Miniature Ships — Photo courtesy Independence Seaport Museum
For more information on the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration in Philadelphia, click the button below.
The U.S. Navy was founded on October 13, 1775 — which means it’s officially older than the country by about eight months.
In August of that year, during the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the assembly of delegates requested that a fleet be formed to protect the colonies.
By October, ships were assigned to General George Washington’s command to intercept British ships packed with supplies.
Congress then passed resolutions to activate the nation’s new Marine Corps in November of that year, with the first Marines recruited at Philadelphia’s The Tun tavern.
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