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 two 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 9 p.m.

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

Living Liberty Bell

7 a.m.

The day kicks off with 250 people gathering on Independence Mall to form the outline of the Liberty Bell.

Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House

9 a.m.

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

All-American Block Party

11 a.m.

At the parade’s end on 3rd Street, all visitors and spectators can join in on the fun during the All-American Block Party, in partnership with Wawa Welcome America.

Festivities include pay-as-you-go food trucks, family-friendly activities and games, special activations, and extended hours at local museums and attractions and culturally inspired music and dance performances.

Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade

12:30 p.m.

At 12:30 p.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 Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and ending on 3rd Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street.

Want to help create a float? The public is invited to come to the National Constitution Center for Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days from June 20 to 23, 2026 during two windows: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

WXPN Welcomes the Red, White & Blue Music Series

2-5 p.m.

The afternoon transforms the Historic District into a free street music festival, with local musicians creating an acoustic, neighborhood-wide concert, with performers at 10 different locations.

Red White & Rosé Picnic

5 p.m.

The evening brings a bevy of food trucks lining Arch Street between 5th and 6th streets, inviting everyone to picnic on Independence Mall’s great lawn in a new-for-2026 event.

Attendees can also head to 5th Street between Chestnut Street and Race Street to get a preview of the floats set to be used in the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade on July 3, 2026.

Wawa Welcome America Salute to Service

7-9 p.m.

As the sun sets, Wawa Welcome America’s free Salute to Service Concert fills Independence National Historical Park with patriotic fanfare and music, featuring The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus and Queen Latifah.