2026 Red, White, & Blue To-Do in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee announces plans for the third annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration, honouring the day the Second Continental Congress voted for independence.

The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee’s 2026 Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration will take place on July 2, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began. A vibrant celebration, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do transforms the birthplace of American independence. The festivities bring together museums and historic sites creating an unforgettable, all-ages celebration giving everyone a chance to participate in this historic year.

The day begins (7 am) with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell, gathering 250 people to create an outline of the famous bell on Independence Mall. At 9 am, bells will ring, museums and historic sites open, and the official flag is raised at the Betsy Ross House.

Then at 11 am, theRed, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade features 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Centre, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning right on 3rd Street, and ending at Walnut Street.

As the parade ends, more free fun ensues with the All-American Block Party (12-2 pm), produced in partnership with Wawa Welcome America, on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and onto Dock Street, where visitors can enjoy music, games, family-friendly activities, highlights from Historic District attractions, as well as food trucks and seating.

The afternoon features Philadelphia artists performing free street musical sets at Red, White, & Blue Music Series (2-5 pm) at ten locations throughout the Historic District. Each stop transforms the birthplace of American independence into an open-air concert hall, where all ages can find something that speaks directly to them, whether they are casual listeners, culture seekers, or devoted music lovers.

Red, White, & Rosé Picnic begins at 5 pm on Independence Mall with picnic seating and food trucks along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.

The Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Service(7-9 pm) features The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall with superstar Queen Latifah.  The rousing performance honours soldiers and veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army, taking place on Independence Mall next to the Independence Visitor Centre at 6th and Market Streets.

Click here to find out more.