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America marks a huge anniversary in 2026: its 250th birthday. As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia serves as the heart of a Semiquincentennial celebration filled with festivals, fireworks, freedom and fun.
The nation and city — always in pursuit of that more perfect union — will also use this milestone as an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work ahead to achieve liberty and justice for all.
You can expect plenty of happenings that honor the historic nature of this anniversary year (more on those below), but what you might not expect is the convergence of the sports world in Philadelphia in 2026.
Lincoln Financial Field hosts FIFA World Cup soccer championship matches. Baseball’s annual All-Star Game hits Citizens Bank Park. The NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament comes to Wells Fargo Center. And Aronimink Golf Club tees up the 108th PGA Championship.
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Philadelphia’s vast historical and cultural offerings will be on full display all year long.
TED Democracy’s three-year series of events culminates with a daylong symposium in February 2026, while special exhibitions come to Philly museums, including at the Museum of the American Revolution.
The Red, White and Blue To-Do on July 2, 2026 in Philadelphia’s Historic District features a festive parade, concerts, games and more.
Also up: 52 Weeks of Firsts celebrates the city’s many historic “firsts”; ArtPhilly What Now showcases people, performances and projects that embody the essence of living, being and creating in Philadelphia; and Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Printmaking by the People offers a citywide mural and printmaking project.
Read on for more about 2026 in Philadelphia — with more to be announced in the coming months and years.
There are even more exciting goings-on in the months and years leading up to 2026, including TED Democracy’s Fireside Chats and Speaker Series; the week-long Young People’s Continental Congress at Carpenters’ Hall, site of the First Continental Congress; and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?