10+ Ways to Celebrate America’s 250th in Philadelphia This Fall and Winter
PHILADELPHIA, September 8, 2026 — Philadelphia has spent the first half of the year celebrating America’s 250th in a way only the birthplace of the nation can, drawing national attention from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and even The Boston Globe, which declared, “Sorry, Boston, Philly has topped us again – this time it’s the World Cup.”
And the celebration is far from over.
As the leaves turn and the year draws to a close, Philadelphia and the surrounding region have even more milestone moments ahead. Upcoming events invite visitors and residents to step into the fall of 1776, explore new perspectives on liberty and the American Revolution, discover more Philly “firsts” and more.
Below is a roundup of events keeping America’s 250th celebration going throughout fall and winter:
The Declaration’s Journey
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Through Jan. 3, 2027
The Declaration’s Journey marks the nation’s 250th anniversary by examining the history and global influence of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. Featuring rare documents, works of art and artifacts from around the world, the exhibition explores how the Declaration’s ideas have shaped independence movements in more than 100 nations and influenced political thought far beyond the United States.
52 Weeks of Firsts
Various locations throughout Philadelphia
Through December 2026
Philadelphia’s yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts continues, spotlighting groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began right here. Every Saturday, a free Firstival celebrates a different Philadelphia “first” with a Once Upon A Nation storyteller, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, giveaways and a #1 sculpture created by a local artist.
Upcoming firsts include:
The First Salute
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East
Through April 2027
The First Salute explores the November 1776 cannon salute from the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius that became the first international recognition of the United States. The exhibition examines the role of religious liberty, Jewish merchants and St. Eustatius in the American Revolution through historic objects, including a rare 1761 Hanukkah lamp, an antique cannon and a model of the Andrew Doria. Tickets can be purchased here.
A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future
Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Various dates through December 2026
Eastern State Penitentiary continues its yearlong A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future series with programs exploring the evolving meanings of liberty and justice in America.
Upcoming highlights include:
Programs range from panel discussions and virtual conversations to interactive tours and family-friendly activities.
These Truths: The Declarations of Independence
American Philosophical Society, 104 S. 5th Street
Through Jan. 3, 2027
These Truths: The Declarations of Independence explores how Americans used, reproduced and reinterpreted the Declaration during the first 50 years of its history, as it evolved from a public announcement to a political tool and national symbol. Highlights from the American Philosophical Society’s collections include a first printing of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the chair Thomas Jefferson sat in while writing the Declaration and historic 19th-century printings of the document.
The First at 250
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Sept. 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The First at 250 brings Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox together for a conversation on the First Amendment, free expression and civil dialogue. Moderated by Lulu Garcia-Navarro of The New York Times, the discussion explores how Americans can navigate disagreement while preserving the democratic values at the heart of the nation’s 250th anniversary. A reception with live music begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m.
From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color
Historic Strawberry Mansion, 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive
Sept. 19 – late October 2026
Marking its 125th anniversary, this six-week art exhibition features 12 Philadelphia artists whose works reflect the city’s diverse cultures and communities. It opens to the public Sept. 19 and runs Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., with works by artists Pedro Ospina, Ron Rumford, Sherry Shine and many more. An opening event and art sale takes place Sept. 18 from 5–8 p.m.
Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America
Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Sept. 20, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027
Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America brings together the work of Isamu Noguchi, George Nakashima, Leo Amino, S. Neil Fujita, Kay Sekimachi and Ruth Asawa. The exhibition examines how World War II and the incarceration of Japanese and Japanese American families shaped their lives and artistic paths, while showcasing the sculpture, furniture, graphic design and fiber art they went on to create.
Please Touch Museum 50th Birthday Celebration
Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
Oct. 3–4, 2026
America isn’t the only one celebrating a major birthday in 2026. Please Touch Museum honors its 50th with a free-admission weekend featuring an interactive birthday cake celebration in Hamilton Hall, classic party games, party-hat making, magic shows, themed storytimes and a museum-wide “Happy Birthday” singalong. Admission is free, but registration is required and opens Sept. 10 at pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1776
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
Oct. 17–18, 2026
Step into the fall of 1776 during Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1776, a living-history experience that recreates Philadelphia as the headquarters of the Revolution. Visitors can meet the city’s diverse residents, connect with artisans and a bustling market, take part in hands-on activities and hear neighbors debate politics and loyalties as British forces march south from New York. Living history programming in the museum plaza is free and open to the public.
50th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch streets
Nov. 6–8, 2026; Preview Gala: Nov. 5, 2026
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show celebrates its 50th anniversary with 195 artists from across the United States, showcasing work in 13 craft and design categories. America 250 connections can also be found throughout the show, including Ryan Jones’ George Washington Commander Pen, handcrafted from oak harvested from a tree planted by George Washington at Mount Vernon, and work by Roberto Lugo and Jody Graff, who are featured in Radical Americana, a Philadelphia-wide series exploring the city’s legacy of art, craft and civic engagement. The show is the longest-running craft show of its kind in the country.
74th Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
First Crossing Reenactment: Dec. 13, 2026; Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment: Dec. 25, 2026
This year’s annual reenactment marks 250 years since George Washington and his troops made their historic Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River in 1776. Hundreds of reenactors in Continental military dress gather along the river before boarding replica Durham boats to recreate the pivotal moment. The Christmas Day event runs from noon – 3 p.m., with the crossing scheduled for 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Rocky 50th Anniversary
Various locations throughout Philadelphia
Various dates throughout the fall
Get ready for the next round: Rocky Season is upon us. Plan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film that taught us all what it means to be an underdog, here in Philadelphia! Throughout the fall, fans of all ages can experience a slate of Rocky-themed events and experiences across the city, including Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours, the Rocky Run on Nov. 14 and more special experiences to be announced. For the latest Rocky Season schedule and details, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/rockyfest.
For more information on 250th anniversary events, check out our web guide.
About Visit Philadelphia:
Visit Philadelphia® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.
Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly’s social media channels.
Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com/mediacenter.
Visit Philadelphia’s work is supported by multiple funding partners, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more at VisitPA.com.
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