Flag Fest flies higher than ever in 2023

This Sunday marks the start of another Flag Fest from the Betsy Ross House, and in 2023, the annual activation will feature plenty for Philadelphians to do and see.

As a release states, Flag Festival is the 21st-century incarnation of the first Flag Day celebrations held at the House in the 1890s. The 16th annual event pays tribute to our national standard and honors the tradition of Flag Day celebrations that began here more than 100 years ago, and resumed with the first modern Flag Festival in 2008.

To start off, throughout the week, the first 100 guests will receive free admission at the Betsy Ross House.

But the seven-day celebration of National Flag Week will officially kick off on June 11 at 11 a.m. with a chocolate-making demonstration and interactive candy flag-making. Throughout the first event, visitors themselves can have a hand in making the oversized American flag made entirely of M&Ms and also, take home samples of the candies along with American Heritage Chocolate courtesy of Mars Wrigley.

Throughout the week for the 16th activation of Flag Fest, Philadelphians can also engage in a brand new, interactive program that debuts on Monday, June 12 and continues through the week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to a release, each day guests will have an opportunity to meet 18th century Philadelphia flag makers, including, Margaret Manny, Ann King and Cornelia Bridges and guests can try their hands at helping to hand-sew an early American flag while there.

Then on Flag Day, (Wednesday, June 14), the Betsy Ross House will also host an annual naturalization ceremony where Betsy Ross will be on-site to welcome new Americans during this interactive program on flag history.

Flag Fest will then finish on Saturday, June 17, with its most popular event: Stars & Stripes Fest. This finale to the week is chock full of family-friendly entertainment and activity in the House’s courtyard with highlights including circus-style performances, the Punch & Judy puppet show, and more. Kids will also be able to meet Betsy Ross and play old-time carnival games.

The Betsy Ross House is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for children/students/seniors/active military. An optional audio guide is $12 and $10, which includes admission.

For more details about Stars & Stripes Saturday and Flag Fest, visit historicphiladelphia.org