Last year, Philadelphia Historic District launched the first ever Red, White & Blue To-Do celebration. The day full of “pomp and parade” is inspired by a phrase made by John Adams in 1776, and it aims to encourage visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it began.
“Red, White, & Blue To-Do highlights the significance of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks and institutions—it’s a testament to our shared commitment to preserving and promoting our legacy as the birthplace of our nation,” stated Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center in the event’s opening press conference last year.
Set for Wednesday, July 2, the occasion will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in Old City, with all the fun kicking off at 9 a.m. The day begins with a flag raising ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (led by Betsy herself), then, the parade will begin shortly after at 11 a.m. The route will launch at the National Constitution Center (525 Arch St.) and then travel along Independence Mall, turn onto Chestnut Street and conclude on 3rd Street.
The parade itself will feature 13 “whimsical” floats decked out with local icons and flair, plus, drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and families representing the diversity of the city. Some floats pay homage to sites like Carpenter’s Hall, Independence Hall and Martha Washington’s Rose Garden, plus, other patriotic-themed points like the American Eagle, stripes, stars, the American Flag and more.
Performances will span talent from the National Park Service Color Guard of Pennsylvania, the West Powelton Drumline, the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Miss Philadelphia Teen and others (a full schedule can be found online.)
Along with the parade, the city’s Red, White & Blue To-Do festivities will also include an All-American Block Party. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets will be chock full of culture, games, family-friendly activities, highlights from Historic District attractions, food trucks and more.
Musical performances will also be in full swing throughout the block party and around the district itself at eight locations (from 2 to 6 p.m.) Stage locations include the Betsy Ross House, Carpenters’ Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, Arch Street Meeting House, African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Liberty Museum, and Elfreth’s Alley. Entertainment will include DJ Sophia, Dance for Life, and the 78th Army Field Band.
Old City establishments will also be hosting different activations to celebrate the occasion—including a peek into the science of fireworks with the Science History Institute, a scavenger hunt at the Arch Street Meeting House, colonial games at the Independence National Historical Trust, candle-making at the Historic St. George’s Museum & Archives, a themed celebration at Liberty Beer Garden and much more.
Throughout the day, Decoration Stations will be available at each of the Philadelphia Historic District attractions and partner organizations with festive gear for visitors, a release states. Plus, the District itself will get a smattering of bunting, balloons, and begonias to “enliven the holiday atmosphere.” A special issue of the Historic Philadelphia Gazette will be available at the Independence Visitor Center and other partner attractions with a map and information about how to participate in the celebration all day long.
The neighborhood will also be peppered with different Happy Hour specials from participating locations (from 4 to 7 p.m.), and it will conclude with Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band performance.
The finale to it all will include a showcase honoring our Soldiers and Veterans with Grammy-nominated musical duo, The War And Treaty. The concert will take place at the Independence Concert Series Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia at Independence Mall (6th & Market streets).
Philadelphia’s Red, White & Blue To-Do celebrations are also set for next year in 2026. In addition, the Philadelphia Historic District attractions will also encourage visitors to return to Historic Philadelphia throughout the remaining summer months with a Stars, Stripes, and Savings pass. To find out more information on the occasion, visit phlvisitorcenter.com
