Red, White & Blue To-Do: Details on the city’s first “pomp and parade” this summer

History is set to come alive this summer with the city’s first-ever Red, White & Blue To-Do celebration, set for July 2. Philadelphia Historic District is behind the day of “pomp and parade” — inspired by a phrase John Adams made in 1776 — and it’s all meant to encourage visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it began.

Museums, historic sites, and local businesses in Old City will be participating in the inaugural event later this summer, but the schedule also holds an official parade, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at the area’s historic attractions, restaurant specials, and more for its first go-around.

“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,” said Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center in a statement.

Philadelphians can also help prepare for the occasion—the District will have Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days from June 29 to July 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wagon Decorating will take place at the National Constitution Center (free and open to the public.) While there, locals can help create one of the official wagon “floats” for the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade.

Other decoration stations for festooning for the parade will be available at each of the Philadelphia Historic District attractions and partner organizations. And as a release notes, the District itself will do its own decorating to bring a festive atmosphere throughout Independence Week.

“All of the partners in Philadelphia’s Historic District are coming together to celebrate and welcome everyone for a memorable day and night,” added Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc in a statement. “The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut this summer and continue to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.”

The Red, White, & Blue To-Do schedule of events will kick off on Tuesday, July 2 at 9 a.m. with flag raisings, museums and historic sites openings, special recognitions, and a Children’s Naturalization Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House. The parade will then follow, starting at the National Constitution Center and then traveling along Independence Mall and eventually finishing at Carpenter’s Hall (note, you have to register online beforehand to be a part of this event.)

Noon to 2 p.m. will feature the Independence Barbecue (aka lunch specials throughout Old City) and then musical acts will pop up around the area from 2 to 5 p.m. Eateries participating in the barbecue include Malooga, Forsythia, Khyber Pass Pub, Kick Axe Philadelphia, Las Bumbiglias, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar and more, showcasing a variety of discounts, treats and specialty cocktails.

A variety of cultural and historical sites will participate in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do as well, including the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, Museum of the American Revolution, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, National Liberty Museum and others.

“As a city steeped in history and culture, we are thrilled to host this grand-scale celebration of our nation’s independence,” finished Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events, in a statement. “Red, White, & Blue To-Do is an opportunity for all to experience the historic character of our city while enjoying the modern amenities of award-winning restaurants and charming shops throughout Old City.”

The official Independence Day—July 2, 1776—came to be when the Second Continental Congress voted in Independence Hall to approve a resolution declaring the colonies free, the release finishes. John Adams thought July 2 should be marked as a national holiday for generations to come, and this is the city’s way of honoring that.

For more information on the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, visit phlvisitorcenter.com