Just a few years ago, Philadelphia Historic District launched the first-ever Red, White & Blue To-Do celebration. The day, full of "pomp and parade," commemorates the date the Second Continental Congress voted for independence, and is inspired by a phrase coined by John Adams in 1776.
The ultimate goal is to encourage visitors to celebrate independence 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 a rep for the National Constitution Center.
Set for Thursday, July 2, the annual occasion will once again bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in Old City, with all the fun kicking off at 7 a.m. The day begins with a patriotic display where 250 participants—including all 53 Miss America 2026 delegates and the reigning Miss America—will form a giant red, white, and blue Liberty Bell on Independence Mall at 5th and Arch streets.
Then at 9 a.m., the official flag-raising ceremony will take place at the Betsy Ross House. Visitors are also encouraged to spend the morning (9 to 11 a.m.) exploring Old City’s various attractions, many of which offer special programming throughout the day.
At 11 a.m., the celebration will continue with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade. Beginning at the National Constitution Center, the parade features 13 red wagon floats inspired by Philadelphia landmarks and patriotic themes, along with drill teams, dance groups, and youth performers from across the globe. The procession will travel through the Historic District, passing local landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and will end on 3rd Street, between Walnut and Chestnut streets.
The floats, made by the Amish community and decorated by professional float designers and local volunteers, each celebrate a unique aspect of Philadelphia's history, American heritage, and the nation's 250th anniversary.
Highlights include a six-tiered Birthday Cake; a Declaration of Independence/Independence Hall recreation featuring handcrafted trees; and a three-dimensional Betsy Ross House surrounded by 13-star flags. Other floats pay tribute to Philadelphia's LOVE sculpture, the Liberty Bell, the American flag, the continental United States, the 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative and more.
Following the procession, festivities continue at the parade endpoint, which houses the All-American Block Party. Held on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut and along Dock Street, the free event (noon to 2 p.m.) features live entertainment, family-friendly games, activities, exhibits from Historic District attractions, food trucks, and outdoor seating.
From 2 to 5 p.m., WXPN's Red, White, & Blue Music Series will also transform the Old City area into an open-air concert venue, with 28 Philadelphia-based musical groups performing free acoustic sets at 11 locations. Inspired by musical traditions from around the world, locals can hear tributes to Mexican mariachi at the Museum of the American Revolution, Philly German Brass at City Tavern, gospel at Mother Bethel AME Church and plenty more.
The day's schedule also features the Red, White, & Rosé Picnic on Independence Mall. From 5 to 7 p.m., the event will feature picnic seating, food trucks, live entertainment and Float Fest—an up-close display of the elaborate parade floats that will appear in the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade on July 3.
The evening continues with Wawa Welcome America's Salute to Service concert, featuring a performance by The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Queen Latifah. Taking place on Independence Mall near the Independence Visitor Center, the special concert honors the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of America's service members and veterans through music and celebration.
At 9 p.m., the packed day will come to a close with the debut of the Independence Illumination Drone Show, a new attraction for 2026. During the 13-minute aerial spectacle, hundreds of synchronized drones will illuminate the night sky above Independence Mall, creating patriotic animations, flag-inspired imagery, and scenes celebrating pivotal moments from the nation's 250-year history.
To learn more and see a full schedule of events for 2026’s Red, White & Blue To-Do, visit phlvisitorcenter.com
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