Hosted by Philadelphia’s Historic District
The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee presents the 2026 Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration to take place on July 2, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began. A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do brings together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor the nation’s founding.
7 am: Living Liberty Bell — The day begins with the creation of a giant Living Liberty Bell, gathering 250 people to form the shape of the famous bell on Independence Mall adorned in red, white, and blue. Participants include all 53 Miss America 2026 delegates and the current Miss America. 5th & Arch Streets.
9 – 11 am: Bells will ring, museums and historic sites open, and the official flag is raised at the Betsy Ross House (9 am).
11 am – 2 pm: All-American Block Party, produced in partnership with Wawa Welcome America, on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and onto Dock Street, where visitors can enjoy music, games, family-friendly activities, highlights from Historic District attractions, as well as food trucks and seating.
12:30 pm: Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, featuring 13 whimsical red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair. The Parade also features drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. Launching from the National Constitution Center, the parade travels past the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, turning right on 3rd Street, and ending at Walnut Street.
1:30 pm: Parade arrives at the endpoint on 3rd Street, between Walnut and Chestnut Streets at the All-American Block Party.
2 – 5 pm: WXPN Welcomes the Red, White, & Blue Music Series — Twenty-eight Philadelphia groups perform free street musical sets at 11 locations throughout the Historic District. This musical journey invites visitors to stroll from site to site and discover acoustic sounds from around the world woven into one celebratory afternoon. Each stop transforms the birthplace of American independence into an open-air concert hall, where listeners of all ages can find something that speaks directly to them, whether they are casual listeners, culture seekers, or devoted music lovers.
5 – 7 pm: Red, White, & Rosé Picnic on Independence Mall with picnic seating and food trucks along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade. Floats will be on 5th Street from Chestnut to Race Streets.
7 pm: Salute to Service features The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall with superstar Queen Latifah. The rousing performance honors soldiers and veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army, taking place on Independence Mall next to the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets.
*Time subject to change
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