Presented by Independence Blue Cross
Produced in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
New this year! The Centennial District will bring history to life through a dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, music, and adventure!
Throughout the weekend, a spectacular hot air balloon experience will lift guests above the Centennial District for panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline, the festival grounds, and the surrounding parkway. Back on the ground, visitors can swing into adventure on a trapeze with expert instructors and embark on a culinary journey with food trucks representing flavors from the original 13 colonies. Guests can get their PHL Passport presented by the Philadelphia Airport stamped along the way for a chance to win fun prizes.
Food trucks representing the original thirteen colonies include:
- Farina Pasta Bar (Connecticut)
- Husky Jawn (Delaware)
- Chef 2 The Max (Georgia)
- Grubaholics (Maryland)
- Chef Kee Boom (Massachusetts)
- Knappy Knicky Party Rentals (New Hampshire)
- Eatible Delights Catering (New York)
- Philly Fry (New Jersey)
- Kielbasa N More (Virginia)
- The Greedy Fork (North Carolina)
- Taste of Philly (Pennsylvania)
- Humpty Dumplings (Rhode Island)
- Awa’s Halal Kitchen (South Carolina)
Families can dive into Kids World, featuring a thrilling mobile zip-line and a variety of interactive activities designed just for younger guests, including a free book giveaway courtesy of Sesame Place. Guests of all ages can cool off nearby at the historic John B. Kelly Pool, open to the public and featuring an added double waterslide for an extra splash of summer fun.
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, come explore interactive exhibits, workshops, and family friendly activities from some of Philadelphia’s top cultural institutions invite exploration, celebrating the innovation, artistry, and history that define this community.
- Please Touch Museum will open its doors for two FREE community days on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 to give children and their caregivers access to the engaging exhibits and hands-on activities that inspire continued learning through play as school lets out for the summer. Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibits and participate in the Museum’s daily programming, which includes story times, STEM activations, art workshops, the Museum’s newest exhibit, Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Neighborhood, and more each day. Admission is FREE, but registration is required and available now at PleaseTouchMuseum.org.
- The Science History Institute: pop-up museum and a series of interactive games and activities showcasing the history and science behind the sparkling spectacle of fireworks highlighting the Institute’s new exhibition, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks
- National Liberty Museum: life-sized replica of the Liberty Bell for visitors to experience up close
- Philadelphia Zoo: learn about wildlife and conservation, including some of the work done right here in Philly
- Eastern State Penitentiary: explore how history informs the pursuit of justice today through hands-on activities
- Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts: craft with America’s first art school and fine art museum
- Mural Arts Philadelphia and CityKids: Marvel at a reproduction of a 10-story high, 90ft x 30ft masterpiece, ‘CityKids Speak On Liberty by Keith Haring
- Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: travel back more than 250 years with the Academy’s Dinosaur exhibit and make your own imprint fossil
- The Shofuso Cultural Center: fold origami and make traditional Japanese crafts
- Fairmount Park Conservancy: “We Walk PHL” pop-up stroll through the park, as well as a history walk focused on the Centennial Exhibition
- American Swedish Historical Museum: celebrate the museum’s centennial year through historical presentations and interactive crafts
- Free Library of Philadelphia: engage your imagination on interactive Story Strolls designed for different age groups, bringing books to life as you move, read, and explore together, along with hands-on literacy activities and classic lawn games that make learning feel like play
The weekend will feature performances from world renowned artists alongside Philadelphia’s exceptional local talent on at our Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Community Stage.
Performances include:
PA Lottery Stage
- KIPP Orchestra
- Workout w/ Noel Davis
- Sing That Jawn
- Pink Sweat$
PPR Community Stage
- Tone Aro$e
- SiSi Dash
- Michael Isiah
- Danni Peace
- Jesse Renee
- Sanovia
- Joshua Mitchell
Attendees can cool down with free iced teas and lemonades provided by Wawa (while supplies last). Guests can also enjoy free tasty treats including Herr’s chips and MadeGood Granola Bites. GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS® is joining the big celebration with a unique, limited time only item you won’t want to miss. Stop by their booth to experience a tasty treat and more! Guests can enjoy sweet treats available for purchase from our official Italian ice partner, Rita’s! Don’t forget to check out Fishtown Pickles, our official snack break partner of the day!
Additional giveaways include cooling towels courtesy of Bank of America, and summer essentials courtesy of Jefferson. Rest and recharge with Independence Blue Cross at the IBX Oasis and enjoy nutritional takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess. Netflix House Philadelphia is bringing Philly Fair 250 guests exclusive giveaways, special ticket offers, and access to unforgettable experiences inspired by the Netflix shows and movies you love, making Netflix House Philadelphia your go-to destination for Endless Summer Escapes this summer.
For our guests 21+, a beer garden will feature Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails, Hornitos Tequila “On the Rocks” canned cocktails, and Jim Beam Pineapple & Sprite for purchase and samples of Tullamore Dew.
Festivities will culminate with a dazzling fireworks display at 9:00 pm!
*Time subject to change
Secure your parking for Philly250 at Philadelphia Zoo! Limited daytime parking will be available at the Giraffe Lot on Girard Avenue 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Limited nighttime parking will be available in the Zoo Garage on Girard Avenue and the Tiger Lot on 34th Street from 4:00-9:00 pm with the lots closing at midnight. Stop in at the Zoo to take a ride on the 110-foot-tall Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in Philadelphia with the best views of the city skyline (no Zoo admission required), or make the Zoo a part of your Philly250 experience and visit the all-new Carey Bear Country, home to Andean and Sloth bears in the first-ever Zoo360 trail. Philadelphia Zoo is open daily from 9:30-5:00 pm with additional hours on Saturday, June 20, until 8:00 pm. All parking locations are an approximate short walk to Philly250. Visit philadelphiazoo.org for more information and to reserve your spot.
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