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. There will be a huge Hot Air Balloon in the shape of an American Flag on display in Fairmont Park from 6 – 8 PM.
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.
The weekend will feature performances from world-renowned artists alongside Philadelphia’s exceptional local talent. Performing on the Pennsylvania Lottery Grove Stage:
- Unscripted Jazz: Gerald Veasley, Carol Riddick, and Karen Briggs
- Philly Sound Exchange
- Taiko Drummers
- Workout with trainer Noel Davis
On the, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Community Stage:
- Philly Goes to College’s I AM PHL contest winners: Corinne Xu, Qixuan Wang, and Charles James
- West Powelton Steppers
- Gobbana
- Ronnie Riggles
In honor of the 250th Anniversary, attendees will discover interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities curated by the Centennial District’s renowned cultural institutions, highlighting the innovation, artistry, and history that define this remarkable community.
- Please Touch Museum will open its doors for two FREE community days on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, from 9 AM – 4:30 PM 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 will feature a 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.
- The Philadelphia Zoo: America’s First Zoo will bring the Zoo to YOU. Learn about wildlife and conservation, including some of the work done right here in Philly.
- The National Liberty Museum will present a life-sized replica of the Liberty Bell for visitors to experience up close.
- The Fairmount Park Conservancy will offer a “We Walk PHL” pop-up stroll through the park, as well as a history walk focused on the Centennial Exhibition.
- Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center offers kids the opportunity to fold origami and make traditional Japanese crafts.
- Philadelphia Free Library
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, America’s first art school and fine art museum, will offer crafts.
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
- will take us back more than 250 years with a Dinosaur exhibit, allowing guests to make their own fossil imprint.
- Eastern State Penitentiary, explore how history informs the pursuit of justice today through hands-on activities.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art will recreate replicas of some of Philly’s icons for kids and kids at heart to color
- The American Swedish Historical Museum will share its history and feature interactive crafts.
- Free Library of Philadelphia will have a playful, family-friendly space where stories, creativity, and community come together. Engage your imagination on interactive Story Strolls designed for different age groups, bringing books to life as you move, read, and explore together. Kids, teens, and caregivers can also enjoy hands-on literacy activities and classic lawn games that make learning feel like play.
Families can dive into Kids World, featuring a thrilling mobile zip-line and a variety of interactive activities designed just for younger guests. 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.
For our guests 21 years of age or older, a beer garden will feature specialty cocktails and beverages for purchase, along with samples of Tullamore Dew. On The Rocks ready-to-drink Canned Cocktails will serve as the event’s signature canned cocktail, showcasing its Tropical Variety Pack. Featuring bartender-crafted recipes and refreshing tropical flavors, the premium cocktail collection brings a taste of paradise to every celebration.
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! 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.
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)
The night will conclude with a rare, historically inspired, and dazzling fireworks display starting at 9:15 PM presented by the Science History Institute. These fireworks are ground fireworks that require a more up-close experience. Head to Welsh Fountain at 9:15 to see the show!
*Note: performers, vendors, activations, and giveaways may differ per day and are subject to change
*Times 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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