One of our most beloved traditions returns in 2026 — bigger and more historic than ever. The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade will take center stage as the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration parade in the nation.
This spectacular parade will feature 250 vibrant elements representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, including all 52 Miss America state and territory titleholders, each showcasing their home state or territory through themed performances and visuals.
Attendees can expect an unforgettable lineup of:
- 50 marching bands
- Arcadia High School Marching Band and Color Guard from California
- Prattville High School Marching Band from Alabama
- Pulaski High School Marketing Band from Wisconsin
- Triuggio Marching Band from Triuggio Italy
- World Famous Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team
- Foothill High School Falcon Marching Band
- Union High School Marching Band from Oklahoma
- The Greater Saint Petersburg Awesome Original Second Time Arounders Marching Band
- World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps – Reading PA
- 19 elaborate floats
- First People Float
- Toasting America Float – presented by Wawa
- We Are The World Float – presented by American Airlines
- One Philly – A United City Float – presented by East Market
- Agricultural Float – presented by Reading Terminal Market
- African American Heritage Float
- Pride Float
- Liberty Tree and Flag Float
- Education Float
- Fiesta Float
- Declaration of Independence Float
- Liberty Bell Float
- Women’s Right to Vote Float
- American Eagle Float
- Birthday Cake Float
- Tibetan Association Float
- FilipinoAssociation Float
- Falun Dafa Float
- Korean American Association Float
- Council of Indian Organizations Float
- Chinese Benevolent Association Float
- Military and special units
- Historic and cultural showcases
- And more, all celebrating America’s past, present, and future
Expanded Parade Route
The parade will follow an exciting new, extended route, starting at 5th & Chestnut Streets, passing Independence Hall, traveling down Market Street, circling City Hall, continuing along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, looping around Logan Circle, and concluding at Broad & Chestnut Streets.
Parade Watch Zones
Guests can marvel at the parade throughout the entire route or celebrate at one of our official Cheer Zones:
- Wawa Cheer Zone (6th and Market Streets) – Cool down at the Wawa Cheer Zone with free iced teas and lemonades provided by Wawa (while supplies last). Guests can also enjoy complimentary Sparkling Ice beverages, Herr’s chips, and free Krimpets courtesy of Tastykake, our Snack Break Partner of the day.
- East Market Cheer Zone (Between 11th and 12th Streets on Market Street) – Come by East Market’s Cheer Zone with entertainment by Deejay Jonathan, giveaways, and specials from East Market eateries!
- City Hall Cheer Zone (Northeast side of City Hall) – Make sure to stop by the City Hall Cheer Zone for giveaways starting at noon.
- Guests 21 and over can enjoy beverages for purchase from 12 PM to 3 PM, including refreshing Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails and On the Rocks Canned Cocktails
Join us as Philadelphia sets the stage for a once-in-a-generation celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Watch every moment of the Wawa Welcome America Salute to Independence 250TH Parade exclusively on NBC10, Friday, July 3rd at 12 pm ET, or stream it across all your favorite platforms, including Roku, Peacock, Samsung TV Plus, NBC10.com, and the NBC10 Philadelphia YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@
