This year, the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding. The American Revolutionary War was fought between April 1775 and September 1783, though the war for independence wasn’t “formalized” until the next year, when the Second Continental Congress, right here in Philadelphia, passed the Lee Resolution for Independence on July 2, and adopted the Declaration of Independence at what is now known as Independence Hall on July 4, 1776. Philadelphia’s unique place of honor in American history centers the celebration of this milestone in our streets, squares, and parks.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations promise to be the party of a lifetime. Or at least, one not seen in at least 50 years. Throughout 2026, institutions and organizations around the Greater Philadelphia area are marking the semiquincentennial with art installations, theater, exhibits, performances, storytelling, and much more. Each week, The Philadelphia Citizen is highlighting events that exemplify what we stand for: good citizenship, civic engagement, and the celebration of everything that makes Philly the greatest city in America.
For literally everything happening around our semiquincentennial, check out Visit Philly’s comprehensive list: A Once-In-A-Lifetime-Year: Philly’s Signature 2026 Events.
The Penn Museum’s Native North America Gallery
LEARN ABOUT THE NATIVE PEOPLES WHO LIVED HERE BEFORE US. The Penn Museum celebrates the first Americans with an expansive new gallery, Native North America. Long before colonists from Europe began settling in what would become America, Indigenous civilizations thrived. This exhibit explores their political, religious, linguistic, and artistic self-determination. Museum Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. $14-$23. 3260 South Street
Works by Sam Maitin
VIEW THE ICONIC WORK OF SAM MAITIN. We the People: Sam Maitin features banners, prints, and more from the celebrated muralist, painter, graphic designer, and community activist on exhibit at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts through February 21. Free. 3680 Walnut Street
By ajay_suresh – Historical Society of Pennsylvania, CC BY 2.0, Link
ATTEND A NEW EXHIBIT ABOUT INDEPENDENCE. Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s is on view at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania through April 24. Learn how the make-up of who is an American has changed since the American Revolution. Free. 1300 Locust Street
Artifact from the Doan Gang exhibit at the Mercer Museum
LEARN THE STORY OF CRIMING LOYALISTS. The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution exhibit at the Mercer Museum explores the history and intrigue of a group of Revolutionary War era Loyalists called the Doan Gang, and their criminal exploits in the region. On view until December 31; hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. $10-$20. 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown
Ruckus and Davóne Tines
TAKE A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT. Early music ensemble Ruckus and singer Davóne Tines time travel through four centuries of songs, hymns and dance tunes from America’s history in Ruckus with Davóne Tines: What is Your Hand in This, live at Episcopal Cathedral January 29 at 7pm. $55. 19 S. 38th Street
Independence Hall. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.
CELEBRATE THE REOPENING OF INDEPENDENCE HALL! Fresh off its preservation and rehabilitation efforts, Independence Hall is officially reopening to visitors and throwing a party to celebrate January 29 through February 1, 9am to 5pm. Be one of the first 250 guests to stop by the Visitor Center with your ticket or stub and receive custom-baked Independence Hall cookies. Sign the Declaration Philly 2026 scroll with an oversized quill pen, snap some photos, and get some free patriotic swag. Free. 599 Market Street
William Bartram’s illustrations of tobacco, witch hazel and Venus flytrap, 1803. Source: American Philosophical Society
FOR THE PHYTOPHILES OF AMERICAN HISTORY. Adventive America invites you to a symposium of academics in botany, landscaping, and history that examines plants and nation building, hosted at Penn’s Fisher Fine Arts Library. Gain historical insights for the next time you plant flowers in your windowboxes, request a street tree, or cultivate your garden. The Keynote Lecture happens January 29 from 6:30 to 8pm, and the symposium is January 30 from 9:30am to 6pm. Free. Register here. 220 S. 34th Street
Photo courtesy of the Girls Scouts.
BUT ARE THEY MADE OUT OF REAL GIRL SCOUTS? Celebrate the First Public Girl Scout Cookie Sale which happened in 1933 right here in Philadelphia at the PECO Building January 31 from 11am to 1pm. Free. 2301 Market Street
MORE THINGS YOU CAN DO
A Fourth of July celebration at Independence Hall. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.