By Molly Given
Two hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is once again at the center of the celebration. For 2026, the city is honoring America’s milestone anniversary with a dynamic lineup of cultural exhibitions, family-friendly programs, and spirited tributes that feel distinctly Philly.
R&D Cocktail Bar
R&D is toasting the nation’s 250th anniversary with a new menu dubbed “Ripoff & Duplicate,” the 11th themed release from beverage director and partner Aaron Deary. Designed as a glossy, ten-page magazine by Deary himself, the menu doubles as an insider’s guide to the neighborhoods, landmarks, and lore that define Philly. Each cocktail maps a different corner of the city, from where to find standout Puerto Rican fare to the perfect espresso and a team-approved day spent in Fishtown.
The playful name came from a tongue-in-cheek exchange, and the drinks are organized into three sections: Shaken & Citrusy, Stirred & Spirited, and Lighter & Bubbly. Standouts include the electric-blue “Hitchbot”, a Dutch gin sour nodding to the ill-fated robot that met its end in Philly; “Longing for Awnings”, a mezcal-kissed tribute to South Philadelphia row homes; and “Abyssinia”, a wintery whiskey sour inspired by West Philly’s popular Ethiopian restaurant.
Highlights also include a reimagined Clover Club sipper dubbed “In a Man Glass”, a tequila old fashioned named the “Crumb Bum” and Chu-Hai, a bright, bubbly homage to Japanese highballs.
1206 Frankford Ave., rdphilly.com
The Science History Institute
In commemoration of the occasion, the Science History Institute will debut ‘Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks’, a new exhibition exploring the global origins and colorful chemistry behind one of the world’s most popular traditions. From how fireworks are made, designed, tested, and sold, to the science that sends them into the night sky, the exhibition offers an up-close look at this colorful craft.
Visitors can explore rare books, historic catalogs, design renderings, safety tools, and even the inner workings of a firework. The public is invited to a free opening celebration dubbed the ‘Launch Party!’, on Friday, April 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a curator’s talk, hands-on activities, pyrotechnic-themed objects from the collections, refreshments, and more. After the launch, the exhibition will be on view Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
315 Chestnut St., sciencehistory.org
Visit Philadelphia x Victory Brewing
Visit Philadelphia and Victory Brewing Company have teamed up to launch Philly First, a brew crafted in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The crisp, easy-drinking ale pays tribute to the many historic firsts born in Philadelphia, and it also marks a milestone for both organizations, with each celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
The commemorative brew will be widely available throughout the city and surrounding suburbs in 16-ounce cans at beer distributors and craft bottle shops, and on draft at neighborhood bars, gastropubs, and all Victory Taprooms. Anyone interested can check Victory’s Beer Finder for more information on how to get the beer.
Mutter Museum
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary this year, the Mütter Museum is inviting visitors to explore how medicine has shaped — and been shaped by — the American story with a slate of ambitious new exhibits.
Among the highlights is “Revolutionary Botany,” which examines how scientific plant classification transformed the study of medicinal plants in the years leading up to the American Revolution and helped lay the groundwork for the nation’s first pharmacopoeia. “Philly Killer” revisits the deadly 1976 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak during the United States Bicentennial and “Creating a City of Medicine,” traces 250 years of Philadelphia’s outsized influence on medical education and innovation.
Rounding out the season, “Creative Processing: Art in Therapy” will explore the healing power of artistic expression. The Mütter Museum also plans to host monthly programs, lectures, and special events throughout 2026. A full schedule can be found online.
19 S. 22nd St., muttermuseum.org
The Clay Studio
As Philadelphia celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary, The Clay Studio is spearheading “Radical Americana”, a region-wide initiative uniting 25 contemporary artists and more than 20 cultural partners. The project explores how the legacies of 1776 and subsequent milestone anniversaries continue to shape American identity, pairing archival research with newly commissioned, site-specific work across museums and historic spaces.
A centerpiece of the initiative is “American Crib: What’s Happening?”, opening April 9, by acclaimed ceramic artist Roberto Lugo. Presented as an immersive, apartment-like installation, the showcase blends porcelain traditions with contemporary imagery and personal narrative to examine class, race, mental health, and belonging.
Developed with research support from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the show positions ceramics as a powerful tool for telling complex American stories. The Clay Studio will complement the exhibition with public programs including poetry readings, tea ceremonies, and musical performances. A full schedule can be found online.
1425 N American St., theclaystudio.org
The Doylestown Bookshop
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The Doylestown Bookshop is partnering with The Doylestown Historical Society for a special USA250 storytelling series for young readers. Throughout 2026, families are invited to enjoy engaging read-alouds of Revolutionary-era stories paired with fun, hands-on crafts. Program dates are set for March 20, May 15, July 17, Sept. 18, and Nov. 20, all at 11 a.m.
Events will be held at The Doylestown Bookshop. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and programs are best suited for children ages 4–8.
16 S. Main St, Doylestown, doylestownbookshop.com