(WHTM) — America250 is coming up, and there is a gold mine of free stuff you can find as the state celebrates its historical significance as the nation’s birthplace.
Pennsylvania is the epicenter of America250, and numerous free initiatives were launched to provide one-of-a-kind experiences to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
The Commonwealth Concert Series (Free Tickets)
First, you can reserve tickets to the Commonwealth Concert Series, a free five-city concert tour that runs from May 23 through June 27.
The series will stop in State College, Erie, Hershey, Wilkes-Barre, and Pittsburgh, and will feature numerous notable artists, including Nelly, Third Eye Blind, Lady A, The Fray, and more.
The full concert tour schedule can be seen below:
Saturday, May 23: Bryce Jordan Center, State College
Performers include Cole Swindell (headliner), Gabby Barrett, and the Benny Havens Military Band.
Saturday, June 6: Erie Insurance Arena, Erie
Performers include The Fray (headliner) and First to Eleven.
Saturday, June 13: Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey
Performers include The Avett Brothers (headliner)
Saturday, June 20: Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre
Performers include Lady A (headliner) and En Vogue
Saturday, June 27: Point State Park, Pittsburgh
Performers include co-headliners Nelly and Third Eye Blind
The website says concert-goers must register for a free ticket for admission. Visit America250PA.org to sign up for email alerts regarding ticket release dates.
Free Museum/Event Admission
Numerous landmarks will be waiving fees for kids, including the Heinz History Center, the Historic Hope Lodge, and the Fort Pitt Museum.
The Heinz History Center announced that kids aged 17 and under can experience all Semiquincentennial exhibitions through 2026.
The center is one of many that partnered with America250PA to unveil Pennsylvania artists’ submissions of customized bell sculptures as part of the “Bells Across PA” initiative.
The Historic Hope Lodge will also host a “Colonial Flax to Linen Demonstration” on May 17, with free admission, in honor of America250.
The Fort Pitt Museum announced that it will hold a free “Forth at the Fort” family-friendly flag-raising event at the Fort Pitt Blockhouse on July 4 at 11 a.m.
The Pennsylvania State Library is allowing free access to thousands of unique historical data collections from over 250 years ago.
The library says it has partnered with America250 to reveal newly-digitized historical data previously inaccessible to the public, including rare maps, Penn family manuscripts, and Benjamin Franklin’s revered newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette.
Geocaching
Geocachers can follow the America250PA GeoTrail, which will run through 25 parks from April 11, 2026, to March 2028. Those who can uncover all 25 geocaches will receive a commemorative completion coin. To find hints, visit geocaching.com.
Cross-state road trip
The City of Gettysburg also unveiled the Pennsylvania Highway of Heroes, a 350-mile trip along Route 30, beginning at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and ending in Pittsburgh at the Fort Pitt Museum.
The city says those who complete it will receive six challenge coins, which represent each major landmark along the trail.
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