(WHTM) \u2014 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\u2019s birthplace.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania is the epicenter of America250, and numerous free initiatives were launched to provide one-of-a-kind experiences to celebrate our nation\u2019s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n
The Commonwealth Concert Series (Free Tickets)<\/p>\n
First, you can reserve tickets to the Commonwealth Concert Series<\/a>, a free five-city concert tour that runs from May 23 through June 27.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The full concert tour schedule can be seen below:<\/p>\n Saturday, May 23: Bryce Jordan Center, State College<\/p>\n Performers include Cole Swindell (headliner), Gabby Barrett, and the Benny Havens Military Band.<\/p>\n Saturday, June 6: Erie Insurance Arena, Erie<\/p>\n Performers include The Fray (headliner) and First to Eleven.<\/p>\n Saturday, June 13: Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey<\/p>\n Performers include The Avett Brothers (headliner)<\/p>\n Saturday, June 20: Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre<\/p>\n Performers include Lady A (headliner) and En Vogue<\/p>\n Saturday, June 27: Point State Park, Pittsburgh<\/p>\n Performers include co-headliners Nelly and Third Eye Blind<\/p>\n The website says concert-goers must register for a free ticket for admission. Visit America250PA.org<\/a> to sign up for email alerts regarding ticket release dates.<\/p>\n Free Museum\/Event Admission<\/p>\n Numerous landmarks will be waiving fees for kids, including the Heinz History Center, the Historic Hope Lodge, and the Fort Pitt Museum.<\/p>\n The Heinz History Center announced<\/a> that kids aged 17 and under can experience all Semiquincentennial exhibitions through 2026.<\/p>\n The center is one of many that partnered with America250PA to unveil Pennsylvania artists\u2019 submissions of customized bell sculptures as part of the \u201cBells Across PA\u201d initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Historic Hope Lodge will also host a \u201cColonial Flax to Linen Demonstration\u201d<\/a> on May 17, with free admission, in honor of America250.<\/p>\n The Fort Pitt Museum announced that it will hold a free \u201cForth at the Fort\u201d<\/a> family-friendly flag-raising event at the Fort Pitt Blockhouse on July 4 at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania State Library is allowing free access<\/a> to thousands of unique historical data collections from over 250 years ago.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s revered newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette.<\/p>\n Geocaching<\/p>\n Geocachers can follow the America250PA GeoTrail<\/a>, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Cross-state road trip<\/p>\n The City of Gettysburg also unveiled the Pennsylvania Highway of Heroes<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n The city says those who complete it will receive six challenge coins<\/a>, which represent each major landmark along the trail.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n