Buckle up for a electric slate of events in Philly in 2026
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Philadelphia is the place to be in 2026 as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
It's showtime — Philly's 2026 is primed for once-in-a-lifetime sporting events, new museum exhibitions, and a yearlong bash for America's 250th birthday.
Why it matters: Philly is going all out as it welcomes a crush of visitors throughout the year.
✈️ Fun fact: The double-whammy of Philly's status as the birthplace of America and top-notch lineup this year has landed the city on several shortlists for best places to travel in 2026, including those from BBC Travel and Travel + Leisure.
Driving the news: Museums across Philly are unveiling a slate of new things to see tied to the semiquincentennial celebrations.
- February: The National Constitution Center is debuting a new interactive gallery about the making of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- April: The Philadelphia Art Museum opens "A Nation of Artists," a new exhibition featuring more than 1,000 works that trace the story of American art.
- TBD: The First Bank of the U.S. is expected to reopen as a new museum with temporary exhibits after a more than $35 million makeover.
📜 ICYMI: The Museum of the American Revolution recently unveiled "The Declaration's Journey," which explores the global impact of our most famous document.
❄️ This winter: The Franklin Museum opens the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition (Feb. 14), which is a deep dive into the theme parks.
🌸 This spring: The Ministry of Awe will debut inside a restored 19th-century bank in Old City, featuring six stories of interactive space filled with art, live performances and sound.
- The annual Flower Show (Feb. 28–March 8) is getting into the 250th anniversary vibes with the theme "Rooted: Origins of American Gardening."
- Philly's Cherry Blossom Festival (March 28-29) is expected to have 250 new cherry blossom trees, which have been planted over recent years, for the semiquincentennial.
☀️ Summer: All eyes will be on this year's headliners and programming for Wawa Welcome America Festival (June 19-July 4). Deets are TBD.
- TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures (June 13) will showcase 12+ new TED Talks that explore the evolving story of democracy.
- The new What Now citywide art festival (May 27-July 4) will showcase original works from 30+ artists at venues across Philly.
- The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts goes all out for its 50th anniversary with special performances throughout June.
⚽ Plus: Six World Cup matches are set for Philly (June 14-July 4) that will feature heavy-hitters like Brazil, Croatia and France.
What else we're watching: Big festivals, concerts and sporting events through the summer.
🎶 March 15: The New Edition Way Tour with New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton
🏀 March 20 and 22: NCAA Division I Men's basketball tourney games
⚾ March 26: The Phillies open their season against the Texas Rangers in South Philly
⛳ May 11-17: PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square.
🎉 June 21: Juneteenth Parade and Festival
🏟️ July 14: MLB's All-Star Game comes to Citizens Bank Park.
🎸Aug. 13: The Foo Fighters Takeover Tour takes over Lincoln Financial Field.
🚲 Aug. 30: Philly's Cycling Classic