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How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember

Will Smith, a heat wave, and a World Cup match.

News

Triple-digit heat. A canceled parade. An evacuation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. None of it could spoil Philadelphia&#x27;s party for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" data-vars-content-id="f012f8f7-25a2-435a-ae61-c811f4933a5f" data-vars-headline="How Philadelphia threw America a 250th birthday party to remember" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/01/philly-is-taking-center-stage-for-americas-250th-birthday" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s birthplace delivered the kind of weekend only Philly could — reminding the country that Philadelphia remains at the heart of the American story.

This is what Pennsylvania included in America's Time Capsule

The time capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4.

Culture

Pennsylvania&#x27;s message to future generations gets buried this weekend inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/27/america-is-burying-a-time-capsule-in-philly-for-the-nations-250th-birthday?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDQ1LuDXn6oQr5u9EId2Z71yO&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jWEuf9nkGf3ztBzUsgUIqnnyhx-uZmnDEVC31SVKAlRiWqYsz4kCyRoCMNMQAvD_BwE" target="_self">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a> at Philly&#x27;s Independence National Historical Park.Why it matters: The steel capsule — which includes hundreds of letters and artifacts from all 56 states, D.C., and territories — is part of the country&#x27;s 250th anniversary festivities intended to give future Americans an authentic record of 2026 life.<ul><li>The time capsule will remain sealed until America&#x27;s 500th birthday in 2276. </li></ul>State of play: Pennsylvania&#x27;s two contributions to the time capsule are bureaucratic and, well, a bit uninspiring: <ul><li>✉️ A letter from Gov. Josh Shapiro, titled &quot;Greetings from Harrisburg.&quot;</li><li>📙 A booklet listing several of the state&#x27;s 250th anniversary commemorations. </li></ul>How it works: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Some of the content" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" data-vars-content-id="97e5e1d0-859b-42a2-8374-50ebf2485135" data-vars-headline="This is what Pennsylvania included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/news/america250-officially-seals-americas-time-capsule-and-reveals-final-contents-ahead-of-july-4-burial-in-philadelphia/" target="_blank">Some of the content</a> for the time capsule was selected by America250, the Congress-approved organization planning this and other anniversary events.<ul><li>But the bulk of the items in the capsule were determined by the states and territories.</li></ul>Zoom in: Some states sent a bunch of stuff.<ul><li>For example: New Mexico included a Pueblo seed pot, vial of sand from the White Sands National Park, a silver squash blossom necklace, bolo tie and recipe card for biscochito, the state&#x27;s official state cookie. </li></ul>Meanwhile, other notable contributions include a whale bone from Maine, a copper ingot from Arizona, a diamond from Arkansas, and beaded artwork from Montana.What&#x27;s next: America250 will bury the time capsule at Independence National Historical Park on Saturday, July 4 at 8:30am. 💭 Mike&#x27;s thought bubble: Seems like Pennsylvania really phoned this one in. <ul><li>Let&#x27;s hope that future generations think of Pennsylvania in 2026 as more than a little letter and booklet. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🗣️ Your take</h2>What do you think Pennsylvania should have buried in America&#x27;s Time Capsule? Send your suggestions to philadelphia@axios.com.

Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival

DelBene's exit comes days after the city held its biggest-ever festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Michael DelBene is out as CEO of Welcome America, a surprising shakeup coming just days after Philly celebrated its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest-ever festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/05/philadelphia-july-4-concert-fireworks-will-smith-meek-mill" target="_self">biggest-ever festival</a> for the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday.Why it matters: DelBene was instrumental in helping plan two of the city&#x27;s biggest events this year: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="13655c26-1f16-4f76-a980-fb259809415e" data-vars-headline="Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">FIFA Fan Fest</a> and the Fourth of July festivities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Philly is taking center stage for America's 250th birthday

A massive Fourth of July party. A World Cup knockout match. And one huge stress test for the Parker administration.

Philadelphia is acting as the &quot;drum major&quot; of the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday, throwing its biggest-ever party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this weekend.Why it matters: Years in the making, the signature event — paired with a same-day World Cup knockout match — will test even the city that birthed democracy and could define Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s first term.

Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region

20,000 pounds of food was recovered from Philly's six World Cup matches.

Sports

Meals prepared for French superstar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kylian Mbappé" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" data-vars-content-id="4734e67d-1806-4cb3-b3e4-f2dd0769d451" data-vars-headline="Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/22/philly-goes-bleu" target="_self">Kylian Mbappé</a> and other international athletes who played <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" data-vars-content-id="4734e67d-1806-4cb3-b3e4-f2dd0769d451" data-vars-headline="Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/15/ecuador-ivory-coast-world-cup-philly-first-match" target="_self">World Cup</a> matches in Philly are now feeding families in need across the region.Why it matters: FIFA and Aramark teamed up with local organizations to recover thousands of pounds of surplus food instead of letting it go to waste.

Star Wars to mark 50 years with new exhibit debuting in Philly

"Star Wars: The Experience" opens Feb. 13 at the Franklin Institute.

No longer far, far away, the Star Wars galaxy is coming to Philly.Why it matters: The 18,000-square-foot &quot;Star Wars: The Experience&quot; exhibit is lightsaber-rattling fun for fans of one of the greatest film franchises.

Philadelphia's wish list for America's next 250 years

We asked Philadelphians two simple questions: What has America done well over the last 250 years, and what can it do better?

Before America blew out the candles on its semiquincentennial birthday cake, Philadelphians were already wishing for what they hope the country&#x27;s next 250 years will look like.Why it matters: Good, better, best — Americans can&#x27;t rest until their good is better and their better is best.

Philly is closing dozens of roads for July 4 and its last World Cup match

The city's annual concert and fireworks celebrations will unfold alongside a World Cup knockout match.

Anticipating massive crowds and dangerous heat, Philadelphia is closing roads and SEPTA is adding service for the Fourth of July.Why it matters: Philly is gearing up for a once-in-a-generation Independence Day, with the city&#x27;s annual concert and fireworks celebrations unfolding alongside a World Cup knockout match.

Pennsylvania opts out of Trump's 250th state fair celebration

The birthplace of America's democracy will be MIA.

Pennsylvania is skipping the Trump-backed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/national-mall-fifa-fan-zone-state-fair-flo-rida" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/national-mall-fifa-fan-zone-state-fair-flo-rida" target="_self">250th anniversary celebration</a> on the National Mall.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Several other states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsweek.com/list-of-states-snubbing-trumps-great-american-state-fair-12065281" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsweek.com/list-of-states-snubbing-trumps-great-american-state-fair-12065281" target="_blank">Several other states</a>, mostly led by Democratic governors like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/aoc-josh-shapiro-midterms-presidential-race" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/aoc-josh-shapiro-midterms-presidential-race" target="_self">Pennsylvania</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="musicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/vanilla-ice-will-not-ice-out-washington" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/vanilla-ice-will-not-ice-out-washington" target="_self">musicians</a> have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opted out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/us/politics/great-american-state-fair.html" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/us/politics/great-american-state-fair.html" target="_blank">opted out</a> of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" target="_self">Great American State Fair</a> as the event has become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly politicized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" data-vars-content-id="bc19a6bc-4b71-4414-b041-af36737b0deb" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania opts out of Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" target="_self">increasingly politicized</a> and associated with President Trump&#x27;s agenda.

More than 40 drones seized in Philly since World Cup began

It's part of a nationwide crackdown that has led authorities to confiscate more than 300 drones.

Dozens of drones have been seized in Philadelphia since the start of the World Cup, part of a nationwide crackdown in which authorities have confiscated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 300 drones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/soccer/us-agencies-seized-300-drones-world-cup-sites-tsa-says-rcna351402" data-vars-content-id="aace708a-fb08-40b7-bb18-0ad0709b4afe" data-vars-headline="More than 40 drones seized in Philly since World Cup began" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/soccer/us-agencies-seized-300-drones-world-cup-sites-tsa-says-rcna351402" target="_blank">more than 300 drones</a>.Why it matters: As drones become a growing security threat, police departments in host cities are turning to military-grade technology and federal partnerships to monitor the skies.

News 🗞

Surplus World Cup food is feeding families in the Philly region

Star Wars to mark 50 years with new exhibit debuting in Philly

Welcome America CEO Michael DelBene exits after July 4 festival

News Market: Big letdown

Philadelphia's wish list for America's next 250 years