| May 21, 2024 This morning, we were proud to be joined by Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Philadelphia City Representative and Director of Special Events Jazelle Jones, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, City of Philadelphia 2026 Director Michael Newmuis and Executive Director of TED Jay Herratti to share the first wave of a robust multi-year schedule of programming, events and activities in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Today, we announced that Visit Philadelphia is partnering with TED on the launch of TED Democracy, the first-ever TED equity series focused on the future of democracy. 🥁 And, drumroll please — It’s going to be hosted right here in Philadelphia, starting this July and culminating with an annual TED Democracy Flagship event in February 2026. 📺 Must Watch: Shapiro’s interview with Good Morning America about why Philadelphia is the ideal location to commemorate the historic occasion of 2026. The big picture: 2026 will be an exciting, jam-packed year that propels Philadelphia into the national — and international — spotlight. An opportunity this monumental means we’re starting now, and we will work diligently over the next two years to maximize the moment. In addition to TED Democracy, during today’s press conference we shared confirmed semiquincentennial-related events and programming alongside previously announced events to paint a compelling picture as to why Philadelphia is the epicenter of all 2026 celebrations. The current lineup includes: * Red, White, & Blue To-Do: John Adams famously declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade.” So, starting July 2, 2024, and then occurring annually, the Philadelphia Historic District partners will host this patriotic celebration taking place throughout America’s most historic square mile with parades, concerts and more. * The Young People’s Continental Congress: July 15-19, 2024 and again in July 2025, Carpenters’ Hall will host this youth-focused event bringing together delegates from across the country to explore the themes of democracy and to engage in civic dialogue. * 250th Birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps: In October 2025, Philadelphia will host the 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. * The Declaration’s Journey: The Museum of the American Revolution will host this major special exhibition exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. The exhibition will run from Oct. 18, 2025 through Jan. 3, 2027. * 52 Weeks of Firsts: The Philadelphia Historic District will commemorate the Philadelphia-born creativity and ingenuity that has been shared globally over the past 250 years with weekly acknowledgments starting January 2026. * NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament: March Madness comes to Philadelphia in 2026 when the city will host the first and second round tournament play at the Wells Fargo Center. * ArtPhilly What Now: A city-wide arts festival, will launch in May 2026 and highlight Philadelphia’s iconic arts institutions, neighborhood arts initiatives and talented artists. * FIFA World Cup 26™: June 11 – July 19, 2026, Philadelphia will host matches at Lincoln Financial Field culminating in a knockout stage match on July 4, 2026. The World Cup FanFest will also run through July 19 giving soccer fans a great place to meet up, watch matches and celebrate victories. * Wawa Welcome America: With the world watching, we will host the biggest and best July 4th celebration Philadelphia’s ever seen. * 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game: Citizens Bank Park will host this multi-day event in mid-July honoring baseball’s best and celebrating America’s favorite pastime in the city where America was born. * Printmaking by the People: Citywide Voices of 2026: And, it wouldn’t be a celebration in Philly without a mural from Mural Arts Philadelphia. The Mural Arts team will begin concepting this year to present in 2026 a crowd-sourced mural that will explore the meaning of the semiquincentennial, our shared values and desired changes. Get Involved: We want to hear all about what you’re working on for the 250th via this content submission form. Your 2026-related submissions will help the Visit Philadelphia team in our work to centralize and promote information about 2026 events, initiatives and happenings. The bottom line: 2026 is a massive undertaking and is going to be another opportunity for people to see what our great city is all about. Our big event pedigree, coupled with our amazing line-up of events, is going to make for an outstanding few years. We also wouldn’t be here today without the vision of Gov. Ed Rendell, Andrew Hons and Sam Katz, who long ago saw the massive opportunity that the 250th would bring to Philadelphia. In addition, we are grateful for the support of our sponsors and funders. Please join me in thanking the Philadelphia hotel community, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Bank of America, Comcast and Highmark Blue Shield. |
Visit Philadelphia is partnering with TED on the launch of TED Democracy. / Photo by Stephanie Ramones for Visit Philadelphia.
