Get ready to party! The 250th anniversary, or the “Semiquincentennial,” of the founding of this great nation will soon be here and just as Pennsylvania played a critical role back in 1776, Pennsylvania is primed to once again be in the spotlight in 2026 with events galore. From grand celebrations the week of July 4th to world-class sporting events throughout the year to major milestone anniversaries of our cities, towns, museums, and monuments, the entire commonwealth is joining in the Semiquincentennial commemoration.
We have put together this guide to the events happening throughout the state during the Semiquincentennial year to help you plan your 2026 Great American Getaway to PA. Check back often for the latest details as new events are announced and added leading up to the celebration. You can also get a jump on the action by visiting the historical sites pivotal to the nation’s founding as well as museums and other hot spots by going to the VISIT PA website and selecting ‘Historical Pursuits’ from the homepage menu to explore the adventures that await in PA.
Please note: We strongly encourage you to visit the official websites of the respective venues and organizers before booking any travel for the latest news and any date or venue changes. Please visit America250PA for even more information.
52 Weeks of Firsts
Prepare to experience history like never before in Philadelphia in 2026! Hosted by the Philadelphia Historic District, "52 Weeks of Firsts" will celebrate 250 years of groundbreaking achievements with a year-long festival. Discover the city's incredible innovations, from the invention of bifocals to the founding of Mother’s Day. Visit iconic sites like the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the oldest continuously owned piece of land by African Americans and the birthplace of the AME faith. Each week, enjoy captivating events at these historic locations, featuring engaging speakers, stunning sculptures, and immersive deep dives by Once Upon a Nation. Don't miss this unique celebration of Philadelphia's pioneering spirit!
When: January-December 2026
Where: Philadelphia
NCAA Division | Men's Basketball Championship
Witness the excitement of college basketball as the NCAA and Saint Joseph’s University come together to host electrifying first and second round playoff games at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Join fans from across the nation as they gather to cheer on their favorite teams and experience the thrill of March Madness firsthand.
When: March 20-22, 2026
Where: Philadelphia
PGA Championship
Swing into action at Aronimink Golf Club in Delaware County as it hosts the prestigious Men’s Pro Golf Championship. Watch as top golfers compete for glory and the Wanamaker Trophy on one of Pennsylvania’s most renowned courses, which in 2020 gained the distinction of being the first club in the nation to host all three of the PGA’s rotating major championships.
When: May 11-17, 2026
Where: Newtown Square
Soccer’s FIFA World Cup
Join in the global celebration of soccer—or fútbol—as the City of Brotherly Love welcomes international players with open arms as one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities. Lincoln Financial Field will host six thrilling matches, including a special game on July 4th, America’s 250th birthday. Experience the passion and camaraderie of the world’s most popular sport as teams from around the globe vie for victory on American soil.
When: June 14-July 4, 2026
Where: Philadelphia
WAWA Welcome America & July 4th Celebrations at Independence Hall
It’s a grand party on the parkway, Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway that is, as Wawa Welcome America festival puts on its biggest and best July 4th celebration ever in 2026. Filled with breathtaking fireworks above the Philadelphia Museum of Art, star-studded concerts, and lots of fun family friendly and cultural events, it’s so big a single day of celebration is nowhere near enough, with the festival featuring two full weeks of events and activities! Best yet, many are free! Beyond the Wawa Welcome America events, there will also be Red, White, and Blue To-Do events from July 2-4, at participating museums and local businesses across Old City featuring concerts, games, and even extended visitation hours at area historic attractions.
When: June-July 2026 (dates TBC)
Where: Philadelphia
Independence Day Commemoration
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the nation's founding as you participate in the ceremonial events and festivities commemorating Independence Day in Philadelphia. It was in here in the Assembly Room of the then Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall, where after months of debate and deliberation the major leaders of the American Revolution announced the colonies’ formal Declaration of Independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776 (with the U.S. Constitution being subsequently drawn up and adopted here in 1787). As part of the commemoration, a time capsule will be buried to be unearthed on America’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.
When: July 4, 2026
Where: Philadelphia
Anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg & A Gettysburg Fourth
Adams County will be holding a host of activities throughout 2026 in recognition and celebration of the many contributions its communities and residents have made to the nation’s history and heritage. Leading up to Independence Day in 2026, from July 1-3 transport yourself back in time as visitors and reenactors gather to remember the Battle of Gettysburg. From musical performances to guided historical tours, you’ll honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the largest battle on U.S. soil. On Independence Day itself, celebrate big during the “A Gettysburg Fourth!” event to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with food trucks, music, BINGO, and raffles.. In the evening, the whole family will enjoy the sounds of the Patriotic Pops concert and the awe-inspiring spectacle of fireworks illuminating the historic Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg. Celebrate freedom and unity against the backdrop of this hallowed ground and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our liberty during one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
When: July 1-4, 2026
Where: Gettysburg
MLB All-Star Game
Catch the stars of Major League Baseball in action at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during the much-anticipated 2026 All-Star Game. Experience the thrill of America’s favorite pastime as baseball’s finest athletes showcase their skills and compete for supremacy on the diamond.
When: July 2026 (date TBD)
Where: Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Day
Pennsylvania is honored each year on July 20, National Pennsylvania Day, for its many contributions to the nation, and especially in recognition of its importance as the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and joining the union. From historical reenactments to cultural festivals, National Pennsylvania Day offers a wide variety of experiences that highlight the state’s rich heritage and enduring contributions to the American story. It is also a day for volunteerism where you can sign up to help at local food banks and other organizations each year leading up to 2026 in order to give back to local communities across the Commonwealth.
When: July 19-20, 2026 (dates TBD)
Where: Multiple locations
100th Anniversary of Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is celebrating a century’s worth of outdoor adventure in 2026 and planning big festivities! Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, this storied destination is well known for its scenic beauty and nearly countless opportunities for fun outdoor recreation activities. Originally built in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company as a reservoir for a hydroelectric power plant, Lake Wallenpaupack has been transformed into a veritable playground with public beaches, boat launches, campgrounds, parks, and hiking trails attracting hikers, boaters, anglers, nature lovers, and those who simply want to relax by the water. Visit one of PA’s largest lakes in 2026 for extra special events and outdoor activities surrounded by the natural splendor of this beloved Pennsylvania destination.
When: July 31, 2026
Where: Hawley
25th Anniversary of 9/11 at the Flight 93 Memorial
Honor the extraordinary courage of the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93 whose actions thwarted the hijackers' attempt to target Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Explore the memorial grounds, a Visitors Center with interactive exhibits detailing the story of Flight 93, the Memorial Plaza, Wall of Names, and 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices where the now-silenced voices of the 40 passengers and crew members are remembered with the tower’s forty wind chimes. Any day is a perfect day to solemnly recognize the ultimate sacrifice of these heroic Americans, with a special commemoration held on September 11th.
When: September 11, 2026
Where: Stoystown
50th Anniversary of ROCKY
Visit Philadelphia, the renowned City of Brotherly Love, to celebrate the iconic, inspirational, and Academy Award-winning movie, “Rocky.” There will be a host of special events and festivities culminating with “Rocky Day” on December 3rd. Retrace the steps of the legendary boxer with themed tours, screenings, and interactive experiences that pay homage to this timeless Philadelphia story. Be sure to climb the famed steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and afterward take a selfie by the Rocky Statue to impress your friends and family.
When: December 3, 2026
Where: Philadelphia
250th Anniversary of Washington’s Crossing
On December 25, 1776, General George Washington led his soldiers across the Delaware River in freezing and icy conditions during the dark of night to launch a surprise attack against Hessian soldiers employed by the British. Experience the sights and sounds of this legendary event as living history interpreters bring the past to life with a live reenactment of Washington’s famous crossing. In recognition of the event’s 250th anniversary, each year from 2016 to 2026 Washington Crossing Historic Park is issuing a commemorative Challenge Coin featuring an important figure of the crossing on each. History buffs will want to collect them all!
When: December 2026
Where: Washington Crossing
Pocono Raceway NASCAR Race
Rev up your engines and experience the thrill of NASCAR at Pocono Raceway during this adrenaline-pumping celebration of speed and skill. Named the “Best NASCAR Track” in USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, cheer on your favorite drivers as they navigate the “The Tricky Triangle,” one of the most unique racetracks out there with the longest front stretch in motorsports and three distinct turns.
When: Dates TBD
Where: Long Pond
50th Anniversary of the African American Museum
Explore the vibrant tapestry of African American history and culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s (AAMP) thought-provoking exhibitions and special anniversary events. Opened in 1976 as part of the nation's Bicentennial celebrations, the museum was the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. In 2022, the museum announced its move to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and is planning to move into its new home by 2026.
When: Dates TBD
Where: Philadelphia
50th Anniversary of Mummers Museum
Delve into the whimsical world of Mummery and celebrate half a century of revelry and folk customs at the Mummers Museum in Philadelphia. Opened in 1976 as part of the city’s Bicentennial celebrations, the museum displays costumes, oral histories, video and audio archives, and even an exhibit to teach anyone how to “strut” like a Mummer. Experience the pageantry and spectacle of the Mummers Parade firsthand and learn about the history and heritage of this unique Philadelphia tradition. Fun Fact: The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is the oldest continuous folk parade in the U.S.
When: Dates TBD
Where: Philadelphia
50th Anniversary of the Clothespin and LOVE Statue
Admire two iconic sculptures that have graced Center City Philadelphia for five decades, both lasting legacies of the Bicentennial celebrations. The Clothespin, designed by artist Claes Oldenburg, continues to captivate and inspire visitors with its striking design and symbolic significance. Just a few blocks away sits arguably one of the city’s best-known landmarks: the LOVE statue. Back in its original location in John F. Kennedy Plaza — better known as LOVE Park — no trip to Philly is complete without snapping a photo in front of the famous Robert Indiana sculpture.
When: Dates TBD
Where: Philadelphia
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