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Philadelphia, PA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

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Upcoming This Year

Jul

4

CeremonyFeatured

July 4th Celebration at Independence Hall

Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia's flagship Independence Day celebration featuring a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of Independence Hall, where the document was originally adopted on July 4, 1776. The event includes patriotic music, historical speeches, descendants of Declaration signers as honored guests, and a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell. Part of the larger Wawa Welcome America festival that spans multiple days with concerts, fireworks, and free museum admissions across the city.

FreeJuly 4th annually; the broader Welcome America festival typically runs late June through July 4thMore info →

Jul

7

Reenactment

July 8 Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Independence Square, located on the south side of Independence Hall

<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration begins at 11am as guests listen to ranger talks, learn historic dance moves, and mingle with rangers in period costume helping to bring to life Colonial Philadelphia and its diverse identities and opinions! Then at 12pm cheer with the Patriots or jeer with the Tories as Col. John Nixon takes stage and reads the Declaration of Independence publicly for the very first time. This annual event is an Independence National Historical Park tradition now 250 years in the making!</span></p>

Free

Jul

7

Reenactment

Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Independence Square, southside of Independence Hall

<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">On the evening of July 8 at 6pm, Americans across the globe will join for a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence. From Alaska to Antarctica, we will come together as one to mark the 250th anniversary of the very first public reading. Join us at 5:45pm right behind Independence Hall where that very first reading happened and be a part of this generational event.</div>

Free

Jul

13

Reenactment

MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show

Independence Mall, 525 Market Street

<div> <p>Register now for your chance to attend the 2026 MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Mastercard live and in person on Tuesday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET at Independence Mall. Experience the excitement as MLB’s biggest stars hit the carpet in style and come celebrate the fun, fashion, and flair of All-Star Week like never before!</p> </div> <div> <p>Fan must submit this registration by June 19 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Fan will be notified if they were selected to attend live and in person on or around June 22. Selected fan will receive 2 tickets - one for themselves and one for a guest.</p> </div>

Free

Jul

17

Reenactment

Yoga at Independence

Second Bank Lawn, 420 Chestnut Street

<p>Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park this summer! Join Independence Historical Trust on the lawn behind the Second Bank of the United States for Yoga at Independence! This program is <strong>*FREE*</strong> and open to the public. Whether you're an advanced yogi or brand new, come and enjoy a fun hour of yoga in your national park. All levels and ages are welcome! Yoga sessions are facilitated by our friends from Monarch Yoga.</p> <p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">This program is conducted by the parks philanthropic partner, the Independence Historical Trust.</span></p>

Free

Jul

29

Reenactment

Reenactment debates of the First Continental Congress and Free Mason Speeches

Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street

<p>Witness history in Carpenters' Hall. Watch the debates held by the First Continental Congress followed by speeches by members of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons.</p>

Free

Aug

14

Reenactment

Yoga at Independence

Second Bank Lawn, 420 Chestnut Street

<p>Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park this summer! Join Independence Historical Trust on the lawn behind the Second Bank of the United States for Yoga at Independence! This program is <strong>*FREE*</strong> and open to the public. Whether you're an advanced yogi or brand new, come and enjoy a fun hour of yoga in your national park. All levels and ages are welcome! Yoga sessions are facilitated by our friends from Monarch Yoga.</p> <p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">This program is conducted by the parks philanthropic partner, the Independence Historical Trust.</span></p>

Free

Aug

20

Reenactment

Movies on the Mall

Independence Mall, Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets

<p>Enjoy a movie under the stars at your national park! Join Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historical Park, and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of our city and national park.</p> <p>Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and park ranger programs.</p>

FreeMore info →

Sep

17

Ceremony

Constitution Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

An annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, at the nearby Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall). The National Constitution Center hosts a full day of free programming including naturalization ceremonies for new American citizens, readings of the Constitution, interactive exhibits, educational workshops, living history interpreters portraying the Framers, and panel discussions with constitutional scholars.

Free on Constitution DaySeptember 17 annually, or the nearest weekday/weekend; check NCC website for exact scheduleMore info →

Sep

17

Reenactment

Movies on the Mall

Independence Mall, Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets

<p>Enjoy a movie under the stars at your national park! Join Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historical Park, and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of our city and national park.</p> <p>Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and park ranger programs.</p>

FreeMore info →

Sep

18

Reenactment

First Naming of the United States Celebration

On the south side of Independence Hall

<p>Celebrate a Philadelphia first! Join us for storytelling, music, and family-friendly activites while celebrating at Independence Hall where "The United States of America" was first given to the nation.</p>

Free

Sep

18

Reenactment

Yoga at Independence

Second Bank Lawn, 420 Chestnut Street

<p>Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park this summer! Join Independence Historical Trust on the lawn behind the Second Bank of the United States for Yoga at Independence! This program is <strong>*FREE*</strong> and open to the public. Whether you're an advanced yogi or brand new, come and enjoy a fun hour of yoga in your national park. All levels and ages are welcome! Yoga sessions are facilitated by our friends from Monarch Yoga.</p> <p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">This program is conducted by the parks philanthropic partner, the Independence Historical Trust.</span></p>

Free

Oct

15

Reenactment

Movies on the Mall

Independence Mall, Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets

<p>Enjoy a movie under the stars at your national park! Join Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historical Park, and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of our city and national park.</p> <p>Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and park ranger programs.</p>

FreeMore info →

Oct

23

Reenactment

B.A.R.K. Ranger

Pemberton House Garden, 316 Chestnut Street

<p>Do you have a doggo, pupper, or floof who loves national parks as much as you do? Join Independence Historical Trust and become a B.A.R.K. Ranger. During this special program geared towards our four-legged friends, pets of all shapes and sizes can take the oath and become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Enjoy light refreshments (for pets and people) and take some time to meet other pet-lovers from the neighborhood.</p>

Free

Oct

Reenactment

Battle of Germantown Reenactment

Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Annual reenactment of the October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown, in which George Washington's Continental Army launched a surprise attack against British forces occupying Philadelphia. Held at Cliveden, the historic Chew House that served as a British stronghold during the battle, the event features hundreds of costumed reenactors, musket and artillery demonstrations, period encampments, colonial craftspeople, and guided tours of the battlefield landscape throughout the Germantown neighborhood.

FreeTypically held on the first or second Saturday of October near the battle anniversary; check Cliveden's website for exact datesMore info →

Dec

Festival

Colonial Christmas at City Tavern

City Tavern, 138 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia

Holiday-season living history programming at City Tavern, the historically reconstructed 18th-century tavern where delegates to the Continental Congress dined and debated. Events have included period-appropriate holiday feasts featuring recipes from the Revolutionary era, costumed interpreters portraying Founding Fathers, candlelit dinners, and demonstrations of 18th-century holiday customs and foodways.

Varies; reservations typically requiredTypically held on select dates throughout December; City Tavern's programming and operating status have varied in recent years — contact venue to confirm current schedule

Earlier This Year

May

11

Reenactment

Independence NHP Walking Tour

Meet on the east side of the Liberty Bell Center near the viewing window- 526 Market Street

<p>Explore Independence National Historical Park with a park ranger. Get the inside scoop on the founding of the nation on this one-hour guided walking tour through some of the most iconic city blocks in the United States.</p>

Free

May

18

Reenactment

History Hangout

Liberty Bell Center, 6th and Market Streets

<p>Take a break, drop-in, and hangout with a park ranger in the Liberty Bell Center as they dive deep into one of the many fascinating stories of Independence National Historical Park. Enjoy casual conversation and hands-on activities for people of all ages. </p>

Free

May

18

Reenactment

Ranger Talk on Independence Square

Independence Square, behind Independence Hall

<p>Join a park ranger for a lively, short conversation about the significant events that have taken place on Independence Square.</p>

Free

May

18

Reenactment

Ranger Talks in Franklin Court

Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Chestnut and Market Streets

<p>Join a park ranger and discuss the life and times of Philadelphia's most famous founder—Ben Franklin.</p>

Free

May

21

Reenactment

Twilight Tour

Meet at the Liberty Bell viewing window (near 6th and Chestnut Streets)

<p>Enjoy a *FREE* after-hour walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Join a knowledgeable Twilight Guide eager to share their love of history and Philadelphia. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring your own backyard, there is always something new to discover. Each guide offers a unique theme and route around Independence National Historical Park.</p>

Free

May

21

Reenactment

Twilight Tour

Meet at the Liberty Bell viewing window (near 6th and Chestnut Streets)

<p>Enjoy a *FREE* after-hour walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Join a knowledgeable Twilight Guide eager to share their love of history and Philadelphia. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring your own backyard, there is always something new to discover. Each guide offers a unique theme and route around Independence National Historical Park.</p>

Free

May

22

Reenactment

Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Bench

Independence Square, Franklin Court, Second Bank of the United States, Independence Visitor Center, Carpenters' Hall

<p>Listen for the ringing of a bell and head over to a Storytelling Bench to hear history come alive! Once Upon a Nation uses the art of storytelling to bring enliven the place where history happened. Join us for fun for the entire family—opportunities throughout the day.</p>

Free

Jun

1

Reenactment

Kids Colonial Muster

Signer's Garden, 5th and Chestnut Streets

<p>Ready, March! Calling all kids to join in the Colonial Muster. Learn about the daily life of a colonial soldier and participate in lively parades, and hands-on marching drills.</p>

Free

Jun

25

Reenactment

Colonial Kids Quest Puppet Show

18th Century Garden, 339 Walnut Street

<p>Colonial Kids’ Quest is a fun, interactive, light-hearted puppet show adventure where young ones (and their adults) will help animal puppets search for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence.</p>

Free

Jun

26

Reenactment

Franklin under the Mulberry

Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Market and Chestnut Streets

<p>Listen to a young Ben Franklin tell stories of his life under the mulberry tree in Franklin Court. Ben tells stories of his travels, inventions, and political career.</p>

Free

Jun

29

Reenactment

Declaration Reading

South side of Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

<p>Celebrate the nation’s 250th with this daily reading of the Declaration of Independence, right where it was signed. History Makers, famous and not-so-famous, recite the famous Declaration, and stick around afterward for pictures!</p>

Free

Jun

Guided Tour

Once Upon a Nation Storytelling

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. — multiple locations in Old City and Independence National Historical Park

A summer-long living history program throughout Philadelphia's Historic District in which costumed storytellers stationed at benches along a trail from the Betsy Ross House to Independence Hall share true tales of the American Revolution. Stories cover the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the British occupation of Philadelphia, the lives of everyday colonists, and lesser-known figures of the Revolution. Visitors collect stamps on a story card at each bench.

FreeRuns daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; exact start and end dates vary by yearMore info →