"Pomp & Parade:" July Event In Philly To Celebrate America's History

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee recently announced a slew of events for the 2025 Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration on July 2.

These events are a part of Philadelphia’s year-long 250th celebration.

The annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration on July 2 will commemorate a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began.

The event brings together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor the nation’s founding.

The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will also take place on July 2, 2026.

In 2025, the fun begins with museum and historic site openings and a flag raising with Betsy herself at the Betsy Ross House.

The morning really gets going with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade featuring 13 red wagon floats decked out with Philadelphia icons and patriotic flair along with parade groups such as drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and families representing the diversity of the city. Marchdrs will step off at the National Constitution Center, pass the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and end on Third Street, between Chestnut and Walnut streets.

When the parade ends, the All-American Block Party will kick off on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The event will feature music, games, family-friendly activities, highlights from Historic District attractions, and food trucks, and seating.

The afternoon and evening will be filled with a curated and culturally diverse lineup of free musical street performances at eight locations throughout the Historic District, festive happy hour specials throughout Old City, and extended hours and special events at various historic sites into the evening.

At the end of the day, Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Service Concert on Independence featuring The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus will take place at 7 pm at Independence National Historical Park, next to the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets.

Throughout the day, Decoration Stations will be available at each of the Philadelphia Historic District attractions and partner organizations with festive gear for visitors to festoon themselves.

The Historic District itself will get a boost of bunting, balloons, and begonias to enliven the holiday atmosphere.

A special issue of the Historic Philadelphia Gazette will be available at the Independence Visitor Center and other partner attractions with a map and information about how to participate in the celebration all day long. In addition, the Philadelphia Historic District attractions will encourage visitors to return to Historic Philadelphia throughout the remaining summer months with a Stars, Stripes, and Savings pass.

“Philadelphia is ready to celebrate like never before! These family-friendly events bring residents and visitors together for fun, enriching experiences in our nation’s most historic district, while also honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovative firsts,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We’ll light up the nation’s birthplace with energy and excitement, proving why Philadelphia is the place to be for America’s 250th anniversary.”

During the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days, anyone can help create one of the 13 official wagon “floats” for the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade.

The public is invited to participate in the free Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days, guided by parade producer Under the Sun Productions, which will take place from June 28 to July 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m at the National Constitution Center. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Families are encouraged to sign up to participate in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade.

Get more information on the Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration online here.