Red, White, & Blue To-Do
July 2 will be a day of ‘pomp and parade’ as envisioned by John Adams
A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This monumental occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
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Red, White, & Blue Music Series
Enjoy live music and entertainment at 10 locations throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District during the Red, White, & Blue To-Do! From jazz and funk to classical and patriotic tunes, each performance spot offers a different vibe—perfect for celebrating the spirit of Independence in America’s most historic square mile. Stay tuned for the full lineup.
Pomp & Parade
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center, traveling along Independence Mall and ending on 3rd Street, between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The parade will feature miniature, hand-decorated wagon floats and include a variety of drill teams, cultural dance troupes, and national and international youth performers representing the diversity of the city. All decked out in patriotic flair!
Red, White, & Rosé Picnic
New this year, the Red, White, & Rosé Picnic will begin at 5 pm on Independence Mall! Come ready for picnic seating and food trucks ahead of the Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Service starting at 7 pm. During the picnic, visitors can check out Float Fest, viewing the elaborate floats alongside the Mall which will be used in the July 3rd Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade.
Schedule of Events:
7 AM
Living Liberty Bell - gathering 250 people to create an outline of the famous bell on Independence Mall.
9 AM
Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House - bells will ring, museums and historic sites open, and the official flag is raised at the Betsy Ross House.
11 AM
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade - Launching from the National Constitution Center.
12 - 2 PM
All-American Block Party - in partnership with Wawa Welcome America on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and onto Dock Street.
2 - 5 PM
Red, White, & Blue Music Series - at ten locations throughout the Historic District.
5 PM
Red, White, & Rosé Picnic - NEW for 2026 along Arch Street, between 5th & 6th Streets.
7 - 9 PM
Wawa Welcome America’s Salute to Service with Queen Latifah next to the Independence Visitor Center.
Mark your calendars—The Red, White, & Blue To-Do returns on July 2, 2026!
Know the History
The official Independence Day—July 2, 1776—came to be when the Second Continental Congress voted in Independence Hall to approve a resolution declaring: “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
John Adams thought July 2 should be marked as a national holiday for generations to come: “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail Adams.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by representatives from the Colonies two days later, on July 4, 1776.