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.
Learn More About:
Decorating Days
Wagon Decorating will take place at the National Constitution Center, free and open to the public. Anyone can help create one of the official wagon “floats” for the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade. The activity is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Musical Performances
Enjoy live music and entertainment at eight 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.
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 include a variety of youth performance troupes, miniature, hand-decorated wagon floats, and community members decked out in patriotic flair.
Discover what's happening at other participating museums and organizations on July 2, including their hours, special programming, and more - coming soon!
Mark your calendars—The Red, White, & Blue To-Do returns on July 2, 2025!
Participating Organizations:
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African American Museum in Philadelphia
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American Philosophical Society
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Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust
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Athenaeum of Philadelphia
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Betsy Ross House
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Carpenters’ Hall
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Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
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Elfreth’s Alley
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Franklin Square
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Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
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Historical Society of Pennsylvania
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Independence National Historical Park
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Independence National Historical Trust
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Independence Seaport Museum
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Independence Visitor Center
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Museum of the American Revolution
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National Liberty Museum
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National Constitution Center
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Old City District
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Science History Institute
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Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
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.