Independence Day in Historic Philadelphia
View the Full Schedule of Events!
Tippler's Tour
Book Your Colonial Pub Crawl Here!
Independence After Hours
Enjoy This Unique Dinner Experience!
Future Storytellers Contest
Submit Your Story Here!
Franklin Square
Now Open for the 11th Season!
Betsy Ross House
Open Until 6 pm through July 31!
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. News!
BETSY ROSS HOUSE
Now through July 31, the Betsy Ross House will stay open until 6 pm each day! Hear about the change Betsy made to the original design for the American flag and see the bedroom where Betsy could have sewn the first Stars & Stripes. Learn about middle class life in Colonial Philadelphia and visit the interactive exhibit, Women at Work in Revolutionary America, and learn about 18th century household tasks and the women who performed them.
Flag Raising Ceremony
Now - Labor Day, daily
10 am, FREE
Start your day with the Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House! Help Betsy Ross hoist the Stars & Stripes.
First Friday Movie Nights Under the Stars & Stripes: The Giant Claw
July 7, 5 - 9 pm
$5 admission includes a self-guided tour of the Betsy Ross House and a movie in the courtyard. Come early to play a pre-screening game of trivia, hosted by The Philadelphia Film Society.
FRANKLIN SQUARE
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
Thank you for visiting the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square! We look forward to seeing you in Franklin Square throughout the remainder of the year!
Monument Lab Preview at Franklin Square
Saturday, July 1, 1 - 4 pm
Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for a preview event of Monument Lab, featuring the first look at Philadelphia artist Kara Crombie’s monument, Sample Philly: an interactive sculpture that contains a sound bank of musical loops drawn from Philadelphia’s rich musical history.
Major support for Monument Lab preview at Franklin Square has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Additional support has been provided by the William Penn Foundation, Hummingbird Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Wawa Welcome America Presents Philly @ The Movies: Sing
Monday, July 3, 7 - 11 pm (movie begins at 8:30 pm)
Wawa Welcome America’s Independence Day celebration rolls into Franklin Square for a screening of the 2016 hit movie Sing. Movie admission is FREE. Tickets required for Philly Mini Golf and the Parx Liberty Carousel.
Independence Day Family Fun
Saturday - Tuesday, July 1 - 4, Noon - 3 pm
Celebrate America’s birthday with patriotic fun featuring the Lightning Bolt Express Train. Tickets required for all attractions.
ONCE UPON A NATION
Tippler's Tour: Ben's Kites & Flights
Now - August 10, Thursdays, 5:30 pm
Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets
Toast with Dr. Benjamin Franklin as he joins part of the tour and guests hear stories and talk with the Founding Father. Stops include Salon 401 at The Franklin, National Mechanics, and the historic City Tavern.
See a preview of the 2017 Tippler's Tour here!
Independence After Hours
June 13 - July 29, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 5:30 pm
August 4 - October 28, Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30 pm
Departs from the Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd St.
PLEASE NOTE: The July 4 Independence After Hours departs from the Museum of the American Revolution at 6:30 pm.
This exclusive evening tour back to 1776 has returned! Enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the historic City Tavern, followed by a visit to Independence Hall to witness our Founding Fathers in deep discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence!
Celebrate Our Nation's Independence in Historic Philadelphia
Historic Philadelphia is the perfect place to be to celebration our nation's 241st birthday. Enjoy plenty of patriotic activities and free programming all weekend long at various locations in Historic Philadelphia!
Click here for the full schedule of events.
A Special In Perfect Felicity
Join us for a special one-of-a-kind event at the American Philosophical Society on June 29 at 6 pm. In Perfect Felicity - George Washington’s own advice on love and marriage echoes through the words of our First Couple, as they share the story of their courtship, former loves, and the trials of war and the Presidency upon their 40-year marriage. Written and performed by John Lopes and Carol Spacht and brought to you by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. through a generous grant from the Heritage Tourism Initiative. Program begins at 6 pm, recommended for ages 12 and up.
Seating is limited, register here.
The Once Upon A Nation Frances Delmar Future Storyteller Contest in Philadelphia and Valley Forge!
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is looking for the next generation of storytellers! Kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to write and submit a story on the theme - "My History Hero or Heroine." Winners will be selected for a special storytelling experience in Historic Philadelphia on Saturday, August 5!
Additionally, kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to write and submit a story on the theme - "My History Hero or Heroine" for the Storyteller Contest in Valley Forge. Winners will be selected for a special storytelling experience in Valley Forge on Sunday, August 13!
Learn more about each contest.
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GAZETTE
Get the latest information about programming and activities for July!
Ways to Give
To designate your United Way workplace program gifts to Historic Philadelphia, Inc., please use our Donor Choice Number: 14106. Contributions made through the United Way support our education outreach program.
Join the Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Team!
Learn more about job opportunities with Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package
The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package includes a one- or two- night hotel stay in one of the dozens of participating hotels, FREE hotel parking (up to a $100 value) and a free welcome gift from VISIT PHILADELPHIA®