Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is joining Philadelphia’s Historic District to celebrate the first annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do!

John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other.

“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 commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. 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.”

– Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776

Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.

Red, White, & Blue To-Do at the Betsy Ross House

Flag-Raising ceremony, 9 am, Tuesday, July 2:  Kick off Red, White, & Blue To-Do with Betsy, herself, as she raises the Stars & Stripes in the Betsy Ross House Courtyard.

Red, White, & Blue To-Do at Franklin Square

Meet and greet with Wonder Woman, get patriotic red, white, & blue temporary tattoos, and enjoy free fun for children from 1 – 3pm.

Red, White, & Blue To-Do with Once Upon A Nation

Hear true stories of history at the eight Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches around Historic Philadelphia and receive a star for each one on the Once Upon A Nation 13-star flag. Redeem the completed flag at Franklin Square for a free carousel ride and special surprises from 11am – 4pm.