Philadelphia Announces Plans for 250th Next Year

On September 3, I was fortunate to be able to attend the City of Philadelphia’s *2026 Celebration* press conference to hear the city’s official plans for Philadelphia during America’s 250th anniversary next year. I attended on behalf of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. The event was packed, and I was happy to see so many city and state officials in attendance. And news media outlets. There was a DJ, swag, and food (I particularly enjoyed the pretzels shaped like the Liberty Bell!) Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that *Ring It On: One Philly, A United Celebration* will be the name of the initiative that places Philadelphia at the center of America’s semiquincentennial. If you know Philly, you know that America started in Philly. We have a lot to brag about, especially on the 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence. Ring It On will invest in the city’s neighborhoods and communities with the intent that the economic and cultural investments will create lasting community impact beyond 2026. Three key pillars, called ABCs, will guide the planning: Activations Beautifications Celebrations Activations will feature a yearlong calendar of community events, festivals, attractions, and experiences in community corridors throughout the city, not just in Center City. The goal of the activations is to engage residents, attract visitors, and promote local businesses by driving foot traffic and visibility to Philadelphia neighborhoods. Beautifications will enhance 20 commercial corridors with physical improvements. These corridors will be chosen in partnership with Philly’s city council district offices. Projects may include banners, 250th commemorative benches, and other streetscapes. Celebrations will celebrate and highlight Philly’s many stories. A series of public programs will be created that focus on showcasing our diverse local cultures. Replica Liberty Bells: In addition to the ABCs listed above, America250PA’s Bells Across PA program will highlight the unique histories, cultures, and heroes of Philly’s neighborhoods. In partnership with Mural Arts, local artists will design 20 large replica Liberty Bells. The bells will be unique to each chose neighborhood and will appear in chosen commercial corridors and public parks throughout the city. Visitors can use the bells as a scavenger hunt and look for the individual bells at their respective locations throughout Philly. Block Parties: 250 block party applicants will receive “Life, Liberty, and Happiness” kits filled with 250th-themed swag, decorations, toys, healthy living tools, and resources. From these 250 parties, 25 will be chosen for super parties to receive add-ons like DJs, treat vendors, inflatables, and entertainment. Local businesses can take advantage of the opportunity to provide these amenities. Neighborhood Tour Series: Throughout the spring and summer of 2026, different communities will be showcased during a 20-week period. Experienced tour guides will collaborate with residents and community historians to co-create the tours and will shape routes, write scripts, and train local guides. Philadelphia250, a program of the Philadelphia Visitors Center, is the city’s Ring It On partner and will support the planning and execution of the 250th initiatives. In total, the plans and partnerships for Ring It On represent an investment of over $100 million by the City of Philadelphia and its partners. I personally can't wait to be a tour guide in Philly in 2026. If you're not in Philly, come visit us. We have a lot to say, share, and celebrate.