America 250: Semiquincentennial Events in Philadelphia
If there’s ever been a year to live on the waterfront near Old City and Penn’s Landing, it’s this one. The Semiquincentennial (America’s 250th anniversary) puts Philadelphia at the center of the celebration, with every day feeling a little more like Independence Day.
And the best part? From The Residences at Dockside, you’re already close to the action, with Center City, Old City, Penn’s Landing, and South Street all nearby.
Below are some of the biggest 2026 moments to put on your schedule.
Philly Firsts in Every Neighborhood
52 Weeks of Firsts is a citywide series of weekly events and experiences spotlighting Philadelphia inventions and “firsts” all year. It’s an easy way to keep your weekends filled without repeating the same itinerary.
June Through July 4: Philly’s Signature Celebration Season
In Philadelphia, the lead-up to Independence Day isn’t a single weekend; it’s a citywide festival season. Here are two of the biggest celebrations in the city.
Wawa Welcomes America
Philadelphia’s annual Wawa Welcome America festival expands into a citywide stretch of programming from Juneteenth through the Fourth of July, traditionally ending with a big Parkway concert and fireworks.
Red, White & Blue To-Do
Right in our backyard, the Historic District gets its own spotlight with Red, White, & Blue To-Do, a two-day celebration inspired by John Adams’ call for “pomp and parade,” featuring festive programming across America’s most historic square mile. Expect parades, concerts, extended hours at historic sites, and neighborhood-wide energy that makes Old City feel like it’s throwing a block party for the nation’s birthday.
Can’t-Miss Art Experiences
Some of the best Semiquincentennial experiences won’t be behind velvet ropes or limited to a single venue. In 2026, the arts will be celebrated in the streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces, turning everyday walks into something a little more surprising (and a lot more Philly).
Bells Across PA
If you love a good “walk-and-discover” moment, Bells Across PA is basically built for it. As part of Pennsylvania’s statewide Semiquincentennial public art initiative, artists are transforming fiberglass Liberty Bell sculptures that will appear in communities across the Commonwealth, including Philadelphia. Exterior bells were installed between April and December 2025 and will remain on view through the end of 2026, making this an easy, year-long “see it whenever you want” event for residents.
In Philadelphia, the City and Philadelphia250 have partnered with Mural Arts to bring artist-designed bells into neighborhoods, turning the program into a kind of citywide treasure map that you can explore on weekends (a great excuse to grab coffee somewhere new and make a mini outing of it).
What Now: 2026
If you’re craving an arts moment with a bigger festival feel, ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 launches in May 2026 (running May–July 2026) as a citywide, multidisciplinary arts festival. It’s designed to spotlight Philadelphia’s communities and creators while sparking civic dialogue around one central question:“What Now?” as the nation reflects on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Museum Events and New Exhibits
If you like the idea of one standout exhibit every season, 2026 makes it easy. From blockbuster American art to immersive Old City installations (plus family-friendly programming that ties directly into America 250), Philly’s cultural calendar is genuinely stacked.
A Nation of Artists
A major two-museum collaboration created for the Semiquincentennial, A Nation of Artists brings together 1,000+ works spanning American art and experience, including more than 120 key pieces from the Middleton Family Collection. The Philadelphia Museum of Art presentation runs April 12, 2026–July 5, 2027, with a simultaneous PAFA presentation running May 2026–September 2027, so you can catch it more than once (and in two very different settings).
Ministry of Awe
Opening March 14, 2026, Ministry of Awe turns a restored historic bank building into a multi-sensory, immersive art experience spread across multiple floors, blending visual art, sound, interactive elements, and live performance. It’s the kind of thing that’s ideal for an evening outing.
Discovering Democracy
Housed in Memorial Hall (built for the 1876 Centennial), the Please Touch Museum is rolling out Discovering Democracy in honor of the nation’s 250th. This interactive, play-based civics experience is designed to help young kids connect the idea of democracy to everyday life.
The Declaration’s Journey
Already open (starting October 18, 2025) and running through January 3, 2027, this exhibition at The Museum of the American Revolution explores how the Declaration of Independence shaped ideas of rights and liberty in the U.S. and around the world. Expect a big, story-driven presentation designed to be engaging for adults and children.
A Championship-Caliber Year in Philly
Philadelphia’s 2026 calendar isn’t just busy, it’s stacked with marquee sporting events that will bring serious energy to the city all year.
FIFA World Cup 26™ at Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia will host six matches at the Linc: five group-stage games (June 14, 19, 22, 25, and 27) plus a Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026, a pretty iconic date to be in Philly.
MLB All-Star Week at Citizens Bank Park
Philly is also set to host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, bringing a full week of fan events and national spotlight to South Philly.
March Madness Early Rounds at Xfinity Mobile Arena
College hoops take over on March 20 and March 22, 2026, when Philadelphia hosts six first- and second-round NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Major Golf Events Close to Home
One of golf’s biggest stages comes to the Philly suburbs when the PGA Championship (one of the four men’s major championships) tees off at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, from May 11-17, 2026.
Later in the summer, Merion Golf Club in Ardmore hosts the U.S. Amateur Championship, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf, and a fun watch if you like seeing future stars before they become household names. The event brings together elite amateurs from around the country (and often internationally), with a weeklong schedule that builds toward match play and a championship finish.
Philadelphia Cycling Classic Returns
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is scheduled to return on August 30, 2026, marking its first run since 2016. Expect a huge spectator vibe, especially in the Manayunk/Fairmount Park stretch.
Getting There-And-Back from Dockside
One great perk of living at Dockside is that you can do big Philly days without turning them into big logistics. Our community offers indoor parking with gated access, one reserved parking space per resident, and an elegant lobby with a 24-hour attendant. All of these amenities are ideal when planning, scheduling pickups, and ensuring peace of mind on busy event days.
Make 2026 Your “Philly Year” at Dockside
With the Semiquincentennial bringing once-in-a-generation energy to the city, living at The Residences at Dockside puts you in the perfect position to enjoy it all, whether you’re catching a festival on the Parkway, exploring public art in a new neighborhood, or spending a Saturday immersed in a museum exhibit.
Keep an eye on our resident communications for event reminders and local highlights. And if you discover a favorite exhibit, bell stop, or celebration event, share it with our team so we can let your neighbors know!
