Philadelphia250, A Program of Philadelphia Visitor Center
Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration
Philadelphia250, a program of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, is leading the charge to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday — right here in the birthplace of independence!
Our mission is to ignite the spirit of Philadelphia by uplifting the city’s neighborhoods, cultures, and small businesses, and by giving everyone, from lifelong residents to first-time visitors, fun, meaningful ways to celebrate 2026.
What are we doing for 2026?
In support of Mayor Cherelle Parker's vision for a "united city" and a semiquincentennial celebration that reaches all neighborhoods and residents, we’re turning the semiquincentennial into a citywide celebration of unity, pride, and progress.
Across 20 neighborhoods and commercial corridors, we’re investing in:
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Local business growth that fuels economic opportunity.
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Community pride projects that strengthen neighborhood identity.
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Public space enhancements led by local development organizations who know their communities best.
This is more than a party. We are working collaboratively with the City of Philadelphia, including the Commerce Department, Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, Parks and Recreation, Department of Streets, and City Council, to build something lasting — for 2026 and beyond.
Join Us — Ring It On!
Be part of history in the making. Celebrate our shared story, our united future, and the unstoppable energy of Philadelphia.
Learn how you can get involved, support your neighborhood, and join the 250th celebrations.
What are we doing for 2026?
In support of Mayor Cherelle Parker's vision for a "united city" and a semiquincentennial celebration that reaches all neighborhoods and residents, the City of Philadelphia is making a series of neighborhood-level investments and supporting citywide cultural programming in 20 locations across the city. The goal of these investments is to expand economic growth for local businesses, enhance civic pride for communities, and build the capacity of community development organizations who steward these spaces.
We are working in close collaboration with several city agencies, including the Commerce Department, the Office of Clean and Green, Parks and Recreation, the Streets Department, as well as City Council, this public-private partnership enables us to leverage funds we have raised from the private sector against City funding committed by the Parker administration and City Council.
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVATIONS, BEAUTIFICATIONS, & CELEBRATIONS!
Activations
A yearlong calendar of cultural festivals, attractions and experiences that celebrate Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
Local event planners are partnering with community organizations to create or enhance cultural festivals along key commercial corridors — showcasing the flavors, sounds, and stories of Philly.
These activations are designed to:
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Engage residents and visitors
Boost local small businesses
Strengthen community pride and connections
Beautifications
Enhancing Commercial Corridors with Physical Improvements
Through design-focused improvements and community-led planning, we’re revitalizing commercial corridors to support small businesses, enhance residents’ quality of life, and attract new opportunities.
Design experts are working closely with community partners to set priorities and guide investments — making sure each project reflects the spirit and identity of its neighborhood.
Celebrations
Philly’s Stories, Voices, and Culture on Full Display
It’s time to celebrate Philly’s past, present, and future.
Ring It On brings the semiquincentennial celebrations directly into neighborhoods through a series of fun, inclusive, and community-centered events that highlight local culture and spark civic pride.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Founding Sponsors
Comcast NBC Universal
Independence Blue Cross
City of Philadelphia
Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial
Legacy Sponsors
Wells Fargo
Fulton Bank
Ring it On! Sponsors
Beautification Sponsor
Aramark
Block Party Bonanza Presenting Sponsor
Comcast NBC Universal
Block Party BBQ Sponsor
ShopRite/The Fresh Grocer
Bells Across PA Co-Sponsors
PCOM
Bellwether District / HRP
Neighborhood Tour Series Presenting Sponsor
Fulton Bank