Red, White, & Blue To-Do
July 2 will be a day of ‘pomp and parade’ as envisioned by John Adams
A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This monumental occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
Learn More About:
Decorating Days
Wagon Decorating will take place at the National Constitution Center, free and open to the public. Anyone can help create one of the official wagon “floats” for the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade. The activity is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged. Sign up here!
Musical Performances
Enjoy live music and entertainment at eight locations throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District during the Red, White, & Blue To-Do! From jazz and funk to classical and patriotic tunes, each performance spot offers a different vibe—perfect for celebrating the spirit of Independence in America’s most historic square mile. See the lineup here!
Pomp & Parade
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center, traveling along Independence Mall and ending on 3rd Street, between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The parade will include a variety of youth performance troupes, miniature, hand-decorated wagon floats, and community members decked out in patriotic flair. Want to participate in the parade? Sign up here!
Schedule of Events
9 - 11 am:
Flag- Raising Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (9 am)
11 am - 12 pm
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center and ends at 3rd Street between Walnut and Chestnut. Click here for the parade route.
11 am - 3 pm
All-American Block Party with Wawa Welcome America- 3rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut.
2 - 6 pm
Free Musical Performances - 8 locations throughout the Historic District. See the lineup here
5 - 7 pm
Extended hours and special happenings at various historic attractions.
7 pm
Wawa Welcome America's Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band
African American Museum in Philadelphia
American Philosophical Society
Arch Street Meeting House
Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Betsy Ross House
Carpenters' Hall
Franklin Square
Historic St. George's Museum & Archives
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Independence Historical Trust
Independence National Historical Park
Independence Seaport Museum
Independence Visitor Center
Liberty Garden
National Constitution Center
Science History Institute
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Mark your calendars—The Red, White, & Blue To-Do returns on July 2, 2025!
Know the History
The official Independence Day—July 2, 1776—came to be when the Second Continental Congress voted in Independence Hall to approve a resolution declaring: “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
John Adams thought July 2 should be marked as a national holiday for generations to come: “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 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,” Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail Adams.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by representatives from the Colonies two days later, on July 4, 1776.
Get all the Red, White, and Blue To-Do information on this fact sheet.