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.

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Decorating Days
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!

Performances
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 and parade philadelphia
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

 

July 2nd Happenings
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aps

American Philosophical Society

Arch Street Meeting House

Arch Street Meeting House

phila anthenaeum

Athenaeum of Philadelphia

betsy ross

Betsy Ross House

carpenters hall

Carpenters' Hall

franklin square

Franklin Square

st.georges

Historic St. George's Museum & Archives

hsp

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

inht

Independence Historical Trust

Independence National Historical Park

seaport museum

Independence Seaport Museum

ivcc

Independence Visitor Center

liberty garden

Liberty Garden

ncc

National Constitution Center

sci history institute

Science History Institute

Weitzman

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

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