Philadelphia is always ready. It’s in our DNA. And in 2026, we’re ready for our biggest year yet.

As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, we’re not just marking history, we’re ready to make even more — right here in the city where it all started.

This city is winding up, rolling out and dialing in for America’s 250th.

Because when the whole country shows up to celebrate in 2026, Philly will be more than open; we’ll be on.

If you want to get swept up in the triumph of leaving it all on the field and in the stands, you get to Philly in 2026 — home to the FIFA World Cup 26, NCAA March Madness, the MLB All-Star Game and the PGA Championship.

If you want to be immersed in the living history of a 250-year pursuit toward a more perfect union, you come to Philly in 2026 for The Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution and the opening of two brand-new galleries at the National Constitution Center.

And if you want to reflect on America’s milestone while reimagining its future, you meet the moment in Philadelphia at TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures and the nation’s premier birthday bash, Wawa Welcome America.

In short: If you want to be at the center of it all during this special year, you’re in Philly — from January 1 through December 31.

But don’t just take our word for it. Some of the biggest names in travel are saying it, too.

Editors from Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, BBC Travel and Architectural Digest have Philly on their shortlist of places all around the world to travel to in 2026.

Who are we to argue with the experts?

Read on for the top highlights for America’s Semiquincentennial in Philadelphia in 2026, and find a comprehensive guide to dozens of special 2026 events in Greater Philadelphia here.