Philadelphia, PA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jul

CeremonyFeatured

July 4th Celebration at Independence Hall

Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia's flagship Independence Day celebration featuring a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of Independence Hall, where the document was originally adopted on July 4, 1776. The event includes patriotic music, historical speeches, descendants of Declaration signers as honored guests, and a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell. Part of the larger Wawa Welcome America festival that spans multiple days with concerts, fireworks, and free museum admissions across the city.

FreeJuly 4th annually; the broader Welcome America festival typically runs late June through July 4thMore info →

Jun

Guided Tour

Once Upon a Nation Storytelling

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. — multiple locations in Old City and Independence National Historical Park

A summer-long living history program throughout Philadelphia's Historic District in which costumed storytellers stationed at benches along a trail from the Betsy Ross House to Independence Hall share true tales of the American Revolution. Stories cover the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the British occupation of Philadelphia, the lives of everyday colonists, and lesser-known figures of the Revolution. Visitors collect stamps on a story card at each bench.

FreeRuns daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; exact start and end dates vary by yearMore info →

Sep

Ceremony

Constitution Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

An annual celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, at the nearby Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall). The National Constitution Center hosts a full day of free programming including naturalization ceremonies for new American citizens, readings of the Constitution, interactive exhibits, educational workshops, living history interpreters portraying the Framers, and panel discussions with constitutional scholars.

Free on Constitution DaySeptember 17 annually, or the nearest weekday/weekend; check NCC website for exact scheduleMore info →

Oct

Reenactment

Battle of Germantown Reenactment

Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Annual reenactment of the October 4, 1777 Battle of Germantown, in which George Washington's Continental Army launched a surprise attack against British forces occupying Philadelphia. Held at Cliveden, the historic Chew House that served as a British stronghold during the battle, the event features hundreds of costumed reenactors, musket and artillery demonstrations, period encampments, colonial craftspeople, and guided tours of the battlefield landscape throughout the Germantown neighborhood.

FreeTypically held on the first or second Saturday of October near the battle anniversary; check Cliveden's website for exact datesMore info →

Dec

Festival

Colonial Christmas at City Tavern

City Tavern, 138 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia

Holiday-season living history programming at City Tavern, the historically reconstructed 18th-century tavern where delegates to the Continental Congress dined and debated. Events have included period-appropriate holiday feasts featuring recipes from the Revolutionary era, costumed interpreters portraying Founding Fathers, candlelit dinners, and demonstrations of 18th-century holiday customs and foodways.

Varies; reservations typically requiredTypically held on select dates throughout December; City Tavern's programming and operating status have varied in recent years — contact venue to confirm current schedule