PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 29, 2024)—Philadelphia Historic District partners today announced plans for the first-ever Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration for July 2, 2024, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began.
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.
“Red, White, & Blue To-Do highlights the significance of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks and institutions—it’s a testament to our shared commitment to preserving and promoting our legacy as the birthplace of our nation,” said Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center.
“All of the partners in Philadelphia’s Historic District are coming together to celebrate and welcome everyone for a memorable day and night,” said Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. “The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut this summer and continue to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.”
As a city steeped in history and culture, we are thrilled to host this grand-scale celebration of our nation’s independence,” said Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events, City of Philadelphia. “Red, White, & Blue To-Do is an opportunity for all to experience the historic character of our city while enjoying the modern amenities of award-winning restaurants and charming shops throughout Old City.”
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days
To prepare for this historic celebration, the District will have Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days from June 29 -July 1, 2024, 11 am – I2 pm. 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.
Decoration Stations will be available at each of the Philadelphia Historic District attractions and partner organizations for visitors to festoon themselves for the parade.
The District itself will get a boost of bunting, balloons, and begonias to bring a festive atmosphere throughout Independence Week.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Schedule of Events – Tuesday, July 2, 2024
9-11 am: The fun begins with flag raisings, museums and historic sites openings, special recognitions, and Children’s Naturalization Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (9 am)
11 am: Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center, traveling along Independence Mall (Pre-registration to march in the Pomp & Parade is required. Stay tuned to the website for information.)
11 am-3 pm: Welcome America’s Go 4th & Learn: Carpenters’ Hall 250th Anniversary
12 pm: Parade arrives at the end point at Carpenters’ Hall
12-2 pm: Independence Barbeque with lunch specials throughout Old City
2-5 pm: Musical performances at four locations throughout the Historic District (Arch Street Meeting House, African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Liberty Museum, and Elfreth’s Alley)*
4-7 pm: Extended hours and special events at various historic sites and food and drink specials throughout Old City
*Philadelphia Historic District will come to life with a carefully curated lineup of musical street performances in four locations on the afternoon of July 2. The confirmed artists to date include (with more to be announced soon):
- Mad Beatz Philly (hip-hop-inspired drumlines)
- Callahan, McComiskey & Kelly (Irish)
- Los Bomberos de la Calle (bomba y plena)
- Rubble City String Band (old-time)
- Dan Blacksberg’s Freilachs Music (Klezmer)
Special thanks to The Weitzman Museum’s Director of Public Programs, Dan Samuels, for creating this diverse representation of communities that enrich our city and nation.
For updated schedules and participating attractions, visit https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
Philadelphia Historic District Partners
A variety of cultural and historical sites will participate in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do:
- African American Museum in Philadelphia
- Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust
- Betsy Ross House
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Elfreth’s Alley
- Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Independence National Historical Park
- Independence National Historical Trust
- Museum of the American Revolution
- National Liberty Museum
- National Constitution Center
- Old City District
- Independence Visitor Center
- Science History Institute
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Old City Specials
Neighborhood restaurants will be showing off their red, white, and blue spirit as well with a variety of discounts, treats, or specialty cocktails. Participating businesses include:
- 3J's Cafe
- AMINA
- Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
- Forsythia
- Khyber Pass Pub
- Kick Axe Philadelphia
- Las Bugambilias
- Malooga
- Royal Boucherie
- Sassafras
- Vanderwende Farm Creamery
For a complete list of restaurants and their offered specials, visit https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa or oldcitydistrict.org.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do has received support from the Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.
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.
About the Red, White, & Blue To-Do
A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond—the Red, White, & Blue To-Do—to take place on July 2. John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other. Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, 2024, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors. For more information, including a list of participating institutions and businesses, visithttps://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
For high-resolution images, visit the press room at https://bit.ly/RWBTD_PressKit.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
