Overview
- The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade is scheduled for July 3 at 11 a.m., featuring 250 elements representing all 50 states, U.S. territories and international groups, including 52 Miss America titleholders, 50 marching bands and 13 floats.
- The 2026 parade will follow an expanded route starting at Fifth and Chestnut, passing Independence Hall, moving down Market Street, circling City Hall, traveling along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway around Logan Circle and concluding at Broad and Chestnut.
- For the first time, the festival will include six nights of fireworks on June 20–21 (event details to be announced), June 25 (Celebration of Black Music Month at the Dell Music Center), June 26 (Kidchella at Smith Memorial Playground), June 27 (Waterfront Concert at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest) and July 4 after the Parkway concert.
- Annual community staples will return, including the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum, Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, Wawa Hoagie Day, Gospel on Independence, Free Museum Days and Pops on Independence.
- Welcome America, Inc. is producing the festival with the City of Philadelphia and sponsors including Wawa, Comcast NBCUniversal and Independence Blue Cross, and organizers say more performers and details will be announced in the coming months.