Get ready! In 2026, the City of Brotherly Love is going all out.<\/p>\n
From massive sporting events and must-see concerts to grand openings and citywide celebrations, there\u2019s something happening all year long.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019ve lived here forever or you\u2019re just visiting, excitement will be waiting for you around every corner.<\/p>\n
Check out our list of events you won\u2019t want to miss:<\/p>\n
Philly’s ’52 Weeks of Firsts’\u00a0<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdSeveral locations
\ud83d\udcc5Several dates <\/p>\n
The\u00a052\u00a0Weeks\u00a0of\u00a0Firsts\u00a0is part\u00a0of\u00a0Philadelphia\u2019s yearlong commemoration\u00a0of\u00a0America\u2019s 250th anniversary in 2026.<\/p>\n
Free public events will take place each week in 2026 to honor a different Philly-related \u201cfirst\u201d with storytelling, art, and community festivities.<\/p>\n
The events will include celebrations of world-changing inventions, iconic traditions and more. They will also include a new \u201cSaturday First-ival\u201d each week across more than a dozen Philadelphia neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
You can view the full list and schedule of events and locations here.<\/a><\/p>\n Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition opens<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdFranklin Institute Philadelphia’s\u00a0Franklin Institute\u00a0has teamed up with\u00a0Universal\u00a0Destinations & Experiences for a first-of-its-kind exhibit. <\/p>\n This is your chance to step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal\u2019s fan-favorite attractions, including Jaws, Illumination\u2019s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation\u2019s How to Train Your Dragon and more. <\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is set to premiere February 14, 2026, at the Franklin Institute. It will span 18 thousand square feet and feature eight themed galleries, 25 interactive experiences and more than 100 original artifacts from fan-favorite attractions.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Philadelphia Flower Show<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdFebruary 28 through March 8 The world’s oldest and largest indoor horticultural event, hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, will showcase stunning floral and landscape designs. \u00a0<\/p>\n The popular event also features live demonstrations, gardening tips, shopping, food and more. <\/p>\n NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdXfinity Mobile Arena Experience the excitement in Philadelphia as Saint Joseph\u2019s University hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men\u2019s Basketball Championship.<\/p>\n Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments exhibit opens <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdPhiladelphia Art Museum The Rocky statue calls the\u00a0Philadelphia Art Museum<\/a>\u00a0home, so it makes sense that the museum will soon feature a new exhibit on the iconic statue and other monuments.<\/p>\n This April, the statue of the Sylvester Stallone character will be at the center of a new exhibit that’s set to debut just in time for the 50th anniversary of the original “Rocky” movie.<\/p>\n The\u00a0exhibit, <\/a>titled “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,”<\/a>\u00a0will feature more than 150 works by more than 50 artists and artifacts spanning more than 2,000 years.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis April, the “Rocky” statue will be at the forefront of a new exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Bear Country Renovation to be completed<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdSpring 2026 The Philadelphia Zoo is updating and expanding Bear Country. <\/p>\n The $20 million project broke ground in 2025<\/a>, and the new Bear Country is expected to open in the spring of 2026.<\/p>\n The renovations include:<\/p>\n – A Zoo360 exploration trail that will allow the bears to rotate through all habitats Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdJune 4 through August 2 The iconic Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is set to return.<\/p>\n The festival has a long-standing tradition of transforming Franklin Square into a sparkling display of handcrafted sculptures.<\/p>\n FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA FanFestival<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field Philadelphia is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. <\/p>\n The City of Brotherly Love will host five Group Stage matches \u2014 June 14, June 19, June 22, June 25, and June 27 \u2014 and a Round of 16 match on the semiquincentennial, July 4, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n The FIFA FanFestival will also take place in Philadelphia at Lemon Hill in the city’s East Fairmount Park neighborhood, featuring game-watch screens, food, entertainment, and more. <\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt’s the day soccer, or should we say football fans, around the world have been waiting for. The full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule has been revealed, including who will play in Philly and when. NBC10’s Tim Furlong has the story.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Wawa Welcome America Festival <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdJune 19 through July 4 Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia\u2019s ultimate summer festival, celebrating freedom from Juneteenth to July 4th. As the nation\u2019s biggest July 4th event and one of the largest free festivals in the country, it packs sixteen days with family-friendly art, culture, music, and history you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdSunday, June 21 The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival celebrates freedom and community with a vibrant lineup of activities, including live music, dance performances, youth activities, local food and craft vendors, and community resource tables.<\/p>\n Major League Baseball All-Star Game and All-Star Week<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdTuesday, July 14 The country\u2019s best baseball players will gather in Philadelphia for the\u00a02026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game\u00a0on\u00a0July 14, 2026, alongside a week of all-star sporting events.<\/p>\n This will be the first time the Midsummer Classic returns to the City of Brotherly Love in 30 years. <\/p>\n Monster Jam<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field\u00a0 Make sure to grab your earplugs before the Monster Jam trucks are set to roar into the Linc. Watch as 12,000lb trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Cycling Classic <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdSunday, August 30 Dust off those bikes \u2014 a popular sporting event is gearing up to make a return.<\/p>\n During a press conference back in September of 2025, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Former Mayor Michael Nutter and other city officials announced the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic<\/a>.<\/p>\n The race is scheduled for August and will spotlight Philadelphia landmarks, including the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, the legendary Manayunk Wall, Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill, and Boathouse Row.<\/p>\n Dating back to the 1980s, the race typically draws thousands of spectators and is remembered as the event where cyclists ride up a grueling uphill section in Manayunk, known as “The Wall.”<\/p>\n RockyFest<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udccdBenjamin Franklin Parkway Yo, Philly! Plans are in the works for\u00a0RockyFest 2026\u00a0and the\u00a050th Anniversary Celebration of the film’s release. To stay in the know and get the latest, visit\u00a0<\/a>www.phlvisitorcenter.com\/rockyfest<\/a>. <\/p>\n Other noteworthily must-see Philadelphia concerts, entertainment events<\/p>\n Disney On Ice presents JUMP IN!<\/a> Jeff Dunham<\/a> Philly is Unrivaled presented by Xfinity<\/a> Brandi Carlile with The Head and the Heart<\/a> Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus<\/a> TWICE [THIS IS FOR] WORLD TOUR<\/a> The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour<\/a> Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour<\/a> Man\u00e1<\/a> Brandon Lake with Franni Cash & Pat Barrett<\/a> BAD OMENS<\/a> Cardi B<\/a> Demi Lovato<\/a> Florence + The Machine<\/a> Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson<\/a> Alex Warren Presents: Little Orphan Alex Live<\/a> Megan Moroney<\/a> Meghan Trainor<\/a> Shane Gillis & Special Guests<\/a> Morgan Wallen<\/a> Foo Fighters<\/a> RUSH<\/a> Ed Sheeran<\/a>
\ud83d\udcc5World Premiere on February 14 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Pennsylvania Convention Center<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5March 20 and March 22 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5April 25 through August 2<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Philadelphia Zoo <\/p>\n
– A third habitat to expand space for bears and aid in the Zoo\u2019s breeding program
– An additional off-exhibit habitat to aid in the rearing of cubs
– New water features, landscaping, and the removal of moats to add space to the bears\u2019 habitats
– Water features will include recirculating water to help the Zoo achieve sustainability goals
– Additional opportunities for animal keepers to set up behavioral enrichment
– Glass viewing areas to allow guests to come nose-to-nose with the bears
– New areas to allow guests to watch keeper training with bears
– Improved structural designs for the Zoo\u2019s animal keepers to facilitate efficient care<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Franklin Square <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5June and July (Select Dates) <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5 Independence Hall and other locations<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Various locations, including Malcolm X Park <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Citizens Bank Park <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Saturday, April 18 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5Logan Square <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcc5December <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday, January 2 through Saturday, January 3 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Thursday, January 15 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5 Friday, January 30 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Tuesday,\u00a0February\u00a010 at 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Tuesday,\u00a0Feb\u00a024 at 7:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Sunday, March 1, various times <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday,\u00a0Mar\u00a06 at 8:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Saturday,\u00a0Mar\u00a07 at 8:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Thursday,\u00a0March 12 at 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday,\u00a0Mar\u00a013 at 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Tuesday,\u00a0April 7 at 7:30 p.m <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Saturday,\u00a0April\u00a018 at 8:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5 Saturday,\u00a0April\u00a025 at 7:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Sunday,\u00a0June\u00a07at 8:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday,\u00a0July\u00a010 at 7:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5 Saturday,\u00a0July\u00a011 at 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5 Saturday,\u00a0July\u00a011 at 7:00 p.m <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field\u00a0
\ud83d\udcc5Friday, July 17 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field\u00a0
\ud83d\udcc5Friday, July 31 and August 1 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field\u00a0
\ud83d\udcc5Thursday, August 13 <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Xfinity Mobile Arena
\ud83d\udcc5Friday, August 21, and Sunday, August 23, at 7:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdLincoln Financial Field\u00a0
\ud83d\udcc5Saturday, September 19 <\/p>\n