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Philadelphia Releases Full 2026 ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’ Schedule for America’s 250th

Free Saturday events across city neighborhoods will spotlight Philly-born innovations through curated stories with public art.

Overview

  • Officials unveiled the complete week-by-week list with dates and locations at the National Constitution Center on Oct. 23.
  • The series runs Jan. 3 through Dec. 26, 2026, with free events every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • At least 16 neighborhoods will host rotating celebrations designed to bring the Semiquincentennial into local communities.
  • Each weekly theme will be marked by a five-foot number one sculpture created with Mural Arts Philadelphia, installed year-round with QR-code interpretation.
  • A cross-institutional committee vetted the 52 selections, and an interactive schedule and map are posted on Visit Philadelphia, featuring firsts from the American flag and zoo to the selfie, Slinky and electronic computer.