by Rachel Hazzard
February 26, 2026
As Philadelphia prepares to host festivities for the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, local businesses have a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to tap into increased tourism, major events, and heightened national and global attention. From FIFA World Cup™ matches, the MLB All‑Star Game and NCAA March Madness to citywide celebrations like 52 Weeks of Firsts, neighborhood festivals spotlighting Philly’s arts and culture, and a jam-packed Fourth of July celebration across the city, the year will be packed with moments for engagement.
Use this guide to navigate what’s ahead, seize opportunities to get involved, and take action now to maximize your business’s success during this historic year.
City of Philadelphia’s Vendor Interest Form
As the Semiquincentennial brings exciting opportunities and celebrations to communities nationwide, Philadelphia businesses have a chance to be part of this historic moment. To help ensure local vendors are included in upcoming events, contracts, and programming tied to the bicentennial, the City of Philadelphia is inviting businesses to complete the Philadelphia Vendor Interest Form.
By taking just a few minutes to share your company’s information and offerings, you’ll position your business to receive updates, be considered for vendor opportunities, and stay connected with the many events and initiatives happening right here in Philly. Whether you’re a food vendor, artist, service provider, or small business owner ready to showcase what you do best, complete the AI-powered Interest Form to hear about opportunities as they arise.
Photo Source: City of Philadelphia Website
Visit Philly America 250th Anniversary Guide
If you want your business to be a part of the action, knowing what’s happening across the city in 2026 is key. Visit Philly’s 2026 Philadelphia Guide is a one-stop resource for everything happening to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. You’ll find information on major events like the FIFA World Cup™ and Wawa Welcome America, plus seasonal attractions and neighborhood highlights throughout the year. Whether you’re planning how to attract more foot traffic, syncing your promotions with citywide happenings, or simply looking to connect with residents and visitors, this guide offers insights into what’s on the calendar and where people are heading.
Photo Source: Visit Philly Website
Visit Philly’s Destination Optimization Program
To make the most of these opportunities, Philly businesses can take advantage of Visit Philadelphia’s Destination Optimization Program. This free program helps boost your online presence by improving your Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor listings, making it easier for visitors to find and engage with your business. You can follow easy-to-use video tutorials and downloadable guides at your own pace, and even book a free one-on-one session with Miles Media to review your listings—tools designed to help you capture more traffic and stand out during 2026.
Philadelphia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 250 Guide
Philadelphia’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant in the city’s history, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s 2026 Philadelphia guide gives businesses a clear snapshot of all the major events, meetings, and conventions happening across the region. The guide starts by explaining the semiquincentennial and why it matters, then highlights the major events on the calendar—from world-class sporting events and citywide festivals to cultural showcases and must-see museum exhibitions—showing the full scale of opportunity for local businesses to engage, attract visitors, and make the most of this historic year.
Photo credit: PHLCVB
City of Philadelphia 250th Events
From neighborhood celebrations to once-in-a-generation experiences, the City of Philadelphia’s 2026 Events calendar highlights official programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary and the many citywide moments that will define the year. Through the Ring It On! initiative, Philadelphia is activating cultural festivals, block parties, public art installations, and community tours designed to uplift neighborhoods and bring visitors and residents together around shared celebrations of heritage, creativity, and local voices. And if your organization is celebrating America’s 250th, you can submit your information for the city’s public calendar to ensure your event is featured.
Whether you’re looking to sync your business with major civic happenings, discover opportunities to participate in city-sponsored events, or plan for the influx of activity that 2026 will bring, the city’s events hub offers a central place to explore what’s planned and how your business can engage with it all.
Photo Source: City of Philadelphia Website
Philadelphia Business Journal's Countdown to 2026
The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Countdown to 250 offers in‑depth coverage and expert insights on how Philadelphia is gearing up for one of the city’s most historic milestone years. Combining America’s 250th anniversary with a lineup of major global and regional events, the Journal highlights what local business leaders and civic organizations are saying about the opportunities—and challenges—ahead, and how companies can position themselves to thrive in 2026. It’s a must-read for Philly businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of this transformative year.
Photo Source: Philadelphia Business Journal Website
America250PA
The America250PA initiative represents Pennsylvania’s official contribution to America’s 250th anniversary, led by the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. As Pennsylvania’s official 250th initiative, America250PA is coordinating statewide programming and partnerships that create additional opportunities for local businesses to engage beyond Philadelphia. America250PA works to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate celebrations that spotlight Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in our nation’s history while engaging communities across all 67 counties. Its efforts span education, preservation, innovation, and celebration—bringing together residents, businesses, and organizations to honor the past, elevate the present, and inspire the future as 2026 approaches.
From statewide volunteer programs and historical projects to storytelling initiatives and community partnerships, America250PA invites individuals and local businesses alike to participate in meaningful moments that reflect Pennsylvania’s heritage and opportunities for economic and cultural engagement during this milestone year.
Photo Source: America 250 PA Website
America's 250th Celebration for Business Playbook
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has put together a valuable resource for businesses looking to participate in America’s 250th anniversary: the 250th Celebration for Business Playbook. This interactive guide offers strategies, scalable ideas, and practical toolkits that help businesses large and small plan nonpartisan activities that educate, engage, and inspire their communities around the semiquincentennial milestone. Whether you’re interested in hosting a local event, launching ongoing programming, or partnering with schools and civic groups, the playbook provides tiered options to match your capacity and goals while reinforcing civic pride and connection. It’s a practical roadmap for Philly businesses ready to activate their brand, engage their community, and stand out in 2026.
Photo Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Website
Header Photo Credit: M. Kennedy for Visit Philly
Is Your Business Ready for 2026?
Discover tips, resources, and guidance—from marketing and financing to workforce support and wellness—to help your business thrive during Philadelphia’s once-in-a-generation celebration.