At a Glance
- Philadelphia marks America’s 250th anniversary with a year-long “52 Weeks of Firsts” celebration.
- The city will host five 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches and a Round-of-16 game at Lincoln Financial Field.
- Major cultural events include the Universal Theme Parks exhibition, the Philadelphia Flower Show, and the RockyFest 50th-anniversary celebration.
Why it matters: Residents and visitors alike can experience historic milestones, world-class sports, and vibrant arts all in one city.
Philadelphia is gearing up for a spectacular 2026, with a calendar that blends history, sport, and culture. From the opening of the Universal Theme Parks exhibition at the Franklin Institute to the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup matches, the city will be a global hub of excitement.
52 Weeks of Firsts & Universal Theme Parks
The city’s 52 Weeks of Firsts will feature free public events each week, celebrating Philly-related firsts with storytelling, art, and community festivities. The Universal Theme Parks exhibition will open on February 14 at the Franklin Institute, spanning 18,000 sq ft and showcasing eight themed galleries, 25 interactive experiences, and over 100 artifacts.
- Free weekly events honoring a different Philly “first” each week.
- “Saturday First-ival” celebrations in more than a dozen neighborhoods.
- Universal exhibition features attractions like Jaws, Jurassic World, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Sports Highlights
Philadelphia’s sports calendar will be packed with major events, drawing fans from around the world. The city will host NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship first and second rounds at Xfinity Mobile Arena, five FIFA World Cup group-stage matches and a Round-of-16 match at Lincoln Financial Field, and the MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.
- NCAA Men’s Basketball (March 20 & 22) – Xfinity Mobile Arena.
- FIFA World Cup Group Stage (June 14, 19, 22, 25, 27) – Lincoln Financial Field.
- FIFA World Cup Round-of-16 (July 4) – Lincoln Financial Field.
- MLB All-Star Game (July 14) – Citizens Bank Park.
- Monster Jam (April 18) – Lincoln Financial Field.
Cultural & Entertainment
The 2026 calendar also offers a rich array of cultural experiences, from horticultural displays to film celebrations. Highlights include the Philadelphia Flower Show, the RockyFest 50th-anniversary celebration, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, and the Wawa Welcome America Festival.
- Philadelphia Flower Show (Feb 28-Mar 8) – Pennsylvania Convention Center.
- RockyFest 50th-anniversary (Dec) – Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival (Jun 4-Aug 2) – Franklin Square.
- Wawa Welcome America Festival (Jun 19-Jul 4) – Independence Hall and other locations.
| Date | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 14 | Universal Theme Parks exhibition | Franklin Institute |
| Feb 28-Mar 8 | Philadelphia Flower Show | Pennsylvania Convention Center |
| Mar 20-22 | NCAA Men’s Basketball | Xfinity Mobile Arena |
| Apr 18 | Monster Jam | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Jun 14,19,22,25,27 | FIFA World Cup Group Stage | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Jun 4-Aug 2 | Chinese Lantern Festival | Franklin Square |
| Jul 4 | FIFA World Cup Round-of-16 | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Jul 14 | MLB All-Star Game | Citizens Bank Park |
| Dec | RockyFest 50th-anniversary | Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
The table above outlines the key events, venues, and dates that will shape Philadelphia’s 2026 calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia will host five FIFA World Cup matches and a Round-of-16 game in 2026.
- The Universal Theme Parks exhibition opens February 14 at the Franklin Institute.
- The city’s 52 Weeks of Firsts celebrates Philly history with free weekly events.
With historic milestones, world-class sports, and vibrant arts all under one sky, Philadelphia’s 2026 promises to be a city-wide celebration that visitors and locals alike will want to experience.
