Parade of Ships and Opening Ceremonies
(October 9, 2025)

Join for watch parties along the Delaware River as multiple Navy ships and other vessels sail to Philadelphia and the Camden area. Their arrival at their berths will be celebrated with opening ceremonies and blessing of the fleet. Locations will be announced soon. Free and open to the public.

Touring of the Ships
(October 10, 2025 - October 15, 2025)

The public will be able to tour the Navy vessels, Coast Guard cutters, and historic ships from the American Revolution to today, including a Washington’s Crossing Boat, the Tall Ship Providence, Battleship New Jersey, Cruiser Olympia, and Submarine Becuna. The ships are a great display of Navy history, with ships important to the Marine Corps. Tours will be at their berths in Philadelphia and the Camden area, and touring of active-duty Navy and Coast Guard ships will be free to the public.

WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ Documentary “The American Revolution”
(October 9, 2025)

Enjoy a preview of Ken Burns’ latest documentary on “The American Revolution” on Independence Mall. Free and open to the public. Rain date: October 10th.

Performances at Independence National Historical Park and Elsewhere by The United States Navy Band, USMC Band, and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon
(October 9-16, 2025)

The performances by these talented military organizations will be free and open to the public.

Innovation Pavilion
(October 10-15, 2025)

See the amazing technology being developed by and for our Navy and Marine Corps, and learn about the career opportunities in the civilian and military maritime fields. Free and open to the public.

Army-Navy Cup
(October 10, 2025)

Come cheer on your favorite branch of the military at this exciting soccer showdown between the Army and Navy teams at Subaru Park in Chester. Tickets required.

Navy-Temple Football Game
(October 11, 2025)

Root for the Fleet and/or their Philadelphia hosts when Navy and Temple renew their multi-decade rivalry at Lincoln Financial Field, this time with all the pageantry the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration deserves. Tickets required.

Navy 250 Gala
(October 11, 2025)

The gala celebrating the Navy's 250th will be held at the National Constitution Center. Toast the Navy’s 250th Birthday with naval leadership. Tickets required. Ticket prices and availability are being determined. Check back here for updates, or be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here and indicating your desire to attend.

All Veterans Reunion Picnic
(October 12, 2025)

A Sunday picnic for Veterans from all armed services and their families filling Independence Mall with a day of food, fun, and camaraderie. This event will feature Veteran Service Organizations offering resources and opportunities to those who served. Attendance is free, with food available to Veterans and their families. Veterans can click here and indicate their desire to attend the picnic. If you're interested in becoming a vendor for the picnic, please contact us.

“Victory At Sea” Concert and Aerial and Light Show
(October 12, 2025)

A star-studded popular patriotic concert on Independence Mall featuring The U.S. Navy Band, a Marine Band, and other headliners, and followed by an aerial and light show. Free and open to the public.

Thanksgiving and Remembrance Ceremony for Navy and Marine Corps at Christ Church
(October 13, 2025)

Join to remember and honor those who gave all in the service of our country at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church, near where the first Navy ship was commissioned. Free and open to the public.

"Salute to Youth" Parade
(October 13, 2025)

A parade saluting young people on the path to joining all branches of the military, including Naval Academy midshipmen and ROTC, NROTC, and JROTC students. The music and fun-filled parade will conclude at Independence Mall.

Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall
(October 13, 2025)

A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the Secretary of the Navy, the uniformed head of the Navy, and more. Free and open to the public.

Flyover by the Blue Angels
(October 13, 2025)

To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Navy, the Blue Angels will fly over Independence Hall during the Navy 250th Commemoration and do an area-wide flyover. Other military aircraft will fly over the area on other days. Free and open to the public.

Leadership Summit and World Affairs Council Presentation
(October 13, 2025)

Join the leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps as they discuss the current and future roles of the Navy and Marine Corps at the Union League. Tickets required.

Closing Ceremonies and Ship Departures
(October 15-16, 2025)

Help send off the Navy ships as they leave Philadelphia and Camden for their home ports. Free and open to the public.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR MARINE CORPS 250th CELEBRATION

Ceremony Honoring the First Commandant
(November 10, 2025)

Remember the first Marine officer Samual Nicholas at his grave at Arch Street Meeting House. Free and open to the public.

Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall
(November 10, 2025)

A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the SECNAV, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and more. Free and open to the public.

Toast the Recreation of The Tun
(November 10, 2025)

The Tun, the historic tavern that was the birthplace of the Marine Corps, will be recreated near its original location. Come celebrate on the 250th birthday of the Corps at the site of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. It will be a gathering place for generations to come.

100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
(November 10, 2025)

Come celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps at the birthplace of one of its most sacred traditions – the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be in the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune held the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball 100 years before. Ticket prices and availability are being determined. Check back here for updates, or be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here and indicating your desire to attend.

Exhibits on Navy & Marine Corps History at Participating Museums

We have many more events in the works for you and when they are ready to be released to the public, we will share them here or you can stay up to date on the latest information and ticket sales by signing up for our newsletter here.

Please note, the schedule of events, key speakers, and participants’ information are subject to change.