SPECIAL EVENTS FOR MARINE CORPS 250th CELEBRATION
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From November 7 to 11, Homecoming 250, in partnership with The Tun Legacy Foundation, will present a vibrant lineup of free and ticketed events in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. These commemorative experiences will offer the public and Marines alike an opportunity to engage with the Corps’ rich history and enduring legacy through special programming, performances, and ceremonies. Highlights include:
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Laurel Hill East Cemetery Tours
Location: 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Navy and Marine Corps, Laurel Hill will offer two special tours of our cemeteries! The first tour will occur at Laurel Hill East and highlight the most notable members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and as an added bonus, members of the Army.
Friday, November 7, 2025
Masonic Temple Library & Museum Tour
Location: 1 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Times: 4, 4:30, 5, and 5:30 p.m.
Join guided, timed tours of the historic Masonic Temple to explore rarely seen archival items, including artifacts from the historic Tun and exhibits showcasing the deep-rooted connection between Pennsylvania Freemasonry and the U.S. Marine Corps. Ticket required.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
The Tun Lunch and Learn
Location: 1 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 11 a.m.
Guests can enjoy lunch and a panel discussion with representatives of the six organizations with a heritage at the historic Tun–the United States Marines, Pennsylvania Freemasons, United States Navy, Society of St. George, St. Andrew’s Society, Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick. Ticket required.
The Tun Legacy Tour
Location: 1 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Be part of the debut of The Tun Legacy Tour and see Philadelphia sites significant to the historic Tun and the establishment of the Continental Marines. The tour will be a legacy of the 250th United States Marine Corps birthday celebration in Philadelphia, offered in 2026 as part of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s Semiquincentennial celebration, and as a regular offering once The Tun® opens. Ticket required.
Welcome Dinner at the Independence Seaport Museum
Location: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Enjoy waterfront dining and learn the compelling story of how the Marine Corps was founded on the banks of the Delaware River. Ticket required.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival
Location: 21st Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: Noon - 3:30 p.m.
Join fellow Marines and Veterans in marching through Center City during this festive tribute hosted by the City of Philadelphia, ending at the Veterans Festival. Free and open to the public. To march in the parade, sign up HERE.
Marine Corps 250th Celebration Dinner Cruise
Location: 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Celebrate aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia with a formal dinner cruise and keynote by Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Ticket required.
Midnight Champagne Birthday Breakfast
Location: 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Attendees of the Birthday Breakfast will don nightcaps at the Museum of the American Revolution and kick off the Marine Corps' 250th birthday at midnight. Ticket required.
Monday, November 10, 2025
Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant
Location: 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 9 a.m.
At the historic Arch Street Meeting House grounds, we will honor Samuel Nicholas, the first commandant of the Marine Corps. The ceremony is held in cooperation with the Corporal Brandon Hardy Chester County Detachment #286 of the Marine Corps League. Free and open to the public. Space is limited.
✭ Marine Corps 250th Commemoration at Independence Mall ✭
Location: 5th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 10 a.m. seating, program starts at 10:15 a.m.
The public is invited to honor the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps’ founding by gathering in front of Independence Hall for addresses by leaders of the Marine Corps, the official Pennsylvania Marine Corps 250th Birthday cake cutting sponsored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and more. Free and open to the public.
250th Marine Corps Birthday Lunch
Location: Union League, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 11:30 a.m.
The Union League of Philadelphia and its Armed Services Council invites members and the public to join in celebrating 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment at this landmark Marine Corps Birthday event. The keynote speaker will be Major General James Livingston, USMC (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero. Ticket required. Contact crawfordt@unionleague.org for tickets.
The Tun® Birthday Block Party
Location: 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The public is invited to join the Tun Legacy Foundation during its Birthday Block Party at the future site of the rebuilt Tun, featuring performances by Marine and musician Dave Bray USA, Marine and comedian Bryson Banks, and the American Bombshells. Free and open to the public.
✭ 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball ✭
Location: 200 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 6 p.m.
The public is invited to celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps at the birthplace of one of its most cherished traditions—the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Homecoming 250 is hosting the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune hosted the inaugural celebration a century ago - the Grand Ballroom of the historic Bellevue Hotel. Many more will get to view the happenings on screens at the Marine Corps Overflow Ball of the top floor of the Bellevue. Ticket required.
EVENT DETAILS Purchase Tickets
Marine Corps 250th Birthday Ball at the Museum of the American Revolution
Location: 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Honor the Corps’ founding steps from the site of the historic tavern called the Tun. Hosted by The Tun Legacy Foundation. Ticket required.
EVENT DETAILS Purchase Tickets
November 11, 2025
Veterans Day Ceremony aboard Battleship New Jersey
Location: 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103 (Click here for Google Map)
Time: 11 a.m.
Honor veterans aboard the Battleship New Jersey in a ceremony highlighting the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. Free and open to the public.
Event times, locations, and details are subject to change.
Exhibits on Navy & Marine Corps History at Participating Museums
August 2025 – January 2026 Participating Museum Exhibitions
- American Swedish Historical Museum (now-1/4/26)
- Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial (ongoing)
- Independence Seaport Museum (ongoing; 10am-5pm)
- Library Company of Philadelphia (10/9/25-3/26)
- American Helicopter Museum (now-11/9/25)
- Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (now-11/14/25)
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania (10/8/25-1/9/26)
- African American Museum of Philadelphia (9/13/25-3/26)
- Pennsylvania Hospital
VISIT OUR MUSEUMS EXHIBIT PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.
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.