October 9, 2025

Parade of Ships and Opening Ceremonies
Location: Delaware River Waterfront

On Thursday morning, spectators will witness a stunning maritime procession as Navy ships and other vessels make their way on the historic Delaware River, arriving in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey, for the celebration. Following their arrival, a ceremonial welcome and traditional Blessing of the Fleet, including at the Navy Yard and Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, will officially kick off the festivities. Watch parties for the parade of ships will take place at various locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Free and open to the public.

WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ Documentary “The American Revolution”
Location: TBD

In partnership with WHYY, Homecoming 250® invites the public at 7 p.m. to enjoy a special preview screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns’ "The American Revolution" (airing on PBS on November 16 at 8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. Learn more about the documentary on the Ken Burns "The American Revolution" page.

October 10, 2025

Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park XIV Presented by Leidos
Location: 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA 19013

The storied soccer rivalry between Army West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy returns to Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, for the 14th annual Army-Navy Cup. For the first time in the event’s 14-year history, the annual rivalry will include both men’s and women’s soccer matches in a marquee doubleheader. The women’s match kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by the men’s match at 7 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader will go on sale in July. One ticket grants access to both matches.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

October 11, 2025

Navy-Temple Football Game at Lincoln Financial Field
Location: One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148

The historic multi-decade football rivalry between the United States Naval Academy and Temple University continues at Lincoln Financial Field. The Owls and Midshipmen have faced off 19 times since the rivalry began in 1988, with the Navy leading the all-time series 10 to 9. Ticket information to come.

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.50-mile Run
Details to come.

Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Details to come.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

Navy 250 Gala at the National Constitution Center
Location: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

At 6 p.m., the public is invited to raise a glass alongside naval leadership in celebration of the Navy’s 250th Birthday at the Navy 250 Gala, held at the National Constitution Center — overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the United States Navy was born. BUY TICKETS HERE.

October 12, 2025

All Veterans Reunion Picnic
Location: 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Beginning at 11 a.m., a special Sunday picnic for Veterans from all armed services, their families, and the community will be held at Independence Mall. The family-friendly event will offer a full day of fun, featuring live music performances, food competitions, special ceremonies honoring veterans, delicious food, and a variety of additional activities for all ages. The picnic will also feature various Veteran service organizations providing support, resources, and information to honor and assist those who have served. Free and open to the public. If you're interested in becoming a vendor for the picnic, please contact us.

“Victory At Sea” Concert
Location: 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Following the picnic, attendees are invited to stay for a star-studded patriotic concert on Independence Mall starting at 6 p.m. The “Victory at Sea” Concert will feature various performances, including a performance from the United States Navy Band. The concert will be followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public.

Fireworks
Details to come.

St. Mary’s Mass and Commodore Barry Wreath Laying
Details to come.

Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Details to come.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

October 13, 2025

Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Location: 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Details to come.

Thanksgiving and Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Church
Location: 20 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

At 10 a.m., the public is invited to honor and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church, located near the site where the first Navy ship was commissioned. Free and open to the public.

Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade Presented by Walmart
Location: John F Kennedy Boulevard & 20th Street to 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Beginning at 11 a.m., the public is invited to enjoy this two-hour spectacle, with floats, balloons, and marching bands, as well as Navy and Marine Corps vehicles of the past and present. Additionally, the parade will honor young people on the path to military service, including Naval Academy midshipmen and students from ROTC, NROTC, and JROTC programs. The parade will step off at JFK Boulevard and 20th Street and conclude at Independence Mall. Free and open to the public.

Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall
Location: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

From 12:30 to 2 p.m., the public is invited to attend the Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall, an event honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding. The special event will feature remarks from public officials. Attendees of the Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall will witness a thrilling flyover by the Blue Angels, including an area-wide flyover, in honor of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary. Free and open to the public

Flyover by the Blue Angels at Independence Hall
Location: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Attendees of the Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall will witness a thrilling flyover by the Blue Angels, including an area-wide flyover, in honor of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary. Free and open to the public.

Leadership Summit & Conversation with Navy & Marine Corps Leaders: Launching the Next 250 Years
Location: 140 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

From 3 to 6:30 p.m., join the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, in partnership with Homecoming 250®, for an evening celebrating the legacy of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Enjoy a networking reception with leaders across sectors, followed by an engaging conversation with senior Naval leadership offering insight into service, leadership, current events, and the future of the Navy and Marine Corps. Ticket required.

Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Details to come.

U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon Performances
Details to come.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

October 14, 2025

Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Details to come.

U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon Performances
Details to come.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

October 15, 2025

Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Details to come.

U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon Performances
Details to come.

Ship Tours
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.

Closing Ceremonies
Locations: Philadelphia and Camden County

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

November 10, 2025

Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant:
Location: 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

At 9 a.m., the public is invited to the historic Arch Street Meeting House grounds to honor the first Marine officer, Samuel Nicholas, whose founding of the Marine Corps earned him the nickname the First Commandant. The ceremony is held in cooperation with the Marine Corps League. Free and open to the public. Space is limited.

Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall
Location: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding at Independence Hall with remarks from military and public officials. Free and open to the public. *Time subject to change.

Toast the Recreation of The Tun
Location: 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia

Starting at 12:30, families are invited to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps at The Tun — a historic tavern and birthplace of the Corps — now being faithfully recreated near its original site. Free and open to the public. Visitors can view the progress of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets.

100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Location: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

At 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. This year marks the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, an event held in the very same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune hosted the inaugural celebration a century ago. Tickets required. 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.