Overview
Before July 4 was known as Independence Day, John Adams predicted the nation would celebrate the occasion on … July 2.
That’s right: The Continental Congress officially declared itself free from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, prompting Adams to predict that the day would be marked by “pomp and parade” for generations to come.
As we know, things didn’t pan out quite that way. But to fulfill Adams’ original wish, businesses and cultural institutions in Philadelphia’s Historic District celebrate with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade each July 2 with concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials and much more.
The inaugural Red, White & Blue To-Do took place on July 2, 2024. Stay tuned for more info about the 2025 and 2026 editions.
