Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Open Now in Franklin Square!
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Tippler's Tour Returns!
Begins May 25, Buy Tickets Now!
Independence After Hours
Begins May 26, Buy Tickets Now!
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
Season Begins Memorial Day Weekend!
Franklin Square
Now Open for the 11th Season!
Betsy Ross House
Meet Betsy!
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. News!
FRANKLIN SQUARE
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
May 9 – June 11, 2017, daily
6 pm – 10 pm, Sundays through Thursdays, and 6 pm – 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays.
Please note: Franklin Square closes at 5 pm each day for Chinese Lantern Festival preparation. The playground remains free and open for the duration of the Festival.
The blockbuster Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is now open! This celebration of light and culture will feature entertainment, food, and magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant animals, and symbols of Chinese culture, using traditional Chinese methods.
Learn more about the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square.
Purchase tickets here or at the top of the page by clicking "Buy Tickets".
BETSY ROSS HOUSE
First Friday Movie Nights Under the Stars & Stripes
June 2, 5 - 9 pm
$5 admission includes a self-guided tour of the Betsy Ross House and a screening of It! Terror from Beyond Space in the courtyard. Come early to play a pre-screening game of Quizzo, hosted by The Philadelphia Film Society.
10th Annual Betsy Ross House Flag Festival
June 11-17, 2017
Celebrate Flag Day in the birthplace of Old Glory with a week of fun festivities for the whole family at the Betsy Ross House this June. Flag Festival 2017 kicks off at the start of National Flag Week on June 11 and continues with activities through the week. Highlights include visits from Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, the new, interactive Breeches and Petticoats program, activities for kids, a Flag Day Proclamation and the Philadelphia Flag Day Association’s Naturalization Ceremony. The week culminates with Stars & Stripes Saturday on June 17, a mini carnival in the Betsy Ross House courtyard with games, juggling and circus acts, and a Punch and Judy Puppet show. Stars & Stripes Saturday event is free with admission. All other Flag Festival activities are free.
ONCE UPON A NATION
Tippler's Tour: Ben's Kites & Flights
Thursdays, 5:30 pm, beginning May 25
Toast with Dr. Benjamin Franklin as he joins part of the tour and guests hear stories and talk with the Founding Father. Stops include Salon 401 at The Franklin, National Mechanics, and the historic City Tavern.
See a preview of the 2017 Tippler's Tour here!
Independence After Hours
Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30 pm, beginning May 26
This exclusive evening tour back to 1776 has returned! Enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the historic City Tavern, followed by a visit to Independence Hall to witness our Founding Fathers in deep discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence!
Free Programming Returns Memorial Day Weekend!
Spend Memorial Day weekend in Historic Philadelphia, and don't just learn about history; experience it! Once Upon A Nation storytellers and activities start this weekend and then they continue all summer long. And the best part is ... they're free!
Click here to learn more about opening weekend, and to see the schedule for the rest of the summer.
Announcing The Once Upon A Nation Frances Delmar Future Storyteller Contest!
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is looking for the next generation of storytellers! Kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to write and submit a story on the theme - "My History Hero or Heroine." Thirteen winners will be selected for a special storytelling experience in Historic Philadelphia on Saturday, August 5!
Learn more about the contest.
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GAZETTE
Get the latest information about programming and activities for May!
Ways to Give
To designate your United Way workplace program gifts to Historic Philadelphia, Inc., please use our Donor Choice Number: 14106. Contributions made through the United Way support our education outreach program.
Join the Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Team!
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Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package
The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package includes a one- or two- night hotel stay in one of the dozens of participating hotels, FREE hotel parking (up to a $100 value) and a free welcome gift from VISIT PHILADELPHIA®