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Items Tagged: Events AND Summer AND History

Sep 8 2009

It's That Time Of Year Again: 2010 Annual Events In Philadelphia

So Much To Do For Any Kind Of Trip

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2010*:

January:

  • Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up Broad Street in the festive day-long Mummers Parade that ends with the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2010. phillymummers.com

February:

  • The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the site of the Philadelphia International Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind. The annual
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May 1 2009

Fun And Games: Turn A Summer Trip To Philly Into A Playful Adventure

Feel Like A Kid (Or Bring One Along) On Scavenger Hunts, Clue-Finding Expeditions And Role-Playing Activities

Thanks in part to the popularity of TV shows like The Amazing Race and movies like National Treasure (filmed partially in Philadelphia) that send people around the world on the search for clues, prizes and hidden treasures, Philadelphia attractions are mapping out creative ways to help visitors get to know the region. City-wide scavenger hunts, card games that rely on knowledge of historic buildings and participatory re-enactments of Colonial playtime allow both kids and adults to learn more about the city while jumping right into the action. Here’s a look at some of the fun and games taking place in

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Apr 16 2009

Philadelphia Quest For Freedom Features New Exhibitions, Tours And Learning Weekends Throughout The City

Programs Highlight African-American History And The City’s Free Black Community

This summer’s Philadelphia Quest for Freedom will feature new programs, tours and exhibitions—including the brand-new permanent exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876—to give visitors a more exciting and in-depth view of African-American history in Philadelphia and in the United States’ early years than ever before.

Now in its third year, Philadelphia Quest for Freedom, part of a statewide initiative that brings the history of the Underground Railroad to the public’s attention, features several exhibitions that explore the breadth of the African-American experience in Philadelphia:

  • Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia,
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Apr 16 2009

A Dozen African-American Exhibtions, Events And Restaurants Not To Miss In 2009

Mark The Calendar For A Spring And Summer To Remember

Travelers heading to Philadelphia this spring or summer will have a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich African-American history and culture thanks to an assortment of special events and exhibitions taking place in the city and beyond. During the course of both seasons, they can check out The African American Museum in Philadelphia’s brand-new permanent exhibition to learn about the experiences of African-Americans living in 18th-century Philadelphia; groove to the sounds of The Roots, Public Enemy and other all-star groups at the second annual Roots Picnic; and examine their thoughts about skin color at RACE: Are

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En Español

Apr 16 2009

Btn_espanol$1.5 Million African-American Histroy Exhibition Kicks Off Summer In Historic Philadelphia

New July Fourth Parade, Lincoln Celebration And Behind-The-Scenes Boat Tours Headline A Summer Of Discovery

This summer, Historic Philadelphia is home to brand-new attractions, activities and events, including the provocative new exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876. After undergoing an extensive renovation, the city’s premier African-American museum will unveil its stunning permanent display on Juneteenth (June 19).

To discover Audacious Freedom and all of the other affordable—or free—attractions in Historic Philadelphia this summer, visitors will have to spend at least two nights. gophila.com lists dozens of affordable hotel packages, including the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, a two-night offer that comes with free hotel parking.

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En Español

Mar 4 2009

Btn_espanolAffordable Summer Vacations In Philadelphia For Families And You

Galileo, Lincoln And Sesame Place’s “The Count” Headline A Summer To Remember In Philadelphia

Summer 2009 in Philadelphia is gearing up to be festive, affordable and full of family-friendly fun. New exhibitions and attractions indoors and out let visitors explore the stars, walk along the treetops, frolic in cooling waters and come face-to-face with historic figures. Free activities, including mural tours, historic storytelling and a multi-day celebration of America’s birthday are delightful ways to stretch a budget. And with dozens of packages available at hotels throughout the region and on gophila.com, including the affordable two-night Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, visitors can enjoy maximum fun with minimum funds.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in

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Oct 29 2008

2009 Annual Events And Major Exhibtions In Philadelphia

So Much To Do For Any Kind Of Trip

Art lovers, garden enthusiasts, film connoisseurs and sports fans keep coming back year after year for festivals, sporting events, art shows, parades and cultural events in Philadelphia. Here’s what’s going on in the region in 2009:

January 2009:

  • Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up Broad Street in the festive day-long Mummers Parade that ends with the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2009. phillymummers.com
  • Making its world debut in Philadelphia, America I AM: The African American Imprint celebrates African-American contributions across 400 years of American history at the National
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Archived Releases

Jun 26 2009

16 Ways To Celebrate America's Birthday In The Philadelphia Region

The Independence Day Party Lasts For Days In And Around Philadelphia

When Philadelphia throws a birthday party, everyone catches the spirit—especially leading up to and during Fourth of July weekend. In addition to the many free events that are part of the city’s annual Sunoco Welcome America! celebration, the region is jamming with dozens of events and festivals that celebrate our nation’s heritage. Here’s a look at a few more activities taking place during America’s birthday party:

In Historic Philadelphia:

  • Catch up on the latest up-and-coming artists during First Friday in Old City when galleries and shops throw open their doors for some twilight gallery hopping. July 3. Front to
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Jun 18 2008

Quest For Freedom Features New Summer Tours, Exhibitions Throughout Historic Philadelphia

Programs Highlight Underground Railroad And The Free Black Community in Philadelphia

This summer’s Philadelphia Quest for Freedom will feature new programs, tours and exhibitions, including Black Hands, Blue Seas at the Independence Seaport Museum and Black Founders at the Library Company of Philadelphia, exploring the story of the region’s Underground Railroad and early African American history. Now in its second year, the program allows visitors to hear a more exciting and multi-layered rendition of the United States’ early years than ever before.

“Philadelphia was a major passageway to freedom and led the world in anti-slavery activities. Quest for Freedom allows us to provide ways for the public to access this compelling

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Jun 9 2008

There's No Place Like Philly On The Fourth Of July

John Legend, Boyz II Men And The Real Wedding Of Ben Franklin And Betsy Ross Re-enactors Highlight The Free Nine-Day Festival

The nation’s birthplace is still the best place to celebrate America’s birthday. Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s nine-day marathon of Independence Day events, kicks off on Saturday, June 28 and continues through Sunday, July 6, 2008. In between, each day is jam-packed with films, food, dancing, a parade, patriotic ceremonies and free concerts featuring John Legend on Friday, July 4 and Boyz II Men on Saturday, July 5, with fireworks following both concerts. To make the festival even more special this year, the re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross will be married in a real wedding ceremony on July

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Jun 9 2008

Ben Franklin And Betsy Ross To Marry In Philly On July 3

Philadelphia’s Premier Historic Re-enactors Will Tie The Knot During Sunoco Welcome America!’s POPS on Independence Concert

Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross are getting married, and it’s happening in Philadelphia. In reality, Ralph Archbold, the city’s nationally recognized Ben Franklin re-enactor, fell in love with Linda Wilde, who often portrays Betsy Ross, and they decided to get married. The couple will exchange vows in a public ceremony on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in front of Independence Hall before the POPS on Independence concert, one of the Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July festival’s most popular traditions. Mayor Michael A. Nutter will officiate the ceremony, and the Grammy Award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops

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Jun 9 2008

Philadelphia, America's Birthplace, Hosts Patriotic Ceremonies On July 4, 2008

Commemorative Activities End With Ceremonial Tapping Of The Liberty Bell

The best place to celebrate America’s birthday is the place where it all started 232 years ago—at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On Friday, July 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Michael A. Nutter will lead the city’s Independence Day Ceremony, a commemorative event that pays tribute to the 18th-century leaders who founded the United States, as well as up-and-coming 21st-century leaders. The ceremony is one of many events that make up Sunoco Welcome America!’s nine-day Fourth of July festival, June 28 through July 6, 2008.

Set on an attractive new stage in front of Independence Hall, the

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Jun 9 2008

Celebrate America's Birthday With Patriotic Events, Activities, And Festivities Throughout The Philadelphia Region

The Independence Day Party Lasts For Days In And Around Philadelphia

Whoever said less is more sure wasn’t thinking about Fourth of July in Philadelphia and The Countryside®. When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, America’s birthplace knows that more is better. In addition to the many free events that are part of the Sunoco Welcome America! celebration, the region is jamming with dozens of events and festivals that celebrate our nation’s heritage. Here are a few more activities taking place during the nation’s birthday party:

In Historic Philadelphia:

  • Once Upon A Nation hosts three evening adventures that bring visitors face-to-face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Participants
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Jun 9 2008

Fourth Of July In Philly: Ben Franklin & Betsy Ross's Wedding, Two Fireworks Shows, John Legend, Boyz II Men, Fiesta And More

From July 3-6, All The Action Is In Philly During The Sunoco Welcome America! Celebration

When it comes to celebrating America’s birthday, Philly does July 4 like nowhere else. A highlight this year will be the real-life wedding of two re-enactors who portray Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. The couple will be married in front of Independence Hall with Mayor Michael A. Nutter officiating and Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the music. Add in back-to-back fireworks shows, free concerts starring John Legend and Boyz II Men, a Latin fiesta that will take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway and budget-friendly hotel packages for a Fourth of July weekend revelers won’t soon forget. All of the

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Apr 29 2008

Headliners Announced For Two Concerts During Philadelphia’s Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth Of July Festival

John Legend To Appear On July 4, Boyz II Men Slated For July 5

Revelers in town for Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day celebration, can enjoy two evenings of free concerts during the festival, which runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6. Five-time Grammy winner John Legend will take the outdoor stage at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday, July 4. And the next evening, Saturday, July 5, four-time Grammy winners Boyz II Men will perform at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River waterfront. Both concerts will be followed by spectacular fireworks displays.

"Landing John Legend and Boyz II Men for Sunoco

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Feb 21 2008

15 Reasons To Make Philadelphia Your Summer Vacation Destination

Summer’s The Season For History, Arts, Sports, Music And More In Philly

Summer in Philadelphia has long been the ideal time to celebrate our nation’s independence. This year, visitors can also learn about the tales of real pirates, gaze at contemporary American artwork, watch potential Olympic gymnasts in action, take the Presidential Oath of Office and experience other annual events that make this accessible city a destination not to be missed. Plenty of affordable hotel package options make it easy for visitors to spend a few days here. To book the Philly’s More Summer Fun Hotel Package, which pairs a two-night hotel stay with a $50 gift card from American Express, visit

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