What to Expect
During The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration in Philadelphia, residents and visitors can look forward to commemorative ceremonies, parades, parties, flyovers and exhibits centered on Old City and the Historic District.
Here’s a quick day-by-day rundown of scheduled events.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Parade of Ships
Historic, replica and active Navy ships — representing every major U.S. conflict from the American Revolution to today — fill the Delaware River harbor to kick off the event, culminating in a ceremonial welcome and traditional Blessing of the Fleet.
Watch parties will be held at various locations, including The Navy Yard and Penn’s Landing.
The public will be able to tour many of the ships from October 9 to 15, 2025, as they will be docked at Penn’s Landing and along the Camden waterfront.
USS Cruiser Olympia
— Photo courtesy Independence Seaport Museum
WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution
Bring a blanket for a special free public outdoor screening of the new docuseries from award-winning documentarian Ken Burns (Independence Mall, 7 p.m.)
Friday, October 10, 2025
14th Annual Army-Navy Cup
It’s an all-military academy rivalry soccer double-header at the home of the Philadelphia Union in Chester as the Cadets take on the Midshipmen, with the women up first at 4 p.m. followed by the men at 7 p.m. (Subaru Park, tickets required).
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Navy-Temple Football
Catch the 19th rivalry matchup between the Naval Academy Midshipmen and Philly’s only FBS program, the Temple Owls, dating back to 1988 (Lincoln Financial Field, time TBA, tickets required).
Navy 250 Gala
Snag tickets to a grand celebration — open to the public — with naval leadership overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the Navy was born (National Constitution Center, 6 p.m., tickets required).
Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays
Stay tuned: More information will be announced soon (Location TBA, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025).
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.5-Mile Run
Stay tuned: More information will be announced soon (Location TBA).
Sunday, October 12, 2025
All Veterans Reunion Picnic
The public is invited to join veterans from all armed services, their families and the community for a free party with picnic food, live music, food competitions, activities for all ages and special ceremonies honoring veterans (Independence Mall, 11 a.m.)
Victory at Sea Concert
Enjoy a free, public star-studded patriotic concert following the picnic, including a performance from the United States Navy Band, followed by an aerial sound and light show (Independence Mall, 6 p.m.).
— Photo courtesy United States Navy Band
St. Mary’s Mass and Commodore Barry Wreath Laying
Laid to rest at Old St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Old City, naval general Commodore Barry has inspired troops both past and present. Celebrate the life of the Revolutionary War officer during this special service (St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, time TBA).
Fireworks
Stars and steaks of red, white and blue light up the sky as a star-spangled fireworks display closes out the weekend. Stay tuned: More details, including time and location, are to come.
Monday, October 13, 2025
Thanksgiving & Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Church
Honor and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty at a free public ceremony near the site where the first Navy ship was commissioned (Christ Church, 10 a.m.).
Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade Presented by Walmart
The Navy salutes young people on the path to military service — including Naval Academy midshipmen and students from ROTC, NROTC and JROTC — with a two-hour parade through Center City from 20th Street to Independence Hall (John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 11 a.m.).
Navy 250th Commemoration
This special event honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding with remarks from public officials (Independence Hall, 2 p.m.).
Leadership Summit & Conversation with Navy & Marine Corps Leaders: Launching the Next 250 Years
Looking toward the future is just as important as remembering the past. Celebrate the legacy of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with like-minded attendees and hear from senior Naval leadership about what the next 250 years of service could hold (The Union League, 3 p.m.).
Flyover by The Blue Angels
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will take to the skies for an area-wide flyover to close out the Navy’s celebration (viewing at Independence Hall, time TBA).
— Photo courtesy Blue Angels
Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
Join servicepeople and city officials alike as Philadelphia commemorates the milestone anniversary with a special flag raising in the heart of the city (City Hall, Time TBA).
U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon Performances
Founded in 1798, the United States Marine Band isn’t just the country’s first military band; it’s America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization, period. And the Marines’ Silent Drill Platoon — known for its synchronized drill movements and uncompromising precision — teams up with “The President’s Own” band for a set of unforgettable performances (location TBA, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025).
Monday, November 10, 2025
Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant
Pay your respects to the brave man who gave the U.S. Marine Corps its start. This public ceremony at the historic Arch Street Meeting House honors Samuel Nicholas, the founder and “First Commandant” of the U.S. Marines. Note: Space is limited (Arch Street Meeting House, 9 a.m.).
Marine Corps Commemoration
It’s the Marine Corps’ turn to celebrate its own 250th anniversary in a special ceremony that includes comments from military and public officials (Independence Hall, noon).
100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
The public is invited to one of the Marine Corps’ most cherished traditions, held in the same ballroom where Commandant John A. Lejeune first hosted the event exactly 100 years ago (Bellevue Hotel, 6 p.m., tickets required).
Toast the Recreation of The Tun
A free celebration for the public to catch a glimpse of the under-construction recreation of The Tun tavern in Old City where the Marine Corps was founded (The Tun, time TBA).