PHILADELPHIA, PA – With America’s 250th birthday less than a year away, Visit Philadelphia has launched a $9 million campaign to draw visitors from across the country and rally local pride ahead of the 2026 semiquincentennial. The effort combines city-backed funding, a new advertising push, and participation from more than 250 local organizations to showcase a year of celebrations in the birthplace of American democracy.
The campaign officially launched September 9, the date in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the name “United States of America.” Backed by $4 million from the City of Philadelphia, the initiative features a customizable 2026 mark, national advertising, and a wide range of programming that highlights the city’s history and culture.
“Whether it’s your first visit to Philadelphia or your fiftieth, 2026 is the year to experience our city,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “We’re inviting the nation to join us for 52 weeks of celebrations, from new exhibitions and neighborhood festivals to major sporting events, while reminding our residents that this milestone is theirs to celebrate too.”
The campaign debuted with “Anything But Silent,” a high-energy 60-second commercial created by agency Allen & Gerritsen. The spot highlights Philadelphia landmarks and residents, portraying democracy as an active, ongoing pursuit rather than a relic of the past. The ad began running on YouTube, Meta, and streaming platforms in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City, with additional ads to follow.
Later this year, the campaign will expand to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Miami. Media placements will include print, out-of-home displays, broadcast TV, streaming platforms, and social media. The goal is to position Philadelphia as the essential destination to celebrate America’s 250th, encouraging travelers to plan visits that span the city’s year-long schedule of events.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker praised the investment, calling the anniversary both a global spotlight and a local opportunity. “When the world turns its attention to the birthplace of America, they’ll see a city that honors its revolutionary past while actively building a more inclusive future,” Parker said. “Every business and organization displaying this mark becomes part of telling that story.”
The semiquincentennial celebrations will run throughout 2026, with programming designed to attract both residents and visitors while underscoring Philadelphia’s role as a living symbol of the nation’s founding values.
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