Philly Fair 250

Join us for Philly Fair 250, a multiday extravaganza celebrating America’s 250th birthday!

The Centennial District will bring history to life through a dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, music, and adventure.

Guests can embark on a culinary journey with food trucks representing flavors from the original 13 colonies and enjoy performances from world-renowned artists alongside Philadelphia’s exceptional local talent. Reach new heights with the thrill of a spectacular trapeze attraction led by expert instructors and the awe of hot air balloon rides.

Attendees will discover interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities curated by the Centennial District’s renowned cultural institutions, highlighting the innovation, artistry, and history that define this remarkable community.

Philly Fair 250 is FREE and open to all ages. No reservations are necessary.

Saturday, June 20 | 2-9:30pm

As part of our brand-new exhibition, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks, the Science History Institute has partnered with Welcome America to light up the night with a rare, historically inspired pyrotechnic display. Temporary architectural set pieces studded with vibrant fireworks will burst and explode with shimmering and dazzling color and performance. The show is a reimagining of a cross-cultural pyrotechnic tradition that delighted crowds for centuries but has since fallen out of practice.

Leading up to the fireworks reveal, a pop-up museum and series of interactive activities will showcase the history and science behind the sparkling spectacle overhead. Activity highlights include fireworks-themed arts and crafts, handling collection items, including real inert firework shells, exploded mortars, and historic instruments used in the science of pyrotechnics. Cool off and prepare for the evening with our free giveaways, including glowing fans and diffraction glasses so you can view the fireworks show through a colorful new lens.

Our museum, at 315 Chestnut Street, will also be open and free to visit this day from 10am to 5pm. Come see the full Flash! Bang! Boom! exhibition and enjoy a day of family-friendly, fireworks-themed crafts and activities. Join our museum educators on a special tour of the exhibition at 2pm to explore the fascinating international story of fireworks: the chemistry of how they go boom, the factory laborers who churn them out, the pyrotechnicians who light the match, the migrants and business leaders who made them famous, and the innovators lighting up a new future.

Learn more about Welcome America Philly Fair 250, Day 1.

Sunday, June 21 | 2-9:30pm

Today we trace the evolution of the art form of pyrotechnics, building from early techniques into the large-scale fireworks displays audiences know today. Come to the Centennial District for a spectacular fireworks show and more!

Leading up to the fireworks, a pop-up museum and series of interactive activities will showcase the history and science behind the sparkling spectacle overhead. Activity highlights include fireworks-themed arts and crafts, handling collection items, including real inert firework shells, exploded mortars, and historic instruments used in the science of pyrotechnics. Cool off and prepare for the evening with our free giveaways, including glowing fans and diffraction glasses so you can view the fireworks show through a colorful new lens.

Learn more about Welcome America Philly Fair 250, Day 2.

Philly Fair 250 is produced by Wawa Welcome America in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

Major funding for the Science History Institute’s participation in Philly Fair 250 is provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, with additional support from W. R. Grace & Co.

Featured image: Gouache painting of C.T. Brock & Co.’s Crystal Palace Fireworks, ca. 1890, from Dupee Fireworks Collection, Brown University Library.