The Philadelphia region is gearing up for a grand celebration this fall, marking the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Designated as the official national commemoration, the Navy and Marine Corps 250th Celebration is set to unfold from October 9 to October 16, with additional activities planned from November 7 to November 11, as announced by Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps.
This momentous occasion is expected to attract visitors nationwide to Philadelphia, Camden, New Jersey, and the Delaware River waterfront.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed enthusiasm about the events, stating, “This fall, we’re not just commemorating history, we’re creating it. From daily tours of naval ships along the Delaware River to the nationally televised concert, a patriotic parade, and the thrilling Blue Angels flyovers, this will be a once-in-a-generation celebration.”
The festivities will kick off on October 9 with a spectacular Parade of Ships that will feature ten Navy and Coast Guard vessels, including the USS Arlington, USS Lassen, USS Billings, and USS Cooperstown.
Additionally, two Coast Guard cutters, the USCG Lawrence Lawson and the USCG James Rankin, will also take part in this maritime procession.
George Leone, the president of Homecoming 250, commented on the event, stating, “The sight of these Navy ships sailing up the Delaware River will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
Joining the parade will be two USNA MKII 44′ midshipmen training sailboats and two USNA YP 686-class midshipmen training patrol crafts.
Throughout the celebration, these vessels will dock at four locations, allowing the public to enjoy free tours from October 10 to October 15, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Various other events are planned, including an All Veterans Reunion Picnic judged by celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, culminating in a nationally televised Victory at Sea Concert featuring the U.S. Navy Band and the Commandant’s Own United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
Another highlight includes the Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier, which will showcase maritime, defense, and manufacturing technologies over three days.
The Navy’s 250th birthday, celebrated on October 13, will be honored with a grand Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade and a Blue Angels flyover above Independence Hall.
Several other flyovers are also scheduled throughout the celebration.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of selected events and activities as part of the celebration:
**Thursday, October 9**
– **Parade of Ships**: Spectators will enjoy a dramatic maritime procession as ten Navy and Coast Guard ships navigate the historic Delaware River, arriving in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey, for the celebration. The Opening Ceremony will commence at the Navy Yard, featuring a traditional Blessing of the Fleet to officially commence festivities. Watch parties will be organized across various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, free and open to the public.
– **Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier** (121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106): The pavilion will be open from noon to 4 p.m. for the public to explore breakthrough technologies from leading innovators in the maritime, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Registration is required for entry.
– **WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution**: In partnership with WHYY, Homecoming 250 is providing an exclusive preview screening of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, at 7 p.m. The event features a conversation with Ken Burns conducted live by WHYY‘s Terry Gross post-screening. Registration is required for this free event.
**Friday, October 10**
– **Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier**: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., industry leaders, panelists, and bestselling authors will gather for a full day of insights, networking, and discussions on the future of American manufacturing and defense. A ticket is required for this event.
– **Navigating the Past: Histories of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part 1** (Kislak Center, Van Pelt Library, 3420 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104): Hosted by the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, this two-part conference will explore the Navy and Marine Corps’ roles in shaping the nation. Part 1, focusing on years 1775 to 1850, will convene from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and is free and open to the public with a required ticket.
– **Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park XIV**: Returning to Subaru Park, the storied rivalry between Army West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy will be showcased in the 14th annual Army-Navy Cup, which this year includes both men’s and women’s soccer matches. The women’s match begins at 4:00 p.m., with the men’s match to follow at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are required.
**Saturday, October 11**
– **Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier**: The pavilion will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing high technology that promotes workforce opportunities in the shipbuilding and maritime industries, along with interactive hands-on demonstrations. This is a free event open to the public.
– **Navigating the Past: Histories of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part 2**: Day two will be hosted aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey (100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ 08103) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., discussed by distinguished historians about the modern legacy and evolution of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This event is open to the public with a required ticket.
– **Navy-Temple Football Game at Lincoln Financial Field**: The historic rivalry continues at Lincoln Financial Field, where Navy and Temple University face off once again. This long-standing matchup, which has seen the two teams play 19 times since 1988, begins with kickoff times and ticket information required.
– **U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.50-Mile Run**: Further details to be announced.
– **Navy 250 Gala at the National Constitution Center**: Set to take place at 6 p.m., this gala invites the public to celebrate the Navy’s 250th Birthday at the National Constitution Center overlooking historic Independence Hall, a ticket is required to attend.
**Sunday, October 12**
– **Old St. Mary’s Mass and Commodore Barry Wreath Laying**: At 10 a.m., the public can participate in a special Mass at Old St. Mary’s Church, following which there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of Commodore John Barry, commonly known as the “Father of the U.S. Navy.” This event is free and open to the public.
– **All Veterans Reunion Picnic at Independence Mall**: From noon to 5 p.m., Veterans from all armed services, their families, and the community can enjoy a picnic that includes food competitions judged by Chef Robert Irvine and features entertainment and resources for veterans. This event is free and open to the public.
– **Victory at Sea Concert at Independence Mall**: Following the picnic at 6 p.m., concert attendees are encouraged to stay for a patriotic celebration featuring performances by the United States Navy Band and the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, with fireworks to cap the night. Entry is free and open to the public.
**Monday, October 13**
– **Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall**: Detailed information to be provided soon.
– **Thanksgiving & Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Church**: At 9:30 a.m. in historical Christ Church, the public will honor and remember those who gave their lives serving in duty. This event is free and open to the public.
– **Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade**: At 11 a.m., a two-hour patriotic parade will commence, showcasing more than 7,000 participants, including marching bands and military participants. This parade starts at JFK Boulevard and 20th Street and continues to Independence Mall. Free and open to the public.
– **Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall**: The commemoration event will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., honoring the Navy’s founding with speeches from public officials. Entry is free and open to the public.
– **Flyover by the Blue Angels**: Attendees of the commemoration can witness the iconic Blue Angels performing a flyover in honor of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary, free to view for the public.
– **Leadership Summit & Conversation with Navy & Marine Corps Leaders**: From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., a networking reception will precede an engaging discussion with senior Naval leadership about the future of the Navy and Marine Corps; tickets are required.
**Recurring Daily Events**:
From Friday, October 10, to Wednesday, October 15, there will be opportunities for the public to explore a lineup of active duty and historic Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Tours will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey, free to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
From Saturday, October 11 to Wednesday, October 15, Navy and Marine Corps Static Displays will be available; further details to come.
Then from Monday, October 13 to Wednesday, October 15, the U.S. Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon will be performing, with specifics forthcoming.
In November, Homecoming 250 will offer more free and ticketed events commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, providing opportunities for the public and Marines to engage with the Corps’ rich history and legacy through special programming, performances, and ceremonies.
**Highlights include**:
**Monday, November 10**
– **Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant**: A morning ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Arch Street Meeting House will honor Samuel Nicholas, the first commandant of the Marine Corps, with limited capacity for attendees.
– **Marine Corps 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall**: From 10:30 a.m., the public will be invited to a speech at Independence Hall to mark the Marine Corps’ founding, featuring addresses from military and public officials. Free and open to the public.
– **100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bellevue Hotel**: Celebrating 250 years of the Marine Corps, this gala returns to the original venue for the tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball at 6 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased through designated channels.
Visitors are encouraged to explore a variety of special exhibits in Philadelphia and Camden during the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration.
These exhibitions will underscore the rich history, enduring legacy, and significant contributions made by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
From rare ship models to inspiring stories, each exhibit promises attendees a deeper understanding of America’s maritime heritage during this historic celebration.
**Naval & Marine Corps Museum Exhibitions**:
– **Independence Seaport Museum**: Ongoing exhibits include *Small but Mighty!* – Models, Toys and Miniature Ships, showcasing nearly 50 rare models illustrating the U.S. Navy’s evolution. The exhibit *Patriots & Pirates* unveils Philadelphia’s significant role in founding the Navy.
– **Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial**: The *Shipbuilding of the Delaware River* exhibit highlights ship construction history with artifacts as well as the *Support Any Friend Fall 2025* exhibition showcasing naval community history from the late 20th century.
– **Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum**: An exhibit focused on Commodore James Biddle, a notable figure in early U.S. Navy history, is available until November 14.
– **American Swedish Historical Museum**: An ongoing exhibit titled *And Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Navy Shipbuilding in Philadelphia* runs until January 4, 2026, showcasing the Navy shipbuilding heritage of Philadelphia.
– **American Helicopter Museum**: Open until November 9, featuring an *Over the Horizon* exhibition narrating the evolution of naval helicopters.
– **African American Museum of Philadelphia**: The *Sailing to Freedom* exhibition runs through March 2026, highlighting the maritime aspects of the Underground Railroad.
– **Historical Society of Pennsylvania**: The exhibit on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps History, *To Provide a Naval Armament*, runs until January 9, 2026, showcasing collections highlighting Philadelphia’s military heritage.
– **Pennsylvania Hospital**: A focus on the hospital’s historical significance as a Marine Hospital from 1799 to 1830 is provided through November 20.
To stay informed about the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration activities and events, visit Homecoming 250’s official website for updates.
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