(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- This fall, the Philadelphia region will become the world's only destination where visitors can step into history and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring the 250th birthdays of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Taking place October 9-16, with additional events on November 7-11, 2025, the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration will honor our nation's maritime services with a dynamic series of landmark events, proudly hosted by Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps (Homecoming 250®).
Designated by the Navy and Marine Corps as the official national commemoration of their 250th anniversaries, the historic celebration serves as the Semiquincentennial’s largest tribute to military and Veterans, drawing visitors from across the country to experience Philadelphia’s historic role in shaping America’s legacy.
“This fall, we’re not just commemorating history, we’re creating it,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. “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. It’s our living tribute to the men and women who, for 250 years, have defended our nation with honor and sacrifice and courage. From the first sailors who protected our young republic, to those who are serving across the globe today, the Navy and the Marine Corps embody the best of the American spirit.”
Set against the historic backdrop of Philadelphia, Camden County, NJ, and the Delaware River waterfront, the celebration begins on October 9 with a spectacular Parade of Ships. Ten Navy and Coast Guard vessels will take part, among them the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington, the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen, littoral combat ships USS Billings and USS Cooperstown, two United States Coast Guard cutters, USCG Lawrence Lawson, a fast response cutter, and USCG James Rankin, a buoy tender.
“The sight of these Navy ships sailing up the Delaware River will be nothing short of awe-inspiring,” said George Leone, President of Homecoming 250. “This celebration will remind us of what unites us: the strength, sacrifice, and shared purpose that have carried our maritime services through 250 years of history. It is not only about honoring the past, but also about bringing people together to recognize the service of those who protect us today and to inspire future generations who will carry that proud tradition forward.”
Also joining the visiting ships are two USNA MKII 44’ midshipmen training sailboats and two USNA YP 686-class midshipmen training patrol crafts. Together, they will sail up the Delaware River and dock at four berthing locations on both shores: Pier 4, Penn’s Landing, Gloucester Main Terminal, and the Camden Waterfront. All of the visiting Navy vessels will be open daily to the public for free ship tours from October 10 to 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other events during the Navy and Marine Corps 250th Celebration in October and November, hosted by Homecoming 250, include an All Veterans Reunion Picnic featuring British Royal Navy veteran and celebrity chef Robert Irvine, best known as the host of Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible. Irvine will serve as judge for a series of food competitions. The picnic will be followed by the nationally televised Victory at Sea Concert featuring The U.S. Navy Band, the Commandant’s Own United States
Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, headliners, and fireworks. The celebration will also introduce the Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier, a three-day showcase of interactive exhibits highlighting advances in maritime, defense, and manufacturing technologies. The Navy’s 250th birthday on October 13 will be marked by a series of unforgettable moments, including a grand Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade and a breathtaking Blue Angels flyover above Independence Hall, one of several awe-inspiring flyovers planned throughout the celebration.
In addition to the full slate of activities, several special events will highlight key moments of the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration on specific days, including:
Special Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration Events*
Thursday, October 9
* Parade of Ships: On Thursday morning, spectators will witness a stunning maritime procession as ten Navy and Coast Guard ships make their way on the historic Delaware River, arriving in Philadelphia and Camden County, NJ, for the celebration. The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Navy Yard welcoming the ships with a traditional Blessing of the Fleet, officially kicking off the festivities. Watch parties for the parade of ships will take place at various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and are free and open to the public.
* Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier (121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106): From Noon to 4 p.m., the public is invited to visit the Innovation Pavilion and explore breakthrough technologies from leading innovators in the maritime, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Registration required. Free and open to the public.
* WHYY Preview of Ken Burns' The American Revolution at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, NJ 08103) In partnership with WHYY, Homecoming 250 invites the public to enjoy an exclusive preview screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns' The American Revolution at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, at 7 p.m. Through his signature blend of powerful storytelling and historical insight, Ken Burns brings to life the complex and transformative birth of the United States. Following the screening, the audience will enjoy a rare and intimate conversation with Ken Burns conducted live by WHYY's Terry Gross. Registration required. Free and open to the public.
Friday, October 10
* Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier (121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106): From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., join industry leaders, panelists, and bestselling authors for a full day of insights, networking, and updates on the future of American manufacturing and defense. Ticket required.
* Navigating the Past: Histories of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part 1 (Kislak Center, Van Pelt Library, 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104): The two-part conference brings together leading scholars from across the full sweep of U.S. history to explore the Navy and Marine Corps. The opening day, hosted by the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, will convene at the University of Pennsylvania’s Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts in the Van Pelt Library from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. This day’s sessions will focus on the formative years from 1775 to 1850, offering fresh perspectives on the maritime forces’ role in shaping the nation. Free and open to the public. Ticket required.
* Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park XIV Presented by Leidos (1 Stadium Dr., Chester, PA 19013): The storied soccer rivalry between Army West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy returns to Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, for the 14th annual Army-Navy Cup. For the first time in the event’s 14-year history, the Cup will include both men’s and women’s soccer matches in a marquee doubleheader. The women’s match kicks off at 4:00 p.m., followed by the men’s match at 7:00 p.m. Ticket required.
* Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier (121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106): From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the high technology located inside the pavilion will showcase workforce opportunities in the shipbuilding and maritime industries. The public is also invited to engage with hands-on demonstrations, career exploration experiences, and student programming designed to inspire the next generation. Free and open to the public.
* Navigating the Past: Histories of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-2025 Conference Part 2 (100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ 08103) From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., climb aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey for day two of the Navigating the Past History Symposium, hosted by Rutgers University-Camden, exploring the modern legacy and evolution of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through engaging talks from distinguished historians. With America’s most decorated battleship as the backdrop, it’s a must-attend for history buffs, military scholars, and anyone passionate about naval heritage. Open to the public. Ticket required.
* Navy-Temple Football Game at Lincoln Financial Field (One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148): The historic multi-decade football rivalry between the United States Naval Academy and Temple University continues at Lincoln Financial Field. The Owls and Midshipmen have faced off 19 times since the rivalry began in 1988, with Navy leading the all-time series 10-9. Ticket required.
* U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.50-Mile Run: Details to come.
Saturday, October 11
* Navy 250 Gala at the National Constitution Center Presented by Exiger (525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106):
Sunday, October 12:
* Old St. Mary’s Mass and Commodore Barry Wreath Laying (252 South 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): At 10 a.m., the public is invited to attend a special Mass at historic Old St. Mary’s Church, led by Father DiGirolamo. Immediately following the service, representatives of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick and the U.S. Navy will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of Commodore John Barry, widely regarded as the “Father of the U.S. Navy,” located just behind the church. Free and open to the public.
At 6 p.m., the public is invited to raise a glass alongside naval leadership in celebration of the Navy’s 250th Birthday at the Navy 250 Gala, held at the National Constitution Center overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the Navy was born. Ticket required.
* All Veterans Reunion Picnic at Independence Mall. Navy Veteran and celebrity chef Robert Irvine, British Royal. From noon to 5 p.m., a special Sunday picnic for Veterans from all armed services, their will offer a full day of fun, featuring food competitions and cook-offs judged by (615 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): families, and the community will be held on Independence Mall. The family-friendly event delicious food, and a variety of additional activities for all ages. The picnic will also feature special ceremonies honoring veterans, various Veteran service organizations providing support, resources, and information to honor and assist those who have served. Free and open to the public.
* “Victory at Sea” Concert at Independence Mall (615 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): Following the picnic, attendees are invited to stay for a star-studded patriotic concert on Independence Mall starting at 6 p.m. The “Victory at Sea” Concert will feature various performances, including a performance from the United States Navy Band and the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and headliners, followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public.
Monday, October 13:
* Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall (1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107): Details to come.
* Thanksgiving & Remembrance Ceremony at Christ Church (20 N. American St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): At 9:30 a.m., the public is invited to Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church, located near the site where the first Navy ship was commissioned, to honor and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Free and open to the public.
* Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade (JFK Blvd & 20th St. to 520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): Beginning at 11 a.m., the public is invited to experience a two-hour patriotic spectacle featuring more than 7,000 participants, including high school and college marching bands, the U.S. Naval Academy’s Silent Drill Platoon and Drum & Bugle Corps, and various floats and cold-air balloons. The parade will also honor future military leaders, including midshipmen and students from ROTC, NROTC, JROTC, and United States Sea Cadets programs. The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade steps off at JFK Boulevard and 20th Street and ends at Independence Mall. Free and open to the public.
* Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): From 2 to 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend the Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall, an event honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding. The special event will feature remarks from public officials. Free and open to the public.
* Flyover by the Blue Angels at Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106): Attendees of the Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall will witness a thrilling flyover by the Blue Angels, including an area-wide flyover, in honor of the Navy’s 250th Anniversary. Free and open to the public.
* Leadership Summit & Conversation with Navy & Marine Corps Leaders: Launching the Next 250 Years (140 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102): From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., join the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, in partnership with Homecoming 250, for an evening celebrating the legacy of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Enjoy a networking reception with leaders across sectors, followed by an engaging conversation with senior Naval leadership offering insight into service, leadership, current events, and the future of the Navy and Marine Corps. Ticket required.
Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps in their birthplace, Philadelphia and the Delaware River, as a grand opening event of the Semiquincentennial of the United States. For the Navy 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to assemble touring ships from both active-duty and historical vessels. For the Marine Corps 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to host the 100th Marine Corps Ball, where the 1st Ball was held, and celebrate at the future site of the rebuilt Tun, the birthplace of the Marines. Homecoming 250 is bringing these celebrations to Philadelphia, Camden, and the Delaware River to support our military, salute our Veterans, and educate the public about the role of the Navy and Marines to defend America and freedom.
