Philadelphia celebrating innovation during '52 Weeks of Firsts' for America's 250th anniversary
From the nation's first hot air balloon flight to the first hospital and first cheesesteak to the first pencil with an attached eraser, Philadelphia will celebrate the innovations that make the city unique in the American story as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
Officials unveiled more plans Thursday, including the full list of 52 Weeks of Firsts and Saturday First-ivals, for the U.S. semiquincentennial.
"This celebration happens during America's 250th birthday, but at its heart, it's a Philadelphia story," Vince Stango, executive vice president and COO at the National Constitution Center, said. "It's about our city, our neighborhoods and the people who have shaped this place into something truly extraordinary."
Stango says 52 Weeks of Firsts will be a yearlong festival celebrating a different Philadelphia first each week. Visit Philly has the complete list of firsts available online.
The Saturday First-ival events begin on Jan. 3, 2026, and will take place in more than a dozen neighborhoods throughout the city.
Historic Philadelphia president and CEO Amy Needle says the events are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday throughout the year and will include storytellers, music, giveaways and activities such as making paper, learning about the weather and more.
At each location, people will find a 5-foot No. 1 sculpture created in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and local artists.
"This is indeed what Philadelphia does best," Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, said. "We create together, we celebrate together and we keep finding new ways to tell the story of who we are because we are extraordinary, we love Philly."
Needle says Philadelphians will get the opportunity to explore their city and get a better understanding of its history.
"Some First-ivals will be more thoughtful and meaningful, and some will be downright zany and celebratory," Needle said. "We want these Saturday First-ivals to be an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore our city and understand all our amazing history and innovation that is everywhere around us."
Organizers say they used input from historians and city residents to come up with the lists of their favorite Philly-born firsts.
The Philadelphia Historic District is behind the 52 Weeks of Firsts, which is part of the city's plans to celebrate the semiquincentennial.