On Saturday, May 23, 2026, 1:00pm-5:00pm, the Historic District will become a playground for history lovers, families and proud Philadelphians alike. Five of the city’s most iconic museums are waiving admission fees for an afternoon of pop-up performances, living history and interactive fun. It’s the perfect free, family-friendly Saturday plan and a wonderful chance to see the city’s history come to life.
One walkable loop, five iconic venues
The entire MuseumFest loop is a walkable half-mile journey starting just a short stroll from Reading Terminal Market – so no major planning involved! You can drop in at any of these participating venues at your own pace between 1:00pm and 5:00pm:
- National Constitution Center
- African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
- Betsy Ross House
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
And, make sure to grab a MuseumFest Passport at your first stop. If you collect stamps from all five venues throughout the afternoon, you’ll earn a special prize!
What’s on the schedule at MuseumFest?
Whilst the day is totally self-paced and pressure free (you can explore all of the involved venues at any time between 1pm and 5pm), there are some moments in this high-energy celebration of Philly culture that you won’t want to miss. Here are just a few of the highlights to add to your hit list:
🍫 2:00, 2:45, and 3:30pm: Visit the Betsy Ross House for a Revolutionary-era chocolate-making demonstration with Mars Heritage – complete with samples of course!
🧳 1:00 – 4:30pm: Meet “Eva Baen” at The Weitzman as she shares her 20th-century immigrant journey.
🪁 1:00 – 5:00 pm: Head to the National Constitution Center front lawn to play 18th-century games like “hoop and stick.”
🎨 1:00 – 5:00 pm: Join the fun at the Carpenters’ Hall Family Activity Tables, for Lego builds, coloring pages and more – it’s perfect for all ages!
🌌 4:00-4:45pm: Join AAMP for a dynamic panel on Afrofuturism in Costume Design, exploring how storytelling and film bring cultural narratives to life. And if you can’t make it in person, no worries, the talk will be streamed online!The day will be full of hidden gems dotted around the district, from George Washington’s personal fishing tackle box to the history of the 1960s “Annual Reminder Day” marches that paved the way for LGBTQ+ equality. Plus, keep an eye out for pop-up storytelling and fun, family activities scattered across the loop all afternoon long.
The mission
Powered by AAM, the national association representing the entire museum field, and made possible by lead support from the William Penn Foundation, MuseumFest marks the first time this national summit has culminated in a public celebration! It’s a rare moment where thousands of museum professionals from across the globe will join Philly locals to celebrate that museums belong to everyone.
Plan your visit
🗓️ Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
📍 Philadelphia’s Historic District (walkable from Reading Terminal)
🎟️ FREE: RSVP here to guarantee your spot.
