America's 250th celebrations in Philadelphia despite extreme heat | Live updates

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Last updated: Saturday, July 4, 2026 5:46PM GMT
6abc Celebrates America 250

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The birthplace of the nation is celebrating the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday as festivities kick into high gear in Philadelphia.

However, extreme heat is forcing many event cancellations.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for the entire Philadelphia region. Temperatures in the city are expected to be around 100 degrees through Saturday.

For the latest forecast, visit 6abc.com/Weather.

Meanwhile, ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."

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2 hours and 26 minutes ago

Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City

Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia's Old City brings to life journey that sparked the American experiment in liberty, self-government and equality.

You can also see one of the first printings of the country's founding document: the Declaration of Independence.

Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution brings to life journey that sparked the American experiment

On the night of July 4, 1776, our founding fathers tasked John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, to make the broadsides so they could be dispatched as an announcement to the world of the break with Great Britain.

He printed 200, but only 26 are believed to survive today.

One of those is now back in Philadelphia for the first time since 1776, at the Museum of the American Revolution. It's on loan from the UK National Archives and was originally Jonas Phillips' copy.

Phillips was a Jewish merchant in Philadelphia.

The museum showcases how the Declaration of Independence became one of the most important political documents in American history, serving as fuel and inspiration for the black and gay Civil Rights movements, and sparked revolutions in other countries.

The museum also has a number of interactive, fun activities for the whole family. If you come before 1:45 p.m., you can print your own one-word declaration.

At 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., you can watch a 30-minute one-woman theatrical performance, portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet. She was a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won.

Also throughout the day, you can hear from historians in costume.

The museum is open Saturday until 6 p.m.

2 hours and 49 minutes ago

Live readings of the Declaration of Independence at Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park gives live readings of the Declaration of Independence amid Fourth of July celebrations for America's 250th birthday.

Live readings of the Declaration of Independence at Valley Forge National Historical Park

Listen to the powerful words that set the American experiment into motion on the lawn behind the Maurice Stephens house.

For more information, visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park website.

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2:00 PM GMT

Mayor Parker hosts Philadelphia's Celebration of Freedom at the National Constitution Center

Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted Philadelphia's signature civic ceremony, the Celebration of Freedom, at the National Constitution Center Saturday morning.

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1:41 PM GMT

Conshohocken Soap Box Derby tradition continues in Montgomery County

Conshohocken will kick off Fourth of July with its annual Soap Box Derby, a tradition in Montgomery County that's been racing strong since 1951.

Conshohocken will kick off Fourth of July with its annual Soap Box Derby Saturday

The event shut down Fayette Street Saturday as 35 racers, ages 7 and up, competed in the derby.

At stake is a chance to travel to Ohio for the All-American Soap Box Derby, dubbed the "greatest amateur racing event in the world."

Conshohocken has hosted the qualifying race on the 4th of July for 75 years. It brings together generations of families for a love a racing.

The event was held despite this year's historic heat. The borough opened the fire house on Fayette street as a cooling station and had free water and misting stations available for attendees.