ArtPhilly Festival to Celebrate US 250th With Artistic Showcase

A five-week citywide ArtPhilly festival is being planned in Philadelphia beginning next spring. The event, which aligns with the United States' 250th birthday, will feature more than 30 performances and installations by regional artists.

ArtPhilly is being planned as a recurring event. Next spring's inaugural event is being called “What Now: 2026.”

According to a WHYY report, a centerpiece of the festival will be Anna Deavere Smith's new documentary theater piece, The Basil Biggs Project. The work examines her ancestor, who disinterred and reburied Civil War soldiers following the Battle of Gettysburg.

The program also includes a Black electronic music exploration by DJ King Britt, a giant pop-up book about Chinatown's history by Collette Fu, and a music-and-poetry work on pepperpot soup inspired by Philadelphia artist Homer Jackson.

More events will be announced for the specified Festival Districts across Philadelphia. According to an ArtPhilly media statement, the festival will involve 17 curators.

“For so much of its history, Philadelphia has been at the forefront of art and culture in the United States,” said ArtPhilly co-founder Katherine Sachs in a statement shared with WHYY. “By spotlighting the incredible artists and vital communities of our city, we hope that ArtPhilly reminds people how exciting and dynamic Philadelphia has been and continues to be.”

Learn more about “What Now: 2026” on ArtPhilly's website.