On Friday, July 18, the City of Philadelphia turned into a baseball lover’s dream, as the Philadelphia Phillies celebrated being named host of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game with a full day of exciting fan events that stretched from City Hall to Citizens Bank Park. The celebration was the official start of the countdown to one of baseball’s biggest nights, and Philly made sure everyone knew it.
Music, legends, and big reveals
The day kicked off at noon with a free event at Dilworth Park, right outside City Hall. The press event began with a free performance by the legendary, Grammy Award-winning band The Roots. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker officially welcomed fans in a celebration that was a homegrown tribute to the spirit of Philadelphia, as the All-Star Game aligns with the city’s tradition of bringing people together through culture, sports, and pride.
Fans waved commemorative rally towels and cheered as Phillies legends like Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Bobby Abreu, and Larry Bowa made appearances. Of course, the iconic Phillies Phanatic alongside Phil and Phillis joined in on the fun!
The highlight of the event came when Bryce Harper took the stage, joined by a drumroll from Questlove, to unveil the official logo for the 2026 All-Star Game. The design features the ringing Liberty Bell, red-white-and-blue colors, and lettering inspired by Philadelphia’s history.
The All-Star Declaration Bus and ballpark ceremony
After the event, a custom-designed All-Star Declaration Bus rolled through the city, stopping at famous landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Mall, and the Betsy Ross House. Fans lined up to take photos, soaking in the excitement as the bus made its way to Citizens Bank Park.
The celebration didn’t stop when the sun went down. At Citizens Bank Park, fans were treated to a pregame ceremony before the Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Los Angeles Angels. Former Home Run Derby champs Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard threw out ceremonial first pitches.
Why this all matters
This will be the fifth time Philadelphia hosts the All-Star Game, but it’s the first time it’ll be held at Citizens Bank Park. It also lines up with America’s 250th birthday, making the celebration even more special. Along with the game, Philadelphia will host the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, MLB Draft, and tons of community events, each thoughtfully planned with collaboration from city leaders and agencies, who championed the city’s role as a dynamic and welcoming host.
Powerful partnerships behind the scenes
The success of the celebration was the result of seamless coordination between the Office of the City Representative and Special Events, Center City District, the Philadelphia Phillies, and EMS Productions. Led by City Representative and Director of Special Events, Jazelle Jones, this all-star team worked behind the scenes to plan, organize and execute this unforgettable experience for fans. It’s partnerships like this that showcase Philadelphia’s reputation as a premier destination for major celebrations.
