The Marine Corps 250th Celebration
Celebrating the birth of the Corps with a monumental achievement.
Celebrating the birth of the Corps!
- Parade of Ships and Opening Ceremonies (October 9, 2025)
Join for watch parties along the Delaware River as multiple Navy ships and other vessels sail to Philadelphia and the Camden area. Their arrival at their berths will be celebrated with opening ceremonies and blessing of the fleet. Locations will be announced soon. Free and open to the public.
- Touring of the Ships (October 9, 2025 - October 15, 2025)
The public will be able to tour the Navy ships, Coast Guard vessels, and historic ships, including the Battleship New Jersey, Cruiser Olympia, the Submarine Becuna. We have invited ships from the American Revolution to today, including ships important to the Marine Corps. Tours will be at their berths in Philadelphia and the Camden area, and much or all touring will be free to the public.
- Performances at The United States Navy Band, USMC Band, and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon (October 9-16, 2025)
The performances by these talented military organizations will happen on Independence Mall National Historic Park and elsewhere. All will be free and open to the public.
-All Veterans Reunion Picnic (October 12, 2025)
A Sunday picnic for Veterans from all armed services and their families filling Independence Mall with a day of food, fun, and camaraderie. This event will feature Veteran Service Organizations offering resources and opportunities to those who served. Attendance is free, with food available to Veterans and their families. Veterans can click here and indicate their desire to attend the picnic.
- “Victory At Sea” Concert and Fireworks (October 12, 2025)
A star-studded popular patriotic concert on Independence Mall featuring The U.S. Navy Band, a Marine Band, and other headliners, and followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public.
- Memorial Service for Navy and Marine Corps at Christ Church (October 13, 2025)
Join to remember and honor those who gave all in the service of our country at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church near where the first Navy ship was commissioned.
- Closing Ceremonies and Ship Departures (October 15-16, 2025)
Help send off the Navy ships as they leave Philadelphia and Camden for their home ports. Free and open to the public.
- Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall (November 10, 2025)
A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the SECNAV, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and more. Free and open to the public.
- Toast the Recreation of The Tun (November 10, 2025)
The Tun, a historic tavern and birthplace of the Marine Corps, is being recreated near its original location. Come celebrate on the 250th birthday of the Corps and see the progress of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. It will be a gathering place for generations to come.
- 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball (November 10, 2025)
Come celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps at the birthplace of one of its most sacred traditions – the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be in the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune held the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball 100 years before. Ticket prices and availability are being determined. Check back here for updates, or be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here and indicating your desire to attend.