Firstival: First U.S. Army (1775)

Firstival comes to the Museum of the American Revolution on Saturday, June 13, from 11 AM to 1 PM. This particular day is themed around the First U.S. Army, which formed in 1775, and the program centers on the story of the first Continental Army. Matthew Skic, the museum's Director of Collections and Exhibitions, will give special remarks alongside partners from the Historic District, and there will be activities for kids and families out on the museum's plaza.

If you haven't heard the name before, Firstival is one part of 52 Weeks of Firsts, a yearlong series of free public events produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee to mark the Semiquincentennial—America's 250th birthday. The whole series celebrates Philadelphia's legacy as a city of firsts in freedom, innovation, and fun, with a different Firstival every Saturday in 2026. Each one brings a historic Philadelphia 'first' to life with a themed opening ceremony, a 'Once Upon A Nation' storyteller, live music, giveaways, selfie stations, and a #1 Sculpture by a local artist.

There's more to the celebration than just the Saturday events, too. The 52 Weeks of Firsts podcast puts out new 15-minute episodes every Tuesday, and PhotoQuest lets you follow themed prompts to win prizes. To mark the occasion, Visit Philadelphia and Victory Brewing Company released 'Philly First,' a special 250th-anniversary beer.

This specific Firstival runs from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, June 13, at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. It's free and open to the public.