Philadelphia to Celebrate 2026 MLB All-Star Game Host Reveal

The city of Philadelphia is set to launch a full day of festivities on Friday, July 18, in celebration of being named the host of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, with events headlined by Grammy Award-winning band The Roots and a lineup of Phillies legends. The celebration marks the official All-Star Declaration ahead of next year's Midsummer Classic.

The day kicks off at 12 p.m. at Dilworth Park, in front of City Hall, where The Roots will open the celebration with a live performance. The event will also feature a special All-Star Walk, where former Phillies greats like Larry Bowa, Dave Cash, and Greg “The Bull” Luzinski—all of whom played in the 1976 All-Star Game held in Philadelphia—will make a grand entrance.

Other fan favorites scheduled to appear include Home Run Derby champions Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard, along with Cole Hamels, John Kruk, Charlie Manuel, and Juan Samuel. Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy and longtime PA announcer Dan Baker will co-host the event, which will include remarks from team and city representatives, a special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic, and free commemorative rally towels for fans (while supplies last).

Adding to the visual excitement is the debut of the 2026 All-Star Declaration Bus, which will begin a citywide tour immediately following the event. The branded bus will make multiple photo-worthy stops at landmarks including the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2:00 p.m.), Independence Mall (2:45 p.m.), and the Betsy Ross House (3:30 p.m.), before concluding at Citizens Bank Park around 4:15 p.m. on Citizens Bank Way for a pregame celebration ahead of the Phillies’ game against the Los Angeles Angels.

To accommodate the celebration, temporary road closures may be implemented in the area. Streets that could be affected starting at noon on July 18 include:

15th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to S. Penn Square

Market Street from 16th Street to 15th Street

Motorists are encouraged to check real-time traffic conditions via 511PA.com, which offers updates on over 40,000 miles of roadways across the state.

Parking restrictions will also be in effect, with “Temporary No Stopping/Parking” signs posted along certain streets. Vehicles in violation may be relocated. Residents should contact their local police district if their vehicle has been moved.

For those using public transit, SEPTA riders are advised to monitor the System Status Page at www.septa.org or follow @SEPTA on X for real-time updates and any detour information.